When your Hamilton windows and doors age, they crack. The spaces allow cold air into the house and invite burglars to break into the home. Besides, failure to repair the cracks causes an extension, leading to complete damage to the window.
Luckily, homeowners can repair their window cracks by caulking. However, although caulking is a straightforward process that you can DIY, some homeowners make mistakes, rendering the caulk useless. If you want to caulk your broken windows during windows replacement Hamilton, some of the mistakes to avoid are;
1. Buying The Wrong Caulk
There are many types of caulks, and some are only suitable for specific window materials. Besides, the caulks are also of different quality. If you buy a cheap caulk, it will not be effective. Research the best caulks for your wood, steel, or aluminum Hamilton windows and doors. Also, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive but ensure you buy from a reputable company. The best caulks are made from silicone or polyurethane, so consider those.
You can also consider caulks made from a mixture of latex and silicon or buy those that are 100% silicon. Ensure it is waterproof, shrink-proof, and flexible for expansion and contraction of the window material.
Good caulks last over 20years, and you can get them in hardware stores. However, you won’t like this caulk when it dries because it has an odor and cannot be painted. Your window will be left with a visible patch of the caulk.
If you don’t want the patches, get a polyurethane caulk. It can be painted, and it has about 20 years. This caulk is also heavy-duty and adheres well. They are primarily used for exterior window repairs. If you get cheap butyl rubber or oil-based caulks, they won’t last long because of poor adherence.
2. Use The Right Application Tools
Another mistake homeowners make when caulking the Hamilton windows and doors is using the wrong applicator. Note that the caulk cartridge is not a caulk application tool. You need an excellent caulk gun with a comfortable grip and a smooth plunger rod.
Also, do not save money when shopping for caulking guns. The Cheap ones do not have a good plunger, so they apply the caulk unevenly. When installing the caulking gun, ensure you cut the cartridge’s nozzle to your bead size and pierce the inside seal. This should be done carefully not to spread the caulk to areas where it is not needed.=
3. Don’t Leave An Old Caulk
If you are repairing old caulk, remove the old one before the new application. When the caulk ages, it breaks from the surface, allowing space for moisture entry. Therefore, installing the new caulk on the old one keeps the old moisture on the window.
Use a scrap knife to remove the old caulk before applying the new one. If the caulk is too hard to remove, apply a caulk remover gel. You should leave the gel for about 3 hours before scraping the caulk off. Rub the place with alcohol to ensure it is completely clean before applying caulk.
4. Applying Too Much Product
Having holes and cracks on your Hamilton windows and doors can be frustrating, and most homeowners apply too much caulk to repair the holes. You don’t need too much of the product. If the crack is too big, more than ½ inch wide, use a backer rod before applying the caulk. It gives better blockage of the hole or cracks, and the caulking lasts longer.
5. Do Not Skip Tooling
Every process in window repair is essential, including tooling. Homeowners should smooth out the caulking after the application to make the window look neat and professional. An easier way to do it is by using your fingers. After applying the caulk, use your fingers to smoothen the bead of caulk.
However, you should protect your finger before touching the caulk to ensure it doesn’t get stuck. For example, you can dip it into soapy water or use an ice cube. Your Hamilton windows and doors contribute to your home’s beauty, and if they have unfinished caulk on the sides, your home’s curb appeal reduces. You should also maintain the caulked area to avoid repeating the process.