Caulking your Aurora windows is done to prevent leaks and drafts from getting into the house. The process is called running a bead and is done from the inside and outside of the window. It should give a smooth and continuous look, which can be challenging for beginners.
So, if you want to have a clean finish, practice a lot. To make sure you do not waste your caulk trying to do it right, here are a few tips you can use when calking your aurora windows. Click site for more info.
- Choose the Correct Caulk
According to Aurora windows and doors experts from Total Home Windows and Doors, you cannot use any caulk you find around on your windows. Different varieties are made for different situations. Choose your caulk like this:
- For exterior windows: it should withstand harsh weather conditions without cracking in a short time. You can read the purpose it is intended for from the tube.
- Interior windows Aurora: it should be paintable and safe for those living in the house.
- Humid rooms: if you are looking for caulk to apply on windows Aurora in wet places, it should be waterproof and resistant to mold.
- Masonry siding: consider buying a compatible caulk.
- Remove Old Caulk
Make sure you do not run a bead of caulk on old caulk. It will be a waste of time because it will continue coming off with the old one. You will also get ugly work since your window will look overloaded.
- Use a Caulking Gun
If you do not want to waste your caulk, use a gun with a thumb release. This type of caulking gun does not allow the caulk to ooze once you are done running the bead.
- Cut Enough Size on the Caulk Tube
The size of the tip you cut determines the amount of caulk bead you will get. If your caulk is not calibrated at the tip, start by cutting a small bit and squeeze. If you find the bead too small than what you want, make the tip a little wide by cutting again. Repeat until you get your ideal bead size.
- Run a Bead Using Both Hands
To avoid being messy, use your both hands. One should the gun trigger while the other supports the tube. Adjust your hands to as you move to the next part of the window to match with the corresponding angle.
- Do not Run a Continuous Bead
Avoid running your bead from the starting point to the end continuously. Instead, run if from start to the middle and then from the other end towards the middle. It helps in preventing lack of uniformity caused by tiredness.
- Ride the Smooth Edge
If you do want to avoid a bumpy bead between your window and its textured siding, do it along the smooth edge.
- Smoothing the Bead of Caulk
The best way to smooth your bead of caulk is from one end using small sections instead of continuously. This practice helps in preventing leaving excess caulk on the sides of your window. Caulk takes some time to dry, so you should not rush to smooth it worrying it might dry before you are done.
- Tape off Your Seams
If you know you cannot form uniform beads, use a painter’s tape to seal your seams. Once you seal them, run the beads and smooth. Take off the tape carefully when you are done to have a fine caulk line.
- Do Not Use Caulk as a Filler
Poorly trimmed Aurora windows leave significant gaps that require filling from a foam backer rod. Such gaps are often more than 1/4”. When caulk is used instead, it sags out, leaving an ugly mess. To avoid use this mess, apply the foam first, and then your bead of caulk.
These tips will help you caulk your window like a pro even if you are a beginner. You can always start with windows at the back of your house if you are not confident about the whole idea.
