• Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: 2/5
  • Investment: low
  • Yield: high

Caulking: A worthwhile project!

Reasons to apply caulking

Did you know that heating accounts for over 50% of your annual electricity bill? To save more without sacrificing comfort this winter, try our caulking tips.

Document vidéo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG5IEP5jFR8
Duration: 2 minute 52 seconds

How to apply caulking

Most air leaks are around windows, so it’s important to check them. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to caulk your windows.

Document vidéo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
Document vidéo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-EgXgGlO2Q
Duration: 1 minute 58 seconds

What you need

  • Caulking gun
  • Caulking compound (such as silicone)
  • Rag
  • Bowl of soapy water
  • Foam backer rod or foam rope (if necessary)
  • Lit candle or a thin sheet of paper (if necessary)
  • Other tools (if necessary)

Important concepts

  • Be sure to choose a good quality caulking compound well suited to the task. Cheap compounds are often difficult to apply and lack durability.
  • Follow the instructions on the cartridge and check what you need for cleanup (water or special solvent).
  • While you are caulking your doors and windows, take the opportunity to add or replace weather stripping and gaskets as necessary, to eliminate air leaks as much as possible.
  • Remember that a building needs some fresh air coming in. If you think your house may have problems in that area, consult a heating system specialist.
  • lit candle or a thin sheet of paper (if necessary)
  • Do your caulking in dry weather, preferably. Do not try to caulk in an area where the temperature is below 5°C (41°F). The compound will become stiff and difficult to work with.
  • Purchase enough caulking. One standard-sized tube will make a bead 6 mm (1⁄4 in) wide and 7.6 m (25 ft) long.

Identify the areas to be caulked

  • Check the most common sources of air leakage (e.g., electrical outlets, window and door trim, windows, fireplaces, chimneys, attic hatches).
  • Look for signs of poor a seal (tears, water marks, etc.). If necessary, take pictures of suspicious locations.
  • Take a lit candle or a thin sheet of paper and move it slowly around windows and along where walls meet the floor and ceiling. If the flame or paper moves, there is likely an air leak at that spot.
  • Spider webs can be a sign of air leaks, since spiders tend to build their webs in places where air circulates.

Special instructions for particular leaks

Here are some practical tips on sealing the most common air leaks.

Did you know?

Up to 25% of your home’s heat may be escaping. All together, air leaks could amount to a hole the size of a basketball! Fortunately, caulking is a cheap solution.

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