Doors and Windows - Re-caulking windows
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Re-caulking windows
mamartinek
08-16-02, 03:19 PM
Hi. I rent an older home that has the swing out windows. These windows are longer vertically than they are horizontally. The window is split into two swing out windows that are operated by a lever inside the house. Interesting design. I want to re-caulk these as I think they still have the original caulk. Can I just use a sharp screw driver to scrap the caulk off or is there a special tool that works better? Also what type of caulk should I use (I live in HOT Texas) and is there a special way of applying it? Is there a tool that makes applying caulk to windows easier? I will be doing inside and out. Thank you so much.
Tn...Andy
08-16-02, 04:58 PM
You don't really say, but I'm going to assume you mean to replace the material that holds the glass into the sash frame ??
That material is called glazing putty, Dap 33 is a common brand and comes in cans from 4-6 oz on up. It is an oil based product.
Caulk is a similar material, but generally comes in tubes used with a "gun". Caulk is generally used to seal the area where the window meets the siding or brick. Caulks are latex ( water based), some are oil based ( you don't see much of that anymore), latex acrylic ( a better water based with some polymers to add flexibility over time ) and silcone. There are also some butyl caulks and others, but mostly used by pro's for special applications.
Similar materials, easy to mix up the names, and applying them is done a bit differently.
To remove old caulk, you just have to dig it out, though often, if it was a decent caulk, you can pull a whole "rope" of it out. Sometimes a screwdriver, sometimes a putty knife, it's a pill no matter how you go about it......If it's an old oil based caulk, it can be REALLY hard to remove.....a chisel is needed sometimes.
To remove old glazing putty, there is a tool called a Prazi Putty Chaser.....it's a drill bit type tool with a handle and a small cutter head, you mount a in a small drill and rout out the old putty....though often with really old putty, it's falling out in chunks already.
To install new putty, you roll a few ounces of it in your hands and roll it into a "rope"....( experience with PlayDough is invaluable here :) )........then lay that in the window sash next to the glass and use a putty knife to bevel the putty in against the glass and smooth it. A little turpintine on the putty knife helps here. Let dry for a few weeks, and paint the new putty with a good exterior paint.
That material is called glazing putty, Dap 33 is a common brand and comes in cans from 4-6 oz on up. It is an oil based product.
Caulk is a similar material, but generally comes in tubes used with a "gun". Caulk is generally used to seal the area where the window meets the siding or brick. Caulks are latex ( water based), some are oil based ( you don't see much of that anymore), latex acrylic ( a better water based with some polymers to add flexibility over time ) and silcone. There are also some butyl caulks and others, but mostly used by pro's for special applications.
Similar materials, easy to mix up the names, and applying them is done a bit differently.
To remove old caulk, you just have to dig it out, though often, if it was a decent caulk, you can pull a whole "rope" of it out. Sometimes a screwdriver, sometimes a putty knife, it's a pill no matter how you go about it......If it's an old oil based caulk, it can be REALLY hard to remove.....a chisel is needed sometimes.
To remove old glazing putty, there is a tool called a Prazi Putty Chaser.....it's a drill bit type tool with a handle and a small cutter head, you mount a in a small drill and rout out the old putty....though often with really old putty, it's falling out in chunks already.
To install new putty, you roll a few ounces of it in your hands and roll it into a "rope"....( experience with PlayDough is invaluable here :) )........then lay that in the window sash next to the glass and use a putty knife to bevel the putty in against the glass and smooth it. A little turpintine on the putty knife helps here. Let dry for a few weeks, and paint the new putty with a good exterior paint.
mamartinek
08-16-02, 09:50 PM
Andy,
Thank you for the information. The windows in this rental house are metal, will the glazing putty work on metal? By the way, you assumed correctly, I had no idea that one used a type of putty on windows. Must have to be really careful not to chisel through a window when re-glazing. I suppose just keeping a pile of tourniquets on-hand would take care of any problems.
I believe you when you say "it is a real pill", especially standing out in 90+ weather with the sun cooking one to a nice bright red.
Perhaps I'll wait until winter. Not too cold though. I like play dough, loved to "help" my niece play with hers.
Thanks again.
Mauren
Thank you for the information. The windows in this rental house are metal, will the glazing putty work on metal? By the way, you assumed correctly, I had no idea that one used a type of putty on windows. Must have to be really careful not to chisel through a window when re-glazing. I suppose just keeping a pile of tourniquets on-hand would take care of any problems.
I believe you when you say "it is a real pill", especially standing out in 90+ weather with the sun cooking one to a nice bright red.
Perhaps I'll wait until winter. Not too cold though. I like play dough, loved to "help" my niece play with hers.
Thanks again.
Mauren