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Tips For Caulking Windows

Tips For Caulking Windows

Caulking windows adds both the finished look and also the insulation you need to enjoy your home free of drafts and leaks. A task that may seem simple at first caulking, windows, and similar home improvements require some research and practice before getting that professional look. The act of lining your window with a narrow strip of continuous caulk is called running a bead. Learn how you can create a beautiful and efficient caulk finish.

All Caulking is Not Equal

You’ll want to know what kind of window installation and climate area you are working with before applying caulk. If you go to the home improvement store, you’ll notice a very large selection of caulk-like tubes. Make sure you carefully read the labels before selecting the right item. Some of the tubes will be more of a glue and others will be a more flexible rubber-like seal. You will likely choose between silicon and latex options, in addition to some special applications like polyurethane.

For example, a humid room like a bathroom, you’ll want to choose waterproof and mold-resistant caulking. Look for an interior caulking, and then find a color complementary to your windows and walls, or even use a clear sealant. Regular interior windows such as the living room or bedroom may look best with an interior paintable caulk, such as a paintable latex to match your decor. Exterior caulk is designed to stand up to harsh UV rays, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperature. Make sure you don’t accidentally grab an indoor variety for an exterior application. For specialty sidings like masonry siding in a brick home or some basement windows, you’ll need a specialty caulking to adhere to the surface such as an acrylic urethane.

Prepare the Area Before Caulking

Unfortunately, you can’t simply walk up to a window and begin caulking. First, you will need to prepare the area. Remove all of the old caulking if this is a window replacement. In new installations, you’ll want to make sure the area is clean, dry, and free of any debris. If you have an extremely slippery surface, you may consider priming the area (like you would in painting) before you begin. You’ll also want to check the weather before you begin any external applications. The temperature should be on the moderate side, but no colder than 40 degrees and no hotter than 90. Try to choose a day where it will be drier, and not rain or snow. In poor conditions, caulking may take as long as 24 hours to dry.

Assemble the correct tools before you start the job. Gather your caulk tubes, it’s always best to have more than one as a backup unless the job is extremely small. You will also need a caulking gun. You can choose between a ratcheting gun or a somewhat easier thumb-release for most home improvement jobs. Additional tools and materials to gather include:

  • Utility Knife
  • Wire Brush
  • Painter’s Tape
  • Caulk Finishing Tool
  • Caulk Remover Solution
  • Cleaning Cloths
  • Mineral
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Best Small Apartment Desgin Tips

Best Small Apartment Desgin Tips

So, you are moving to NYC as a student or graduate and you have rented a small flat. However, you are worried because you do not think it will look good. You are completely wrong. Each and every space, no matter how small it is can look beautifully if you decorate it with taste. If you believe you would have to spend a lot of money in order to make it look perfect, you cannot be farther from truth. All you need is your imagination and creativity. In this article we are going to give you the best small apartment design tips. Of course, you do not have to apply all of them. Just choose the ones that will work for you.

Combine The Right Colors

Our first small apartment design tip is related to combining colors. When choosing new furniture item for your flat you should pay attention to color and see if it goes with the rest of your furniture. Moreover, this goes for curtains, rugs, trays and other things in your kitchen as well. If you really want your small apartment to look pretty, you have to be careful when choosing different color shades. In addition, if you want to paint your walls in vibrant or pastel colors instead of just leaving them white, you have to be extra careful.

Find Storage Space

When small apartment design is in question, you do not want any clutter and unnecessary things there. Having storage space is always useful not only for aesthetic, but also for practical purposes. Luckily, NYC offers great storage options. We strongly advise you to contact and hire Manhattan Movers NYC for they are both reliable and experienced professionals. They offer excellent storage services for longer and shorter periods of time. In addition, they guarantee perfect safety for your belongings.

Add Open Shelves

The next small apartment design tip is adding open shelves. They are very practical and decorative at the same time. You can put anything you like on them, like little figurines, scented candles, photographs in frames, plush toys, lamps and many other things. As you can see, absolutely anything that you find suitable is in option.

Use The Things that You have for Decoration

If it happens that you think that you do not have anything that can look great on your open shelves or anywhere else in your small apartment, you are wrong. Do not waste your money on new items for you surely have some things that you can use for decoration. For example, you can always use gift boxes that you got for your birthday, holiday or some special date. Moreover, if you love painting and drawing, this is the perfect chance to be creative. Your own little works of art will serve the purpose. In addition, your favorite books, photo albums, coffee or tea cups can also be very decorative.

 Open shelves, small apartment design

Decorate Your NYC Flat with String Lights

String lights do not … Read More..