The weather has taken a cozy Autumn turn, but the change in seasons will soon lead to frigid winds and harsh precipitation.
Caulking and sealing must be done to ensure those elements stay outside where they belong, and that your heat stays in. Guarantee your building will stand up against the winter months by following the guidelines below.
Preparing
- Clean your surface to remove dust and debris, but allow everything to dry completely to prevent mildew or mold.
- Check corners and edges for holes or cracks, notably around doors and windows.
- Examine around piping, electrical outlets, and foundations for any gaps.
- Inspect for any air that you feel slipping in, especially in common problem areas like the basement and attic.
Getting to Work
- Once you've prepared your caulk gun, move the gun steadily from either the top down or right to left.
- After you've applied the caulk, smooth it out by running your finger in the same direction as you did the gun.
- Wipe the edges with a wet towel before the excess caulk dries so it will come up easily.
Caulking Secrets
- Be sure to use interior caulk specifically, which will cut back on fumes and mold, and offer more lasting protection.
- To further save on energy, replace windows that are damaged, single-paned, or more than a decade old.