As winter finally gives way to warmer weather, homeowners across North America rejoice. The realization that it’s April chores that help bring May flowers, however, tends to temper that excitement. Yes, the changing of the seasons means a looming to-do list before anyone can enjoy their porches and patios again—and with baseball’s Opening Day in what may be one very long rain delay, there won’t be any can’t-miss games to take us away from the tasks at hand.
One of the more common tasks on such lists concerns the home’s windows—namely, going through and giving them a proper recaulking that they may have missed. But how necessary is this? Why is it so important to caulk your windows before summer sets in? We’ll explain today why this mundane task deserves its spot on the dreaded to-do list.
Prevent Air Leaks and High HVAC Costs
The biggest benefit of keeping your windows well-caulked is up for debate, but this one is certainly the most self-evident. By applying a liberal line of caulk around your windows, you’ll prevent warm air from entering a cool home, and vice versa. This means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, and that means you’ll save money on utilities—especially your electric bill, which can skyrocket in the upcoming summer months if your AC isn’t operating at peak efficiency.
Quit Bugging Me!
It’s not just air that can enter your home through tiny cracks. Conscientious caulking can also keep tiny insects and other pests from infiltrating the windows. Are you worried about ant infestations? Windows with settling that has left openings around the sides might as well be wide-open front doors for ants. But one long-ago caulk job isn’t enough—ants, those voracious eaters, can chew through old, crumbling caulk, rendering previous applications ineffective.
Keep Moisture Out, Too
Those dreaded April showers can be rough on your windows if you haven’t sealed them properly—not to mention the rest of your home. Moisture that makes its way into the windows can seep into the wood, where it can rot over time. That’s not to mention mold spores, which thrive in moist air and damp surfaces and can spring up a colony within your windows. The damage that mold can do makes attention to your window sealants one of the best things you can do for your home this spring.
How Do I Know Whether I Need To Re-Caulk?
Now that you know why it’s so important to caulk your windows, your next question should be how to tell whether they need it. The best way to tell is to light a candle or flick a lighter and hold that small flame near a possible leak. If passing air bends the flame, grab that caulking gun. Of course, when it comes to these springtime to-do lists, sometimes it’s best not to ask questions and simply take your marching orders, bending flame or not.
