What kind of caulk to use around windows (exterior)?
by
April
+14
Can someone recommend the best caulking for windows on the outdoor side?
I bought a home last July. It's old but in pretty decent condition. New windows were installed all around the home by the previous owners before I moved in. When it started raining, the windows starting leaking. All of them. I tried two different caulks at Home Depot, it stopped it about 85%, but they all still leak. I had a window guy come by, and he said he couldn't figure out why the leaking was happening cuz the windows are new. I'm planning on stripping all the caulking off and redoing every window. Any advice on what is the best brand?
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Dap makes a great silicone caulk and now Gorilla also makes a 100% silicone sealant. I would give either one of these a try.
GE makes an excellent caulk for exterior use.
APRIL - Pictures can help provide better answers then shots in the dark. New windows and leaking , sounds like bad installation. #1. Do your widows have a metal drip edge above them? This stops water from penetrating from above the window casement. A good caulk to use is a GE or Dap window caulk found at a Builder supply or Paint store. Please post pictures?
Use Glazing instead of caulk. Apply a coat of Kilz before painting.
Most caulking for windows and doors is done from the outside. All caulk containers will tell you what they can be used for so be sure to buy the right kind. You can also buy paintable caulks so look for this as part of the product. Door seals like foam, rubber gaskets, etc can be changed if they are torn or missing any parts. Check at your local hardware store for all of these items.
Make sure you buy the right type of caulking and then apply utilizing a caulking gun. I smooth it with my finger because I've never found a tool that does as good a job with the results I prefer.
Use silicone caulk in a caulk gun. Be safe.
Caulking gun after you put the caulk on use the back of an old spoon to smooth out it will look like a pro did it 😊
I prefer SILICONE lasts longer and it is clear.
I like the Alex Plus 40 year caulk made by DAP
Exterior flexible silicon caulk such as Dynaflex is a great choice! I seals the gaps and allows for expansion and contraction. I hope this helps!
Remove old caulk and replace with new. It’s important to maintain the caulking.
I used this on all my exterior windows last summer. It was easy to do and is holding up good. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dap-12276-Elastomeric-Patch-and-Caulking-Compound/21009260
Hi April, hope this helps you out. I once had a glass expert tell me Mono 555 by Tremco is the best for this in side and out. Or silicone. Both are easy to work with.
Make sure if you use silicon that it is non staining like Tremco Spec 2. it is for commercial use primarily. You will not likely find it at a Home Depot or hardware store.
External Sealant - waterproof!
Hi April! Silicone caulks are highly flexible, durable, and weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor applications. They maintain their flexibility over time, ensuring a long-lasting seal that can withstand temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and moisture.