Caulking The Joint

This graphic shows a bead of caulk at (D). This helps insure that there will be no air leaks coming under the small crack under the extrusion.

(A)  window frame

(B) window sill

(C) attached extrusion

(D) bead of caulko:p>

I like to caulk as a last step when I have everything installed, including the film.

However, it is possible to make a mess using the caulking gun…So, if you are not experienced with caulking, I suggest you caulk after getting the extrusion installed and before you install the film. Then you can let the caulk cure overnight.

This gives you the opportunity the make a clean caulking bead without getting caulk on the film or in the spline groove. If you do get a little sloppy…just clean it off with a wet towel, paying particular attention the extrusion groove. If the groove has caulk in it...it will difficult to install the retainer spline.

 Caulking Tips: Laying a clean bead of caulk is not the easiest thing to do, but there are few professional tips that will give you a leg up on the job.

1. Use a water based high quality silicone/acrylic caulk such as GE 5000--this caulk skims over a lot slower than cheaper caulks—allowing you to use your finger or a wet paper towel to smooth the bead…other caulks will skim over quickly and ball-up when you try to smooth the bead.
2. A good caulking job starts with a good smooth working caulking gun—if you don’t have good gun…buy one, they are cheap. Stay away from ratchet type guns.
3. Cutting the tip correctly for the job at hand is very important. I usually cut the tip straight across without any angle…if you need angle you can vary the angle of the gun. The tip hole should be no bigger than the bead of caulk you want to put down…so, don’t just whack it off anywhere—think about the size of the caulk exit hole. For this job the hole in the caulk tube should be no bigger than a wooden match stick.

When you begin caulking, place the tip in the V at the joint (D) in the graphic. Then smoothly pull the gun lever and at he same time move the gun along the joint. Lay a very small bead in the V. Do only one side of the window at a time, then smooth the joint...if you need too...with your wet finger or a wet paper towel. If you make a mess, clean it up immediately wet a wet paper towel