When it comes to ensuring that your doors and windows are sealed, you will want to take varying approaches depending on the type of window. In some cases, what you use to seal your main home windows, might not be the same things that you use to seal your basement windows. How to seal basement windows? Removing the old caulk from around the window and re-applying fresh new caulk typically does the trick.
Let’s take look below at what’s involved and how we can seal our basement windows.
Which Tools And Equipment Will I Need?
Luckily, for this project, the tools and equipment needs are fairly limited. You won’t need anything too extreme to make this a successful project. Let’s take a look below at what we might need.
- Silicone Caulk
- Caulk Gun
- Utility Knife
- Putty Knife
- Bucket of warm water
- Damp cloth or rag
- Step Ladder
What Are The Steps For Sealing My Basement Window?
Just like with any project for your home, there are recommended steps for success. Let’s take a look below at the steps you can follow to reseal your basement windows.
- Take your putty knife and begin to carve away loose or damaged caulk from around the basement window. Push the putty knife under the caulk line and lift it. This should remove the caulk from the window seal.
- Use a damp cloth or rag and wipe clean the areas around the window that you just loosened or removed. You will want to remove all excess debris.
- Take your utility knife and slice the tip of your caulk at an angle. Then insert the silicone latex-based caulk in the caulk gun. Apply the caulk to the window frame by tilting the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle.
- Gently squeeze the hand control of the caulking gun and run a smooth line of caulk around the window frame. You will want to apply roughly 1/4 of an inch wide and deep caulk line. Apply the caulk from line to line and stop at each corner so that you can connect each line.
- Next, use your finger to smooth out the caulk beads around the window frame. Use your finger to apply light pressure to the caulk line. As you run your finger down the lines you will create a u-shaped indentation. Take the damp cloth or rag and wipe down any excess caulk. Complete this process of all seams around the window.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know how to seal your basement window, it is a great idea to read up on how long it takes to replace a window. Consequently, it might be time to replace that basement window, rather than reapply caulk.
Next, make sure that you select the windows that are right for your climate. In some cases, vinyl windows can warp under extreme temperatures. This can be very frustrating to a homeowner who just installed new ones. Be sure to select the window style that fits your area.
Lastly, before you go out and decide to upgrade your basement windows, ask your realtor if it is a good idea to upgrade your windows before selling your home. If you have any ideas for selling soon, you will want to know the facts before spending all of that extra money on new windows.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Whenever you are dealing with windows, you will want to ensure that the project is done properly. Failing to reseal your basement windows could cause more damage to your home and create a breeding ground for mold. Be sure to hire a reputable professional window installation company to assist. Before you do anything, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect all of your window seals and recommend a reputable installation company or licensed handyman.
Conclusion
Sealing your basement windows or installing new ones can be a rather frustrating project. It sounds easy enough to apply new caulk around the window frame. However, if you miss an area or do a poor job, you risk exposing your basement and home to further damages. Use your local home inspection team to come out and inspect all of your window seals during a full home inspection. Call on All Coast Home Inspections for a window inspection and home inspection in Houston, TX.
