Welcome to our comprehensive guide on "How to Properly Seal Your Windows (Externally)."
In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of effective window sealing and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to ensure a successful and durable external seal.
From understanding the materials required to mastering the techniques, we'll cover it all.
The Benefits Of Properly Sealing Your Windows
Properly sealed windows are the unsung heroes of energy efficiency and comfort within our homes. Often overlooked, these small yet essential barriers play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and controlling energy costs.
In this section, we'll explore the many advantages that come with ensuring your windows are effectively sealed. From increased energy efficiency to enhanced indoor air quality, you'll discover why investing time and effort into this often underestimated aspect of home maintenance can lead to a more comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly living space.
Energy Efficiency:
In the UK, it's estimated that up to 20% of a home's heat loss occurs through windows and doors that aren't properly sealed.
By sealing windows effectively, you can save up to £25 per year on your energy bills, and potentially more if you have single-glazed windows.
Properly sealed windows can reduce the need for heating or cooling by up to 20%, leading to significant energy savings over time.
Reduced Drafts:
Drafts can make a room feel up to 5°C colder, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Sealing windows can reduce drafts, creating a more comfortable indoor environment and potentially reducing the need for additional heating during colder months.
Enhanced Comfort:
Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature leads to a more comfortable living space. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or young children.
Improved Indoor Air Quality:
The UK reports that indoor air pollution can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. Effective window sealing helps to keep outdoor pollutants, like pollen and dust, from entering your home.
Noise Reduction:
In urban areas, noise pollution can have a detrimental effect on mental health. Properly sealed windows can reduce noise levels by up to 50%, creating a more peaceful indoor environment.
Extended Lifespan of Windows:
According to the UK's National House Building Council (NHBC), water penetration accounts for a significant proportion of claims related to window damage. Proper sealing prevents moisture from seeping into the frame, which can lead to rot, mould, and other damage over time.
Enhanced Home Value:
A well-maintained home with energy-efficient features, including properly sealed windows, can increase its market value. In fact, studies in the UK have shown that energy-efficient homes can sell for up to 14% more than those without such features.
Environmental Impact:
The UK's domestic energy consumption accounts for about 14% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. Properly sealed windows reduce energy consumption, helping to lower your carbon footprint and contribute to national energy efficiency targets.
Regulated Humidity Levels:
The UK experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. Properly sealed windows can help maintain consistent humidity levels in your home, which is crucial for comfort and can also help protect wooden furniture and fixtures from damage.
Compliance with Building Codes:
The UK has strict building codes in place to ensure homes meet certain standards for safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Ensuring your windows are correctly sealed helps to meet these requirements, ensuring your home is up to standard and safe for occupants.
How To Seal Windows Externally - Step By Step Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide that will walk you through each stage of the window sealing process, guaranteeing that your windows are properly sealed against the elements.
Tools you'll need:
Soft brush & cloths
Putty knife/ scraper or hook knife
Bottle of Methylated spirit
Masking tape or duct tape
Sealant gun
Appropriate silicone sealant
Sealant smoothing tool
Foam backer rod (Optional for large gaps around windows)
Stanley knife
Spray bottle of soapy water
Step 1) Remove All Dust And Debris
Using a knife or scraper, remove any hard debris on the window frame and round the joint you want to seal. This Includes any window foam protruding from the joint, old silicone or protective film on the window frame.
Also use your brush to remove any loose brick dust around the reveal.
Step 2) Clean And De-Grease Window Frames
Using the methylated spirit and a cloth, wipe over the frame to ensure it's clean and dry.
This step is crucial as any dirt or water on the frame could effect the silicones ability to bond.
Step 3) Apply Masking Tape Around Window
Carefully stick your tape around the edge of both the window frame and wall either side of the joint you want to seal.
This will ensure a nice, straight, neat finish on the sealant. Also it will stop and silicone smearing into the brickwork around the edge of the window.
Tip: Sometimes masking tape won't stick properly to the surrounding brickwork, especially if its a damp, cold day. In this instance, use strong duct tape.
DO NOT use the duct tape on the window frame itself. It will be a real pain to remove. Only use it on the surrounding brickwork.
Step 4) Add Foam Backer Rod (Optional)
If the gap around the window wasn't previously filled with foam or if the gap is over 5-8mm wide. It's a good idea to add a strip of foam backer into the joint.
This will stop you using excessive amounts of silicone. It also adds an extra layer of insulation around the window.
Step 5) Prepare The Silicone
Using a Stanley knife, remove the top of the cartridge. Add the nozzle to the cartridge's top and trim the end at a slant (roughly a 45 degree angle).
For optimal results, match the size of the opening of the nozzle to the size of the joint you intend to seal. Insert the cartridge into the gun and squeeze until sealant starts to appear out of the tip of the nozzle.
Step 6) Apply Sealant Around Window
With the gun at a 45-degree angle, gently squeeze the trigger and move it steadily around the perimeter of the window. Apply a continuous bead of sealant, ensuring full coverage. Use a consistent speed to maintain an even line.
Important Tip: Only seal down both sides and along the top of the window. Do not seal along the bottom of the window where it meets the window sill.
The small gap along the bottom of the window allows moisture behind the window to escape. If you seal this joint it will cause moisture build up inside the frame causing costly problems down the road, such as mould.
Step 7) Smooth Sealant And Remove Masking Tape
After applying the sealant, spray the bead with the soapy water, this stops the sealant from smearing or sticking to stuff it shouldn't when tooling. Then use a silicone tool to smooth and shape the bead.
This ensures an even, professional-looking finish.
DO NOT lick your finger and smooth the sealant. The bacteria in your mouth can transfer to the sealant and cause premature mould growth. Also, it's disgusting!
Once tooled, remove the tape immediately.
To smooth out any imperfections in the sealant bead once the tapes removed, spray both the silicone and your finger with the soapy solution. Then lightly caress the sealant until you are happy with the finish.