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Caulking your windows and doors, simple and money saving! By: Jonathan Bille  |
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 No one leaves the windows open in the middle of winter, but if you have unfilled gaps and cracks around windows and doors, you might as well. It only takes a gap of 1/8 inch around two doors or windows to let in the equivalent cold air as leaving a window open 12 inches for the entire winter.
Caulking the cracks and gaps around your windows and doors is the first step to warming up your house and reducing your home heating costs. Caulk is relatively inexpensive and applying it is simple and quick. You’ll be able to caulk around all the windows and doors in your house in just a few hours, which makes the return on investment for caulking your windows and doors is unbeatable.
The process is simple. Start by cleaning the area you intend to caulk. That means clearing away any debris or old caulk that may still be partially in the gap. Next you’ll need to buy and prepare the caulk for application. A good rule of thumb to use when buying caulk is a half cartridge per window or door. To prepare the caulk cartridge, rub the cartridge nose in a crease until the end of the cartridge comes to a sharp point. Then, at a diagonal, cut about one half inch of the nose off so that the nose is still in a point but far enough down the nose so caulk can be pushed from the cartridge.
When applying the caulk, press the nose directly into the crack and pull the trigger on the caulking gun. Move the gun along the crack while continuing to pull the trigger. Right before you come to the end of the crack, release the trigger and let the remaining caulk that is still coming out of the gun, fill the end of the crack.
Now wipe any remaining caulk from the nose. Keeping the nose of your caulk gun clean will make the job a lot cleaner and easier. Now run your finger along the caulk line you have laid in the crack to smooth the application.
It may take you a couple of times to get the hang of it, so you may want to practice somewhere that isn’t that visible before you take on the entire job, but don’t worry, it will only take a few applications and you’ll be caulking like a pro. The best part is, you notice the difference right away. Mysterious drafts will go away. Your home will feel warmer, and you’ll really notice the money you save.
Caulking the cracks around your windows and doors is a do-it-yourself job that anyone can do. The only question is, what are you waiting for?
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