Welcome to HomeDepot.com. I am Jessica and today I am going to demonstrate how to sill your windows and doors. It is an easy project that nearly anyone can tackle. You might be asking, why do I need to sill my windows? Think of it this way, if you add up all the gaps and cracks in the average house it is the equivalent of leaving a window wide open. In fact air leaking through tiny holes and cracks accounts for up to 20% of the energy used to heat and cool a typical home.
Sealing your home can cut your energy expenses by hundreds of dollars every year. So, let us get started. Here is a quick list of tools you will need.
Start with the premium caulk, like DAP Dynaflex 3.0, or GE Silicone II Window and Door. You will also need a caulk gun, caulk remover, rubbing alcohol, a clean clothe, a caulk tooling device, sharp razor edges and Mineral Spirits. You can pick up all of these tools at your local Home Depot.
One other point, if you are using a premium sealant, I recommend a dripless high-end caulk gun like this. It makes application easier and you will get better results.
The first question that you might be asking is, how do I determine where I need to sill? Try this trick, use lighted incense sticks or a candle to locate the source of leaks. Air drafts will cause the plume of smoke to flow in the direction of air leakage or you can just use your dampened hand to feel drafts of air. Inspect all windows and doors to insure that they sit snug in there frames. Once, you have located the gaps and cracks, you are ready for the next steps.
Start by removing the existing caulk with a putty knife. If you have a latex caulk, you can soften the caulk with a caulk remover. Next, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol or household cleaner and wipe with a clean cloth. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of dirt and dust. Now, remove the cap and cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle to the desired bead size. Pierce the inner seal with a stiff wire or a similar object. Insert the cartridge into a caulk gun. Then begin to push the caulk out of the tube. Immediately use the tooling device to smooth the sealant. Use mineral spirits for proper cleanup and allow the sealant to dry for the products recommended time and you are done. It is that quick and easy.
For more know how projects, visit us at homedepot.com/knowhow or stop by your local Home Depot and ask any associate for assistance. Thanks for watching and we will see you next time.
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