Exterior Winterizing Maximizing Efficiency

One aspect of winterization that often time gets overlooked is the cracks and holes on the

exterior of the home. Just like when you fill the holes and cracks with caulking and weather

stripping inside, you ought to take some time to do outside.

• Windows – Checking around the windows to ensure no cracks or gaps have formed. Be sure to fill the cracks with exterior grade silicone caulking. Windows with cracks will allow drafty air to ruin your energy efficiency, and also allow pests to infiltrate your home.

• Doors – Checking your door frame and around your door for gaps and cracks is just as important as your windows; having gaps will lower your homes energy efficiency and also allow unwanted guests to enter your home.

• Vents – Most people completely overlook their outside vents. The vent from your dryer and any other vents to your exterior need to be sealed and the gaps and cracks filled.

Places to Check

Tools and Materials Needed • Silicone caulking – You should invest in quality exterior grade silicone caulk. It

may be a little more for a tube of it, but it is worth not having to re-do your work after just a short time.

• Caulking gun – You will need your trusty caulking gun, if you do not have one you can pick one up inexpensively at your local hardware store.

• Bucket and sponge – You can use a bucket of water and a sponge to help spread your caulking smoothly and wipe away excess.

• Putty knife – You can use a putty knife to remove old caulking that is worn and needing to be replaced.

• Personal protective gear – You do not want to get caulk on your hands, it is sticky and can cause an irritation to those with sensitive skin. It may be a good idea to wear some latex kitchen gloves.

How to Fill Cracks in Your Exterior• Locate the cracks around your windows, doors, and vents, etc.• Cut the end of your tube of caulk with a sharp blade at a forty five

degree angle, this will make it easier to spread evenly.• Remove any old caulking that will impede the new layer of caulk

with your putty knife.• Fill cracks from the top to the bottom with your caulking gun. Be

sure to get a nice even bead of caulk. You want to fill and seal the entire crack.

• You can go back over your bead of caulk with your wet sponge, be sure to press evenly and ensure the bead seals the entire crack.

• Repeat as necessary for all gaps and cracks found in the exterior of the home.

This project is simple and can be knocked out in a sunny afternoon. However if you ever need

assistance with any of your home improvement projects that your friends at…