To maintain the energy saving efficiency of your weatherstripping and caulking, it is important that your home maintenance program include the proper maintenance for your weatherstripping and caulking.

Weatherstripping provides a seal for moveable windows and doors.  Weatherstripping involves long strips of "springy" material that blocks air movement when windows and doors are closed by creating a tight seal around the windows or doors.  Caulking is a thick, viscous material that is used to seal openings where two types of building materials come together.  Caulking should be silicone-based so that it can be flexible to expand and contract with the walls as the weather changes.  See also: Windows, Window Screens, and Storm Windows.

Shown in the "Maintenance" tab above are the recommended routine maintenance tasks for your weatherstripping and caulking. The "Questions / Answers" tab above shows our answers to related questions. And the "Articles" tab above provides links to related informational articles and sources.

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 Maintenance Task:  Inspect and repair weatherstripping and caulking

Inspect weatherstripping and replace if worn:

• Windows (inside frames and at bottom of window).

• Doors (inside frames and at bottom of door).

• Sliding glass doors (inside frames and at end of sliding doors).

• Garage doors (bottoms).

• Attic doors (inside of house or building).

Inspect caulking and replace as necessary:

• Windows (where outer frames meet exterior siding).

• Doors (where outer frames meet exterior siding).

• Foundation (where foundation meets the sill plate).

• Pipes and wires (around where they extend through the outside of the exterior walls).

• Roof vents, flashing, and chimneys (see Roof).

• Cracks in siding.

• Electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside.

To test for air tightness, on a windy day hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical outlets or wherever there is a possible air path to the outside.  If the smoke stream travels horizontally, then you have located an air leak that may need caulking, weatherstripping, rubber gasket seals, etc.

Weatherstripping and caulking can significantly reduce energy costs.  And it helps to prevent penetration of your home by water and pests.