Spring cleaning typically occurs indoors and often times includes cleaning windows inside and out. Unfortunately, many people overlook and skip the caulking that needs more than must a cleaning. Caulking seals windows, prevents moisture and other contaminants from entering homes and helps to keep dust, grime, dirt, moisture and other substances from finding their way in between multi-pane windows. While it rarely gets below freezing for long in the Las Vegas area, those up on Mt. Charleston and other higher elevations know the telltale signs of windows that need caulking replaced when condensation builds between window panes and frosts over. While pretty, it also is an indication of a poor seal along the windows that need to be fixed.
Caulking Fills Installation Gaps
When windows are installed, there is a gap between the wood frame and glass that must be filled. Without a proper application of caulking, those gaps will attract dust, 
dirt and even small insects that work their way in where they can’t be removed. Properly caulking and sealing windows also makes air conditioning more efficient by cutting down on the areas where heat can enter. Heat naturally travels from hot to cold locations. When a home is much cooler than outdoors, such as during a hot summer, day, the heat will try to come in through window gaps, caulking cracks and other points of entry. Having a good seal made by caulking will help to prevent the natural flow of heat to cold and result in additional savings on electricity bills by using the air conditioning less.
Caulking Deteriorates and Needs Repair
Caulking will dry out and crack over time, especially when exposed to the greenhouse effect of a hot desert sun shining through the windows and super heating the caulking. Checking the caulking for cracks and flaking will help to identify areas in need of repair. A talented handyman or a professional window-care team can remove the bad caulking and replace it with a fresh strip that will seal the windows and help to keep them working properly.
How often do you check the caulking on your windows to ensure they are sealed properly?
Originally posted 2014-05-07 00:25:09.
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