5 Types Of Caulks And Sealants Used For Energy Efficient Windows | Dallas, TX
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If there is a gap as small as 1/64 of an inch in the sealant of your windows, drafts, bugs, and runoff water can easily seep into your home or into the structural foundation of the walls. When installing energy efficient windows, the window installation company will need to properly caulk or seal the windows. This prevents energy loss as well. Improper installation and improper use of sealant can result in many different issues. The most common one is that you’ll feel a draft when you sit by the windows. You’ll also notice your energy bills increase significantly.
There are many different types of materials that they can use, and each material will have its own unique benefits and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look at 5 of the most common caulks and sealants that are used. Speak with a window installation company to learn more about which type of sealant or caulk may be the best choice for your home.
The Difference Between Caulk and Sealant
Before we dive deeper into the different types of caulks and sealants that are available for energy efficient windows in Dallas, TX, it’s important to understand the difference between caulk and sealant. Despite the fact that these two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. They do the same job, but they have different physical properties.
Caulk tends to be more rigid while sealant is usually drier. Sealants can usually do a better job in areas that are prone to a lot of expansion and contraction. Our contractors can provide you with more information about the pros and cons of each sealant and caulk in order to help you determine what may be a better fit for your home.
#1. Silicone Sealants
Silicone sealants are very popular with energy efficient windows in Dallas, TX because they are flexible and able to repel water and moisture. This can be used to seal the energy efficient windows to the headers, jack studs, sills, and jambs. Some silicone sealants are paintable, so you can edit the overall look to match and blend in with the overall aesthetics of your home. This type of sealant can also be applied to areas that are exposed to direct sunlight and rain.
Best of all, this type of sealant is fairly easy to maintain and clean. You don’t need to do a lot of work to keep the sealant in good condition. As this is also one of the easiest sealants to work with, you can also use it to patch up any cracks or leaks that you notice. It’s always better to use the same type of sealant when doing repairs.
#2. Latex Caulks
Another extremely popular type of sealant is known as latex caulk or acrylic latex caulk. This type of sealant is not recommended for outdoors, but it can be used indoors and will do a good job at sealing the windows to the drywall and window trims. This type of sealant is extremely easy to use and will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with ease. It will, however, break down prematurely if it is exposed to water.
Due to this reason, you should try to avoid exposing the sealant to excess humidity. If this type of caulk is used to seal windows in the washroom, you want to make sure that there’s sufficient ventilation. Excess moisture buildup in these rooms can cause the caulks to peel quickly and deteriorate.
You can seal the windows from the inside using latex caulk and it will do a great job. This is also one of the easier materials to work with. It doesn’t require a lot of effort or skill, which is why some homeowners will also use this type of sealant for DIY jobs. If you see a crack or leak in the sealant of indoor windows, you can always repair it yourself with this material. It shouldn’t be too difficult at all.
#3. Butyl-Rubber Caulk
Another less popular type of sealant that can be used is butyl-rubber caulk. This is a specialty caulk that is usually used for outdoor use only as it can withstand extreme temperatures is a strong insulator. It is often recommended for gutters, siding, and concrete, which means that it is also an excellent choice for energy efficient windows.
While this sealant is great for outdoor use and can be used to seal energy efficient windows, it’s important to note that it is not easy to work with. It can also be very difficult to clean if you get it on your clothes. In fact, the clean-up process is one of the most difficult ones to clean, which is why you will need to find some experienced professionals to perform the installation. This is not one of those windows that you want to use yourself or use to seal up holes and cracks.
Call Us for More Information
If you’re looking for energy efficient windows in Dallas, TX, the best thing to do is to contact Energy Window Solutions. We are one of the leading window installation companies in the area and are known for our exemplary workmanship and customer service. We offer true, factory-direct value and can work with all types of windows. We will work towards providing you with affordable, energy-efficient solutions.
More importantly, we have a lot of experience in this field, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Not only will we be able to help you find the best energy efficient windows for your home, but we will also help you figure out what looks best with your home.
To learn more about energy efficient windows and how to install them, give us at Energy Window Solutions a call at 972-290-1848. We will be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, and will be happy to walk you through the installation process, so there aren’t any surprises.