Roofing, Gutters and Waterproofing - remove caluking w/ heat gun?

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 : remove caluking w/ heat gun?


Squid
10-15-09, 08:26 AM
Hi
Whats the concensus on using a heat gun to soften up old caulking on the outside around relacement windows to aid in removing it? Its hard as stone.
I see some heatguns have a heat sheild attachement to protect heat sensitive material (Vinyl)


newtofta
10-15-09, 10:49 AM
you might try-using a 12" dry wall knife-to shield the windowfrom the heat gun.
then a painters 5 in 1 tool to dig at the softened caulk.
the heat gun vill most likely damage the window
a bucket of water to keep diping the knife in will be handy,
the heat gun gets alot hotter than you might think.

Squid
10-15-09, 01:28 PM
Yeah, there you go. Good suggestion. Will try on the garage window first, one that's out of view.
Thanks.


marksr
10-15-09, 04:08 PM
I generally don't bother to remove the caulking unless it has failed and then it usually pulls out with a little convincing. Take a utility knife and score the edge of the caulk, that will help. I don't often use my 5in1 but it comes in handy for removing caulking and old glazing.

What type of siding do you have?

Squid
10-19-09, 01:05 PM
Its Wolverine. But the caulking I'm looking to replace is the bead around the replacement windoes that seals the aluminum sill and the window frame,. Not too concerned about the sill but the vinyl window frame.

marksr
10-19-09, 04:04 PM
Why are you wanting to replace the caulking? Usually if the caulking is failing, it's fairly easy to remove. If it hasn't failed, why remove it?

To remove any caulking that is adhered to the substrate, you almost always have to cut the bond between the caulk and the substrate.