Phone: (814) 425-7498  Toll Free: (800) 292-9670  Fax: (814) 425-2814
Email: information@klasenoil.com  Address: 2988 Old Highway 322, Cochranton, PA 16314

Caulk It Yourself

    Do you feel cold drafts in the Winter? It may be due to cracks around window sashes, vents, and door frames. They can show up inside or outside. Seal the cracks with caulk and you could lower your heating bill by as much as 20%.

    Caulk is a toothpaste like sealant which hardens, filling cracks and stopping air leaks. It's inexpensive and easy for anyone to apply.

Here are some tips:

    Choose an elastic caulk like silicon or latex. Avoid lead- or oil- based caulks. (You can buy rope caulk, which is easy to apply, but you will have to redo it every year). Follow the instructions carefully.
Remove all loose material and dirt from around the crack so that the caulk will stick.

    Wide cracks (over 3/8" wide) should be stuffed with filler material like bits of insulation, before caulking.

    Cut off the tip of the caulk nozzle, making sure that its at an angle. As you draw the caulk line, you may need to smooth it a bit with your fingers or a putty knife at first.

    It takes a little practice. Soon you'll be able to apply the caulk firmly and smooth it to a good finish in one pass.

    After you've done windows and doors, check other problem areas that could use a good caulking:

• Where the wooden sill of the house meets the foundation
• Where pipes and wires enter the house
• Where the chimney meets the siding
• Around dryer vents and fan covers