Who Do I Hire to Caulk Windows?
Even the small jobs are best done by the experienced pros
Before chilly breezes come drafting in your home this winter, it's best to consider who to hire to caulk your windows. While a handyperson can certainly handle the job, a local window repair team is your best bet for several reasons. A handyperson or contractor with ample window experience is another good option, but it all depends on the size and complexity of the job.
Benefits of Hiring a Window Repair Team
Windows are a bit more complex than you may realize. The range of designs, glass varieties, and number of window panes all affect the best caulking methods. An experienced window repair team may also have specific experience with your window brand. And since they'll need to caulk the interior and exterior of your windows, a team experienced with this tricky process is always best.
During the window contractor's visit, they may also encounter additional issues with your window or the surrounding wall. For example, they may be able to catch and prevent condensation between your window panes. Window repair specialists are also the best to call for leaking windows or dark spots appearing around your window frames. At the end of the day, having the right pro on hand can save you time and money in the long run.
Can I Caulk Windows Myself?
Yes. Caulking windows yourself is a very doable DIY and can save you up to $200. You'll need about two hours for the task itself and between one and two days for the caulk to dry. One of the hardest steps of the process is choosing the best caulk for your windows, particularly when adding caulk to both the inside and outside of the frame.
Keep in mind that a window repair contractor will be able to apply the caulk more cleanly and intricately simply because of their experience. The DIY process can be messy and frustrating if you're not used to working with caulk, but it is quite the money-saving alternative.
Can I Hire a Handyperson to Caulk Windows?
If you have a trusted local handyperson with window repair experience, they are a great alternative to hiring a window repair team. You can even save some money on the cost of window repairs by going this route. That being said, remember that not every handyperson will have the background to address specific issues with your window, particularly if the original caulk broke down for a more complex reason.
How Do Window Pros Caulk Windows?
Window pros will begin by inspecting the interior and exterior of your window frame for additional damage. They will then remove the old caulk and ensure the surface is clean and ready for the new materials. After choosing the best caulk for your unique frame, they will use a caulking gun to add what is known as a caulking bead—or a smooth line of caulk—along the seals of your window frame. They will then use a small tool to smooth the bead so that it looks smooth around the exterior of the frame.
Professionals will charge about $200 for the cost to caulk windows, but this number depends on the size and number of windows they attend to during their visit.