Symptoms
- Visible gaps or cracked caulk lines around window and door trim
- Drafts felt near windows in winter
- Water staining just below a trim joint
Likely causes
- CommonAged or dried-out caulkExterior caulk typically lasts 5–10 years before it cracks and needs replacing.
- PossibleBuilding movement opening small gapsNormal seasonal expansion and contraction can widen joints over time.
- PossibleWrong caulk type used originallyInterior-grade or low-flexibility caulk fails faster outdoors.
What to do
- Inspect all window, door, and trim joints for cracked, shrunk, or missing caulk.
- Remove old, failing caulk with a scraper or caulk removal tool.
- Clean and dry the joint fully before applying new caulk so it adheres properly.
- Apply a paintable, exterior-grade, flexible sealant (like siliconized acrylic or polyurethane) in a continuous bead.
- Smooth the bead with a wet finger or caulk tool for a clean, water-shedding profile.
- Let it cure per label instructions before painting if needed.
- Recheck caulking every couple of years, especially on the sunniest side of the house where it degrades fastest.
Tools and parts
- Caulking gun
- Caulk removal tool or scraper
- Rag
Exterior paintable caulkSearch: “exterior window and trim caulk”
When to call a pro
Call a painting or handyman service for whole-house recaulking if you have many windows or limited time.
Safety
Use caution
Use a stable ladder for second-story windows and trim.