Winterizing your home?

Question

I am preparing to winterize my home. I know the caulking gun is the most essential tool for keeping cold drafts out of your home, so, do you put a thin layer of caulk from your gun all along the crack completely filling up the crack with caulk? After I put the caulk directly into the crack , and I am standing there, then what should I do? Should I use a little pressure and work the caulk gently into the crack with my fingers? It seems I am awkward when it comes to handling caulk! How do I know when the caulk is hard? Can I tell just by looking at it? Will blowing on it help? What happens if I get too much caulk or can you really ever have too much?

Advise me please!

Answer 1

So U want to keep the heat in the house do U? Well, I'm your man! I'm a master craftsman and I've been applying my caulk to cracks all over the world. I've got a caulking gun that's fully loaded, primed & ready 2 go at a moments notice. Don't worry, I'll take my time and do a good job. Let's say I lay a bad bead, or fill the wrong crack, & I don't do it right the first time, I'll lay a new line of caulk in your crack for free & keep doing it until I get it right. But I've never had a complaint or a dissatisfied customer.

Whoever said to never use large caulking guns to fill cracks is wearing a turbin or a klaft too tightly wrapped around their head & cutting off the flow of blood to their brain! U need a large caulking gun to fill large cracks, especially if the crack is deep, or if you're going to be filling cracks all day long, so U don't peter out and have to stop and reload. Sure, U could use a small caulking gun, but then U may run out of caulk and end up finding the crack wasn't filled completely, properly, or adequately. And then you may have to switch to another caulk, because the store ran out of your particular brand. When it's all said and done, bring the right tool to the job at hand -- my caulking gun is virtually guatanteed!

To make sure your cracks get filled and sealed properly, you have to lay one long continuous bead that runs the length of the crack. If you have a big crack of course you will need more caulk to fill it, so slow down and steadily let the caulk fill the crack. Small cracks require less caulk; however, with that being said, you can never have too much caulk!

If you're feeling awkward by handling caulk, or it's your first time, you may want to consider hiring a professional, or at least having a pro show you how its supposed to be done. You could watch some videos on how to do it and learn from the pros that way. There are many good programs available on TV that you can watch in the privacy of your home, or may I suggest renting a video at your local video store. When U get tired of watching one, you can get another. Depending on how often you want your cracks to be filled, I wouldn't suggest buying the videos, as it gets really expensive. I mean, how often are you going to be filling your crack anyway? I know some people that are maniacs when it comes to caulking! They want caulk in their house morning, noon & night! If they can't get their hands on enough caulk, or the right caulk, they go buy some more at another store, they even mix and match brands sometimes too. Please, don't do that! Once you find a brand of caulk you like and its a good multipurpose type that suits you and fills your needs, please stick with it. No mix & matching, that way you'll achieve longer-lasting and better results overall and we'll all be happier in the long run over your caulking choice.

What to do when you're done? Hmmm? I'm usually lighting a cigarette and enjoying my masterpiece, living in the moment of glory. Oh, maybe you're a nonsmoker, or simply don't allow smoking in your house, in that case, just admire the crack that was filled with beautiful caulk. And remember that feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, and along with that memory of a job done right will stay with you until you need to recaulk that crack. You see your crack every day, so you know it better than anyone else. You'll know when you need it. A finger or two pressure on the caulk is fine, but don't go poking it -- you could break the bead and then you'll have to recaulk your crack. Use a finger to assist the caulk into the crack, deeper, deeper, until it "bottoms out" and you can't put anymore caulk into the crack. Work the caulk from side-to-side & gently front-to-back if it's still pliable, this will help it firm up and seal the crack properly. You could blow on it, if U like, but the gentle application of your fingers will ensure this job is done right

If you can't do this job yourself for whatever reason (I mean some people have religious reasons as to why they don't eat meat on Friday, so anything is possible!), or U just can't finish it yourself -- maybe your hands get tired easily, or arthritis is starting to bother you) I'll be happy to fill your crack with my caulk. Just give me a call -- and get the job done right!

Answer 2

First of all:
Never use the large caulking guns when you are filling your cracks. And even with the smaller caulks, apply gentle steady pressure as opposed to just jamming them in. You will find this much more satisfying and will keep you warmer for a lot longer period of time. Don't worry about excess caulk. There is NO such thing. Just make sure that your cracks have been fully filled and sealed properly. If you have a big crack of course you will need more caulk to fill it. Small cracks require less caulk.
You know your crack better than anyone else. You be the judge. Once you are finished, sit back and enjoy a good smoke or some cheetos. Filling cracks is hard work, don't take it lightly. Be serious and get the job done right the first time.
If if you don't get the crack filled right the first time, just wipe off the caulk and refill.
Remember, caulk is cheap and you can NEVER have too much caulk :)

Keep a stiff upper lip, I am sure that you can beat this thing!

Much success, remember,keep doing it until you are satisfied with it.
When caulk gets old, it will become less rigid and soft to the touch and it will never get hard again, so this would be a great time to replace caulk.

Answer 3

I would gently blow in it, while keeping it moist. If a little more leaks out, just have a tissue handy. If you are getting near the bottom of the caulk tube, just pump it hard a few times to empty it. After a hard day of caulking, treat yourself to a nice dinner.

Answer 4

too much caulk in the crack will seal the cheeks together, and the windows too...

Answer 5

I never had any caulk! I use a little mud and spittle and work it in and out!

Answer 6

first rise up the entire historic with a razor blade. then observe the brand new. i just like the transparent caulk due to the fact that it's less difficult to paintings with and is extra Flexible and not more more likely to reduce over the years inflicting you to need to redo it once more.