By taking your time with the removal and cleaning stages, you can successfully restore the weather-tight barrier of your fixed windows, lowering your energy costs and protecting your home from moisture damage for years to come.
100% silicone or polyurethane sealant is best for windows. Silicone offers excellent flexibility and waterproofing, while polyurethane is highly durable and paintable.
For a flawless, professional finish, apply rows of painter's tape parallel to the joint—one strip on the window frame and one strip on the siding or glass. Leave a gap between the tape strips that matches your desired caulk bead width. Step 6: Apply the New Sealant how to reseal a window fixed
Feel around the edges of the window frame on a windy day to detect air movement.
Maintaining a fixed window—one that doesn't open—is often overlooked because there are no moving parts to break. However, the seals around these windows are your home's primary defense against drafts, moisture, and skyrocketing energy bills. Over time, exposure to UV rays and temperature swings causes even the best sealant to crack, peel, or shrink. By taking your time with the removal and
Stiffer to apply than silicone and can degrade faster under intense, direct sunlight. Step-by-Step Instructions to Reseal a Fixed Window
How to Reseal a Fixed Window: A DIY Guide to Eliminating Drafts For a flawless, professional finish, apply rows of
Lightly wet your gloved finger with soapy water (if using silicone) or use a dedicated caulk finishing tool.
How to Reseal a Fixed Window: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Draft-Free Home
Apply a caulk remover solvent if the old sealant is stubborn. Let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions before scraping. Step 2: Clean and Prep the Joint