What I seal
- Exterior joints between window frames and stucco or siding recaulked
- Loose or missing glazing putty on wood and steel windows patched
- Interior trim gaps sealed and painted
- Spring-bronze or foam seals added to wood double-hung sash
- Slider pile and weep holes renewed on aluminum and vinyl windows
- Gaps around window AC units and pipe penetrations closed
Old windows in San Gabriel homes
The City’s Housing Element preliminary report counts 52.3 percent of San Gabriel homes as more than 60 years old, and many still have original wood sash or steel casement windows. Those windows can be very tight once sealed, but their caulk and putty have usually dried out decades ago.
I seal from the outside first to keep rain out, then inside to stop air. On historic-looking windows I use paintable sealant and keep the bead small so the original lines still show.
How I reseal a window
Check each window
I look at the outside joint, the glazing and how the sash closes.
Strip and clean
Failed caulk and loose putty come out; surfaces are cleaned and primed if bare.
Seal and glaze
Fresh sealant and putty go in and are tooled smooth.
Add seals and test
Sash seals or slider pile are fitted and each window is closed and checked.
Outside my work
Full window restoration, broken glass, rotted sash that needs rebuilding, and failed flashing in the wall go to a window restorer, glass shop or stucco contractor.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about weatherstripping and door sweeps, window lock and crank repair or wood rot repair.
What to text
Photos of the window from outside and inside, close-ups of any cracked caulk or putty, and how many windows feel drafty.
Draft and caulking questions from San Gabriel
How do I stop drafts from old wood windows?
Recaulk the frame, patch loose glazing and add sash seals. That usually closes most of the air leaks.
Can you caulk around steel casement windows?
Yes, with a sealant that bonds to metal and stucco, painted to match.
Do I need new windows to stop drafts?
Usually not. Sealing and adjusting old windows fixes most drafts.
How much does it cost to caulk windows?
It depends on how many windows and how much old caulk comes out. Send photos for a free estimate.
Is glazing putty the same as caulk?
No. Putty holds the glass in the sash; caulk seals the frame to the wall. Both can fail.
When should windows be resealed?
In dry weather before the rains, so the materials cure.
Window tips for San Gabriel homes
- Old wood windows that stick, rattle or slam shutWhy old wood windows in San Gabriel homes stick, rattle or will not stay open, and how we free painted sashes and repair sash cords and hardware.
- Getting a thick-walled house ready for winter rainA fall checklist for older San Gabriel homes with thick walls and deep windows: sills, doors, drains, caulking and outdoor outlets.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.