Weatherstripping & Caulking Maintenance

 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.

Would you like to receive our free Newsletter or our free Automatic Maintenance Reminders?