Home owner here.
About 9 months ago, I had about 12 sets of window sashes replaced with new jambs(?) in our home. The installer told me I still needed to caulk, but that I didn’t need to caulk the exterior of the “jambs” (not sure about the terminology).
It seems to me the only thing left to caulk is where the window frame and exterior wall meet. Am I missing something? Any recommendations on which caulk to use?
Replies
Why don't you attach a photo so we can see what you are talking about?
My question is- why didn't the installer caulk the windows? IMO, its part of the job.
That's a good question. But I'm not sure what needs to be caulked. The installer stated that the area where the new jamb/channel meets the existing window frame did not need to be caulked. Is that true?
What Calvin said. ANY gap will let water in. And that's something you definitely don't want. I don't know how your installer did it, but I run a bead of caulk against the old frame and push the replacement window into it, so there's no gaps. If I have to, I'll touch up the caulk the outside so that everything is well sealed.
I also caulk the inside, so the HO doesn't have to do anything except replace the drapes. And actually, I usually do that, too.
It looks like you had replacement windows installed. The third pic shows where caulk is needed. The crack between the new jamb and old.
The installer always finishes the job, except in your case.
Thanks for the help......
I'd caulk any gap in the assembly, except where the window slides (don't caulk it shut). I'd use a white polyurethane - not anything acrylic or silicone. If you have any larger gaps, put some backer rod in first. Use a good gun - I like red devil's one, should be $20 or less - its worth it.
Solid advice. Polyurethane is the boss. Stay away from sillycone!
Thanks for taking the time to help me out.....
Thanks, very helpful. Much appreciated.
Polyurethane (STPU) or polyether (STPE). Take your pick. Do not use silicone.