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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
2. Apply the caulk carefully. Try not to leave gaps; if you drip or apply too much, wipe it
away with a wet rag. If you’re sealing a wider crevice, be sure to force the caulk all the
way in.
3. Gently smooth out the bead of caulk. Use a plastic spoon, a Popsicle stick or, for the
best results, an ice cube; if you use your finger, make sure to wash your hands
thoroughly when you’re done. Let the caulk dry for a few days before painting.
When you’re finished with a section, lay the caulking gun on a piece of newspaper –
caulk may continue to ooze out of the canister for several seconds. If you have a partial
tube of caulk left when you’re done, plug the end of the nozzle with a galvanized nail or
a piece of wire hanger.
Rope caulk
Rope caulk is great for temporary or seasonal use. It comes in a roll and peels off in a
long strip like play dough. Use it around the movable parts of windows (especially
double-hung windows) and around doors you don’t use during the winter. It’s a good
choice for basement windows that are rarely or never used, but that you don’t want to
caulk permanently closed. Rope caulk will eventually harden and fall out, so check it
yearly, and replace when necessary.
Expandable foam sealant
This sealant works well to fill larger cracks or gaps on the exterior of your home. It most
commonly comes in a pressurized can about the size of a can of spray paint. Use it to fill
in areas around pipes that pass through basement walls. When it’s applied, it expands
quickly to seal the space. Be careful when using expanding foam – it’s difficult to clean
up, and the rapid expansion can split wood or bend aluminum.
Look for the low-expansion variety for use around windows and doors. It’s less likely to
over-expand and crack or bend window or door framework. One can of expanding foam
equals about 20 tubes of caulk. Again: read the label! Make sure the product is suitable
for the application you have in mind. Some varieties are not recommended for use
adjacent to electrical wiring or fixtures.
away with a wet rag. If you’re sealing a wider crevice, be sure to force the caulk all the
way in.
3. Gently smooth out the bead of caulk. Use a plastic spoon, a Popsicle stick or, for the
best results, an ice cube; if you use your finger, make sure to wash your hands
thoroughly when you’re done. Let the caulk dry for a few days before painting.
When you’re finished with a section, lay the caulking gun on a piece of newspaper –
caulk may continue to ooze out of the canister for several seconds. If you have a partial
tube of caulk left when you’re done, plug the end of the nozzle with a galvanized nail or
a piece of wire hanger.
Rope caulk
Rope caulk is great for temporary or seasonal use. It comes in a roll and peels off in a
long strip like play dough. Use it around the movable parts of windows (especially
double-hung windows) and around doors you don’t use during the winter. It’s a good
choice for basement windows that are rarely or never used, but that you don’t want to
caulk permanently closed. Rope caulk will eventually harden and fall out, so check it
yearly, and replace when necessary.
Expandable foam sealant
This sealant works well to fill larger cracks or gaps on the exterior of your home. It most
commonly comes in a pressurized can about the size of a can of spray paint. Use it to fill
in areas around pipes that pass through basement walls. When it’s applied, it expands
quickly to seal the space. Be careful when using expanding foam – it’s difficult to clean
up, and the rapid expansion can split wood or bend aluminum.
Look for the low-expansion variety for use around windows and doors. It’s less likely to
over-expand and crack or bend window or door framework. One can of expanding foam
equals about 20 tubes of caulk. Again: read the label! Make sure the product is suitable
for the application you have in mind. Some varieties are not recommended for use
adjacent to electrical wiring or fixtures.
Using Caulk
Weatherizing Your Home
Finding Air Leaks
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
Finding Air Leaks
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
If you’re caulking for the first time,
you’ll need to invest in a caulk gun.
They cost just a few dollars and
should last for years.
When you get home, practice a few
times on a scrap piece of wood or
cardboard until you feel comfortable
controlling the gun and creating a
smooth bead of caulk.
Here are the 3 rules of caulking:
1. Make sure the area is clean and
dry, so the caulk adheres properly.
Use a utility knife or scraper to
remove flaking paint and old caulk,
and then wipe away dirt and dust.
you’ll need to invest in a caulk gun.
They cost just a few dollars and
should last for years.
When you get home, practice a few
times on a scrap piece of wood or
cardboard until you feel comfortable
controlling the gun and creating a
smooth bead of caulk.
Here are the 3 rules of caulking:
1. Make sure the area is clean and
dry, so the caulk adheres properly.
Use a utility knife or scraper to
remove flaking paint and old caulk,
and then wipe away dirt and dust.
