Weatherstripping & Caulking Tips For Windows & Doors
To save energy costs, gaps, cracks and openings
, particularly those around doors and windows, where cool air enters or warm air escapes, must be sealed. An effective do-it-yourself project is to caulk and add weatherstripping.
You want to find where air is penetrating. This is best done, when it's drafty outside and there is a difference in temperature between outdoors and indoors. First, run your hand along the edges of doors and windows, to feel drafts. Then, use a simple, time-tested method for identifying very slight air penetration and leaks, by lighting and snuffing-out a candle flame to produce smoke. The smoke provides a smoke trail to identify air movement.
There is also an old rule of thumb, which often proves to be correct. Where you find spider webs, you are likely to find a draft nearby.
Weatherstrip, caulk, and, in some instances, insulting foam from a pressurized can are the solutions, to most of these energy wasters.
WHAT TO CAULK AND HOW
-- The joint between a door and siding, stucco, brick, etc.
-- The joint between windows and trim and between trim and siding, stucco, brick, etc.
-- Where the foundation meets the house.
-- In addition to doors and windows, around anything that passes through an exterior wall, such as water, gas and air conditioning pipes, wall vents, wall-mounted air conditioning units, cable or antenna wire.
-- Often overlooked is the joint, between a masonry chimney and wall.
-- Only caulk joints and gaps, that don't move. Silicone caulks are flexible, but the movement is in fractions of an inch.
Remove all of the existing caulking material and then clean the gap well -- the area that will be re-caulked -- using a non-metallic, stiff -bristle brush. Be certain to remove any organic growth, such as mildew.
Always push caulk into a gap or joint, instead of pulling it over a gap or joint. Latex and acrylic-latex caulks can be smoothed with a wet finger. To smooth silicone caulk, wear a snug fitting disposable latex glove and dip a thumb or finger into 97- or 99-percent isopropyl alcohol, before touching the caulk. Re-dip your finger or thumb as needed, to keep the glove wet.
99-percent isopropyl alcohol is sold by drug stores, but because it is a different strength than rubbing alcohol, it is often shelved in another location. Ask for assistance, if you don't find it.
If you think that you will have difficulty smoothing the caulk to a neat appearing line, use 2-inch wide masking tape, to establish the borders of the caulk line. As you run your finger or thumb over the caulk, excess will squeeze onto the masking tape. The tape is then peeled away shortly after you complete smoothing. Use caution, when peeling the tape off, so that excess caulk doesn't get onto surrounding surfaces. Do not smooth the caulk again. It will self-level.
This is a project, where an assistant comes in handy; to help hold a dish of alcohol, take the caulking tube or gun from you, and then help dispose of the masking tape
Caulking compounds and sealants are sold in the paint department at all OSH
stores.
DO I WANT A CAULK OR SEALANT?
Caulk is a verb that describes the process of sealing. Technically you will be using a sealant, but caulk is the term used in the construction industry, to describe just about all sealants.
Regardless of the definitions of the two terms, what is important is that the proper sealant or caulking compound is applied to the material(s), for which they are intended. For example, some are formulated to only adhere to certain materials. In addition, it is important that any comparison of sealants or caulking compounds be made between the same types. For example, there are application and performance differences between an acrylic and latex-based material in white and a clear RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) silicone. Basically, you will probably choose a silicone sealant for exterior surfaces and latex for indoors.
WEATHERSTRIPPING
Weatherstrip can be found in a number of different shapes and sizes, but there are two primary types: nail- or tack-on and weatherstrip backed with adhesive covered by a peel-off tape.
Closed- or open-cell foam weatherstripping is commonly used, between an exterior door and the door stop, and, if you have a door between your house and attached garage, that door as well. It is the least expensive weatherstripping, but closed-cell foam deteriorates fairly rapidly and is often effective at stopping drafts for only about a year. If you want to use foam, choose an open-cell foam for improved longevity and durability.
V-weatherstrip is so named, because when it is viewed from an end, it is V-shaped. It is usually made from metal or plastic. The V provides a draft barrier. It is best to do a trial fitting of this material, before tacking or adhering it in place, as it may interfere with normal operation, such as making a tight fit between a door and door stop, which could make a door difficult to close.
Compression weatherstripping is a collapsible plastic tube attached to a metal or plastic strip. It can be adhered using an adhesive backing, tacked or screwed in place. Screws work best, because the strip can often be slightly adjusted and the strips can be removed, when painting. EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) rubber is the best material to use, as it will maintain flexibility and durability for the longest period of time.
Felt weatherstripping can be used on some interior locations, but don't use it outdoors, as it will deteriorate, when exposed to moisture.
Don't forget to plug up any air filtration beneath a door. The door may require a new threshold seal, a door sweep or both. A threshold seal is a rubber or vinyl gasket that is found in many types of thresholds. A door sweep attaches to the inside bottom of an exterior door and provides a seal between interior floor and the door.
If the garage is attached to the house, don't forget to block air penetrating at the top, sides and bottom of a garage door.
You will find illustrated installation instructions on packages of weatherstripping for doors and windows, door sweeps and weatherstrip for garage doors. A wide variety of weatherstripping materials are found in the hardware department at all OSH stores.
by: Lucy
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