We have mentioned in previous posts just how important it is to seal costly air leaks within your home, but do you know how to take care of this? Here’s a quick guide to choosing and using caulk for improving energy efficiency in your Kansas City-area home. Employed on concert with other weatherization techniques, proper caulking can help keep warm air inside during the winter and outside in the summer.

Purchasing and choosing caulk

For the most part, caulk comes in disposable cartridges that can be used with caulking guns. For best results, select a caulking gun with an automatic release. You may also have the option to buy caulk cartridges that have been pressurized to eliminate the need for a gun. In either instance, you should consider that for every window that you intend to seal with caulk, you will need half of a cartridge. The foundation sill of the average Kansas home will require approximately four cartridges.

If you’re in need of sealing costly air leaks around windows or doors that are exposed to sunlight, a household silicone caulking compound will work best. This is because of its excellent adhesive qualities and because the silicon will work to keep the caulk strong and durable against the elements. When you have larger cracks, you should consider using polyurethane expandable foam spray. This compound will expand as it cures, effectively filling in large cracks and gaps. Consult with your trusted HVAC contractor to determine which caulk is best for specific areas of your home.

Using caulk

Work with your HVAC professional to assess your home’s ventilation needs before you start sealing those costly air leaks with caulk. When you’re ready, carefully clean surfaces in order to ensure maximum adhesiveness. The area should also be dry so that moisture does not get sealed in. Holding the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle, work to apply the caulk in a continuous bead to fully seal any cracks. Oozing caulk can be pushed back into place with a putty knife.

For more advice on sealing costly air leaks in your Kansas City-area home, contact the professionals at Overland Park Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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