One of the most common places for leaks in your home is around your windows. Small cracks let in both air and moisture, undermining your HVAC system’s efficiency and leading to mold and mildew. How do you stop these air leaks? There are a number of different types of window sealants you can use for different types of leaks. Read on to learn about the most basic options.
- Silicone. Silicone is flexible and durable, making it ideal for either indoor or outdoor use. It’s waterproof, making it resistant to mold and mildew, and it dries quickly. It also stands up well to extreme temperatures — both hot and cold. It’s usually clear, making it relatively inconspicuous once it’s applied, and some manufacturers add a colored tint to match the finish below it.
- Polyurethane. Ideal for outdoor use, polyurethane can bond to wood, metal, and a variety of other materials, forming a strong, durable seal on both windows and doors. Typically applied with a caulking gun, it stands up well against the elements, making it ideal for weatherproofing. Unlike silicone, it can also be painted over to blend in with its surroundings.
- Foam. While most window sealants are meant for small cracks, expanding foam is designed for larger holes and gaps. As it’s applied, it expands to fill in the space, hardening into a dense, durable seal against air, water, and pests. It can then be sanded down and painted over so you never know it’s there.
- Acrylic latex. While not strong enough to withstand the elements of outdoor use, acrylic latex works great in indoor spaces, as it doesn’t have the harsh chemicals or strong odors that many other caulks use. A water-based sealant, it can also be easily cleaned once it’s dried, which isn’t true of many outdoor caulks.
- Butyl rubber. Its lack of flexibility makes butyl rubber not an ideal option for window sealants. However, its durability against the elements makes it ideal for gutters, siding, and other outdoor sealing applications.
For help with window sealants and with battling air leaks and moisture, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. Yuma home efficiency is our top priority.
