Caulking and Weatherproofing: what a handyman does
Caulk seals fixed gaps up to about a quarter inch, such as trim to siding and window frames to walls. Moving parts need weatherstripping. In the Chicago area, water that gets into cracked joints freezes and thaws all winter, so fresh sealant on a clean, dry surface matters most. Wider gaps need backing material first.
Jobs we take on
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- Cut out failed caulk and reseal the joint between window frames and siding
- Reseal the gap between trim boards and siding
- Seal corner boards and butt joints in exterior trim
- Seal the exterior perimeter of door trim
- Seal where pipes, vents and cables pass through exterior walls
- Seal gaps between interior window trim, stools and walls
- Add backing material before sealing gaps wider than a quarter inch
- Replace worn weatherstripping between window sashes and in the tracks
Signs it is time to call
- Exterior caulk that has cracked, peeled or pulled away from the frame
- A visible gap between trim and siding, or between window trim and the wall
- Air you can feel, or a taped tissue that flutters, around a closed window
- Peeling paint or dark staining at a window sill or trim joint
- A dollar bill that slides easily out from a closed window sash
What is not a handyman job
Rotted frames, flashing and water that has gotten behind siding need a carpenter or exterior contractor. Window replacement and roofing go to licensed trades. Scraping or sanding painted surfaces in older homes can disturb lead paint, and the EPA has a rule for paid work that disturbs paint in homes built before 1978, so tell us the build year before any scraping or sanding.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We check the existing joints and ask where you feel drafts or see staining.
- We remove failed caulk and clean and dry the joint, because sealant sticks to clean, dry surfaces.
- We read the product label for the temperature range and for paintability before choosing or applying a sealant.
- We clean up the work area and leave the surface ready for paint if needed.
Common questions
Caulk or weatherstripping, which one do I need?
Caulk seals joints that do not move, such as trim to siding or a frame to a wall. Weatherstripping seals parts that open and close, such as window sashes and doors. Virginia Cooperative Extension also says caulk is generally for openings up to a quarter inch wide.
How do I find leaks around windows?
Virginia Cooperative Extension suggests checking outside for cracked or peeled caulk. On a windy day, tape tissue to a dowel and move it around the window to watch for flutter. A dollar bill that slips out easily from a closed sash means the weatherstripping needs work.
Does a cheaper tube save money?
Often not. The same extension guide says cheaper products may last only a few years, while premium caulks are usually made to last 20 years or more. Read the label, and choose a sealant rated for the surface and exterior use.
When is the best time to caulk outside?
When the weather suits the product label, which lists a temperature range and a dry-surface requirement. In Chicago that usually means a dry spell in fall, before freezing weather. Sealing before winter keeps meltwater out of joints. We check the forecast and the label.