Author Topic: Window caulk life expectancy?  (Read 1868 times)

HipGnosis

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Window caulk life expectancy?
« on: February 17, 2022, 08:36:12 AM »
I had a cold windy day that revealed I need to re-caulk a cpl windows.
Does window caulk need/should  be replaced every so many yrs?   
FYI, my house & windows are about 65 yrs old.

Watchmaker

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2022, 08:38:39 AM »
It will break down over time. If you're saying the caulk is 65 years old, then yes, it absolutely could need to be redone.

nereo

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2022, 09:09:16 AM »
I had a cold windy day that revealed I need to re-caulk a cpl windows.
Does window caulk need/should  be replaced every so many yrs?   
FYI, my house & windows are about 65 yrs old.

Depends on a lot of environmental factors (including exposure to sunlight, freeze/thaw, salt etc) but IME most window caulk needs to be replaced every 5-7 years. Some types of caulk promise fantastical lifespans of 10 or even longer, but in my world that never happens.

It isn't terribly difficult as long as the window is easy to access.  Takes 10-15 minutes to strip off the old caulk and another 10 minutes to re-caulk the window.  an average-sized window might take one-tube of caulk (~10oz), so that gives you an idea of how many to buy. 

lthenderson

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2022, 08:05:02 AM »
Where are you exactly wanting to re-caulk? Inside? Outside? Trim? Pane?

I ask because there are some windows that don't need caulking to start with, there are places you don't want to caulk over such as weep holes, and there are better substances to use than caulk such as glazing around panes. In general though, caulk will break down and the time is dependent on a myriad of factors addressed above. Clean off the old caulking well and reapply as needed though I would wait for warmer temperatures to do so and not on a cold day.

Sanitary Stache

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2022, 08:10:22 AM »
My windows are older (1920s) and they use a "glazing" which it putty like. 

I suspect they were re-glazed at least once before I got them, but the glazing is in various states from fine to not there at all.  Some windows I figure are fine because they "seal" themselves with ice on the coldest days... (/s)

Sibley

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2022, 08:40:21 AM »
Well first, let's define terms.

Glaze is what you use to hold in the window glass on wood windows. This is a putty like material, you shape it and then press it into the corner between the window frame and the glass. It is on the exterior of the window. It then dries, but remains slightly flexible to seal the window. Over time, this will become hard and brittle, it will crack and you have to chip it out and replace it. How long glaze lasts depends on weather exposure.

@Sanitary Engineer you need to reglaze your windows. "sealing" themselves with ice isn't acceptable, and you are allowing damage to occur. Do it next spring/summer. All of them. Wood windows will last forever with proper repair and maintenance - and that includes regular painting, glazing, caulking, and storm windows. Do not replace the windows, you'll get no better performance than properly maintained wood windows and you will spend a heck of a lot more on them.

Caulk is a more fluid substance, more similar to a cream, that is applied then smoothed, then allowed to dry, where it will typically remain flexible. Different types of caulking are used for different applications, and base material influences how long it lasts. Caulk can be applied both on the interior and exterior of a window. Interior caulk typically will help seal the small gaps between the window and the window trim, this helps both with efficiency and with appearance. As it is interior, it isn't subject to degradation from the elements.

Exterior caulk is a different formulation that can better withstand the elements. It is often applied to the join between the window and the exterior wall, to prevent water intrusion, however as lthenderson stated this varies based on the type of window.

All forms of caulk will eventually degrade and need to be replaced. Often this is indicated by the caulk hardening and beginning to crack, but the type of caulk may show degradation differently.

If your caulking is 10 years or older, it needs to be replaced. There's a VERY good chance it needs to be replaced before that, but depending on type, location, etc it'll vary. If in doubt, replace it.

HipGnosis

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2022, 08:49:09 AM »
I had a cold windy day that revealed I need to re-caulk a cpl windows.
Does window caulk need/should  be replaced every so many yrs?   
FYI, my house & windows are about 65 yrs old.

Depends on a lot of environmental factors (including exposure to sunlight, freeze/thaw, salt etc) but IME most window caulk needs to be replaced every 5-7 years. Some types of caulk promise fantastical lifespans of 10 or even longer, but in my world that never happens.

It isn't terribly difficult as long as the window is easy to access.  Takes 10-15 minutes to strip off the old caulk and another 10 minutes to re-caulk the window.  an average-sized window might take one-tube of caulk (~10oz), so that gives you an idea of how many to buy.
What is the best way to remove old caulk?

HipGnosis

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2022, 08:50:06 AM »
Where are you exactly wanting to re-caulk? Inside? Outside? Trim? Pane?

I ask because there are some windows that don't need caulking to start with, there are places you don't want to caulk over such as weep holes, and there are better substances to use than caulk such as glazing around panes. In general though, caulk will break down and the time is dependent on a myriad of factors addressed above. Clean off the old caulking well and reapply as needed though I would wait for warmer temperatures to do so and not on a cold day.
What ever needs to be re-done.   I'll have to learn how to tell what that is/isn't...

sonofsven

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2022, 09:14:22 AM »
In terms of time frame of replacement, there is no "rule"; when it's bad, you replace.
There are many types of caulk for many uses, and it's pretty unclear what you are referring to without pictures.

BudgetSlasher

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2022, 08:04:22 AM »
Too many factors to set a rule of thumb. They range from what type of caulk, to what is its exposure.

But if believe the caulk is original, being 65 years old, you can probably assume that it is past its prime.

I am not certain that caulking is going to help too much. In modern installations caulking doesn't really address the bulk of opportunities for air to enter, older installs may be different. Older windows just do not seal as well period.

You might want to look into making sure the window inside window is caulked where pieces meet and to the wall and then either buy/make winter/storm window inserts or get some of the clear stretch film and seal off the windows for the winter season.

Edit: There is a caulk like product Seal N'Peel (or something like that) that people use to seal leaky doors and windows that go unused during the cold winter months, but can remove again later.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2022, 11:06:35 AM by BudgetSlasher »

big_owl

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Re: Window caulk life expectancy?
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2022, 11:18:29 AM »
The exterior caulk around my windows is 18yrs old and shows no sign of failing.  I have no idea what brand it was but since it's builder grade I'm sure it was cheap.  Which means I'm sure if you buy a good quality exterior caulk nowadays I'm also sure it'll last a serious long time. 

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!