So you’d like to know how to caulk windows outside on brick, huh? Well, you have come to the right place.
It’s not always easy to caulk a window outside on brick, but it can be done with the right tools and techniques.
This article will walk you through all the steps necessary for caulking windows outside on brick with ease! We’ll cover what tools are needed, how to prep your surfaces, and how to apply the caulk in hard-to-reach spots.
List of Necessary Tools
- Caulk gun
- Heat gun
- Foam Backer Rod
- The right caulk
- Plastic sheeting
- Putty knife
- Paint scraper
- Masking tape
- Clean rag
Steps For How to Caulk Windows Outside on Brick
1. Remove the Old Caulk
The first step is to remove the old caulk around your window. This can be done with a utility knife, paint scraper, or even just an old credit card. Once the old caulk has been broken up, clean all debris from the gap between your brick and window frame with a putty knife or wet rag.
If you have stubborn areas that are really caked on, try applying heat with a heat gun. Make sure not to apply too much heat as this could damage your window frame!
2. Prep the Work Area
Home window replacement can be challenging, so get ready before you get overwhelmed. Clear the area around tools, decorations, or loose bricks. Also, make sure your window is closed and locked! Then cover the inside bottom of the window with plastic sheeting to keep the exterior caulk from getting all over your windowsill.
3. Measure and Cut Backer Rod
Next, you will want to cut a piece of foam backer rod. Make sure the length is long enough to go from one end of your gap to the other plus an additional 2 inches. Hold the rod at the center point with some masking tape and use a marker or knife to mark where it needs to be cut.
Do not cut the rod with your bare hands, use a pair of scissors or wire cutters. You could severely injure yourself trying to cut it. Cut only on the marks you made and make sure to hold one end while cutting so it doesn’t fly off.
4. Masking Tape Time
You can use masking tape to cover up the brick above your window if you are worried about getting caulk on the bricks. Just make sure to use masking tape that is designed for brick or stucco surfaces. If you don’t, the caulk will not adhere to the brick and it will be a pain in the butt to remove!
Relevant Article To Read: Is it possible to fix cracks in stucco with caulk?
5. Caulk Application
Now, cut the tip of your caulk tube at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife. This will give you an even bead of caulk that goes on smooth and easy without any globs! You should cut your caulk tube at least 0.5 inches longer than you need, as this will give you room for error.
Once all of these steps are done, simply apply the caulking gun along the edge of the window frame using an inside-outside motion. Caulk right over the top of your foam backer rod (you can barely see it through the caulking). Pay special attention to areas where there are ridges or bumps, these are harder to caulk and require more patience.
6. Caulk Must be Smoothed Out
Use something like a paint scraper or credit card to smooth out the excess caulk that squeezes out of the joint. Make sure you scrape off every last bit of caulk for a clean look. Be sure to hold your tools at a 45-degree angle and pull them towards you while applying even pressure.
7. Removing lumps or residue
Use a damp rag to wipe away any remaining caulk lines or smudges on your window frame. Also wipe off the spigot where you cut your backer rod, as this will prevent the foam from poking through the caulk line later on.
You will need to remove any excess caulk on your window sill. Use a putty knife or wet rag to wipe away all traces of this annoying step. Then, use some mineral spirits and a clean rag to wipe down your window sill for a very smooth surface that can be painted!
8. Embrace Healing
Now let the caulk dry according to package directions. This usually takes an hour for a smooth, clean finish. Once it’s dry, carefully remove your plastic sheeting from the window and masking tape from the brick surface and admire your work!
Once you’ve finished caulking windows, be sure to paint the exterior window sill with high-quality exterior paint for a clean finish.
Additional Tips
Match the Caulk Color to Your Window
If the caulk line is visible from the inside of your home, use matching exterior paint to cover up the slight difference in color. This will make your window sill look like one solid piece and will minimize any gaps that can be seen through the window.
Do Not Get Caulk on Brick
Make sure you only apply caulk over siding or wood surfaces (not brick). If caulk gets onto bricks, it will be very difficult to remove without damaging them.
Also, make sure you properly clean off any leftover residue or marks with your putty knife or wet rag. This is an easy step to forget about.
Caulk May Shrink Over Time
Sometimes when it gets cold, caulking will shrink and create unwanted gaps in between window frames. To prevent this, buy a tube of clear caulking sealant and apply it every so often to any existing joints.
This will help keep moisture from seeping between the window frame and brick, but this extra step may not be necessary since you did a great job caulking!
Caulk Types You Can Use on Your Windows
Paintable Silicone Caulk
Paintable silicone caulking sticks to wood, siding, or brick veneer surfaces. This type of silicone sealant is perfect for exterior and interior painting of windows.
Latex Caulk
This type of caulk is ideal for the exterior painting of windows since it’s water-resistant and durable. However, this will not adhere to surfaces like brick very well, so you may want to use an extra layer of paintable caulk on the exterior window sill.
Polyurethane Caulk
This type of caulk is very durable and water-resistant, which makes it great for exterior use but make sure to use brick or concrete stain before using Polyurethane Caulk.
Acrylic Latex Caulk
This is a great caulk type to use on interior and exterior windows since it dries quickly and cleans up easily. However, this type of caulk will not last very long on rough surfaces.
Siliconized Acrylic Sealant
This type of exterior caulking provides excellent adhesion to brick or concrete, though it’s not as easy to remove compared to acrylic caulks. This can be used on interior windows too.
Concrete or Brick Sealant
This sealant is ideal for large areas of brick, as this doesn’t dry out from the sun’s UV rays like regular caulking does. This can be used on exterior windows too.
They all seem to work similarly, but you have to be cautious when using them on brick. so just go ahead and buy what color matches best!
FAQ
Should you caulk windows on a brick house?
Yes, you should caulk windows on a brick house. It is better to use a paintable brick caulk for both the exterior and interior windows.
How often should you caulk windows?
It is usually recommended that you re-caulk your windows once every three years. If there are multiple cracks in the sealant, then you should do this at shorter intervals of 6 months or so depending on their severity.
However, most of the time it may be fine to wait for 3 to 5 years before remedying them again. But remember you can also use clear caulk sealant occasionally. And make sure to paint it with exterior paint to match your house.
Why should you caulk windows?
Caulking the window frames can help keep out pests like small insects, rodents, and even larger animals. It also keeps moisture from getting into the walls of your home, resulting in less rotting of wood, which is a big problem in areas that have high humidity or rainfall.
What color caulk should you use?
It depends on the color of the brick. If your brick looks red, go ahead and buy a red type of caulk. If your brick is white, pick a light grey or beige caulking. If your brick is black, make sure it matches with black caulk.
Will caulking all the window seams help water leakages?
Yes, it can help prevent water leakage problems in between window frame joints if done correctly and finished cleanly enough not to be seen clearly.
How do I clean off old caulk without damaging brick?
The best way to remove dried caulk from brick is to use a sharp tool like an X-Acto knife. Make sure you hold the blade at a 40-degree angle, as this will help prevent any unwanted dings on your bricks.
Wrap Up
Caulking exterior windows are not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps prevent water damage by creating a barrier between moisture and your home’s walls.
This guide has provided you with all the tools needed for beginner window caulking, so now it’s up to you! Go ahead and get started for an effective cost-cutting measure that can save your household money in repairs down the road!
We hope You enjoyed our article about How to Caulk Windows Outside on Brick.
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