Separated Window Seal

Tools:

scraper
5-in-1 painter's tool
putty knife
tape
paintable silicone caulk
caulking gun
utility knife
wet towel
dust brush or small vacuum
sandpaper
dust mask
safety glasses
wood-conditioning sealant
primer and painting or staining supplies

1. Before you begin, put on a dust mask and safety glasses.

2. Use a 5-in-1 painter's tool to chip and scrape off any old window glazing and caulk around the gap you're repairing (figure A).

3. Use a paint scraper to remove the paint from the outer surfaces of the window frame (figure B).

4. Sand the outer surface of the window frame until all traces of paint and glazing are gone.

5. Brush away the debris or use a vacuum to clean up the area.

6. Hold a piece of pipe insulation next to the gap and cut it to fit.

7. Cut the piece of pipe insulation lengthwise, creating half a tube (figure C).

8. Wrap the end of the 5-in-1 tool with tape to cover or 'blunt' the sharp edge.

9. Use the modified 5-in-1 tool to push the insulation into the gap (figure D).

10. Cut and use smaller pieces of insulation to fit any remaining gaps.

11. Apply caulking to the gap, completely filling it and covering the insulation (figure E).

12. Smooth the caulking joint with a putty knife, wiping excess onto a wet rag (figure F).

13. Apply a wood-conditioning sealant to the window frame (figure G).

14. About a week later, well after the sealant has dried, prime and paint or stain the window frame as you wish.