Ugh, so the rainy season's back and surprise surprise—my windows decided they're gonna leak again. I tried some cheapo sealant from the hardware store last year, but clearly that didn't hold up. I'm not exactly handy, you know, but I don't wanna pay someone every time it rains either. Anyone got a go-to caulk or sealant that's actually worked for more than one season? Preferably something easy to apply for a DIY-challenged person like me, lol.
I've seen this happen a lot, especially with cheaper sealants—they just don't hold up well against weather changes. If you're looking for something reliable and DIY-friendly, I'd suggest going with a silicone-based caulk specifically labeled for windows and doors (GE Silicone II or DAP 100% silicone are solid choices). Clean the area thoroughly first, scrape off old sealant, dry completely, then apply a steady bead. Smooth it out with your finger dipped in soapy water—makes it easier and less messy. Should last you several seasons at least... good luck!
Had a similar issue with our kitchen window a few years back—tried acrylic caulk first, but it cracked after just one winter. Switched to GE Silicone II based on a friend's tip, and so far, not a single leak... fingers crossed it stays that way.
GE Silicone II is solid stuff, good choice there. Had a similar headache on a client's bay window install a couple years back—acrylic caulk cracked within months. Switched over to OSI Quad Max, and it's been rock solid ever since, even through harsh winters. Just make sure you prep the surface properly... silicone or polyurethane won't bond well if there's leftover residue or moisture. Learned that the hard way myself.
GE Silicone II is decent, but honestly, OSI Quad Max is probably your best bet if you're looking for longevity. I've used GE stuff before, and while it holds up okay, it tends to peel or lift at the edges after a couple years—especially if your window frames expand and contract a lot with temperature swings. Quad Max stays flexible longer, which helps prevent cracking. Just make sure you clean thoroughly beforehand like mentioned above... prep really makes or breaks the seal.
I've messed around with GE Silicone II as well, and yeah, it's decent enough...but I ran into the same peeling issue after about two winters. I swear some of these window frames move more than my knees do on a cold morning, lol. Ended up trying OSI Quad Max last year after hearing similar praise, and gotta admit—so far, so good. No cracks yet, even with temps bouncing all over the place.
But honestly, couldn't agree more on the prep comment. Learned the hard way when I rushed through cleaning one window frame—figured "eh, close enough"—and sure enough, that sucker started leaking again in no time flat. Lesson learned: patience and prep are your friends.
Interesting to hear OSI Quad Max is holding up better for you. I've been tempted to try it myself, but I'm curious—did you notice any difference in how easy it was to apply compared to the GE Silicone? Some of these higher-end sealants can be a real pain to work with, especially if you're not a pro. Wondering if it's worth the extra hassle...
"Some of these higher-end sealants can be a real pain to work with, especially if you're not a pro. Wondering if it's worth the extra hassle..."
Totally get where you're coming from on that. I tried OSI Quad Max last summer after dealing with GE Silicone for years, and honestly, the application wasn't as bad as I expected. It is thicker, so you gotta squeeze the gun a bit harder, but once you get the hang of it, it's manageable. The main thing I noticed was how quickly it skins over—like, you have way less time to smooth it out compared to GE Silicone. Had to work in smaller sections and move faster.
That said, the durability seems legit so far. Had some nasty storms this winter and zero leaks around my windows (knock on wood). So yeah, there's a learning curve for sure...but if your windows keep leaking after using other stuff, might be worth giving it a shot.
I've been debating whether to step up to something like OSI Quad Max or stick with the basic silicone stuff. Honestly, hearing about the shorter working time makes me a bit nervous... I'm pretty slow and careful when applying sealants. Did you find it stressful having to rush through sections? Wondering if it's forgiving enough for someone who's not exactly quick with a caulk gun, haha.
"Honestly, hearing about the shorter working time makes me a bit nervous... I'm pretty slow and careful when applying sealants."
I totally get your hesitation about Quad Max—it's definitely not as forgiving as your standard silicone. I've used it on several jobs now, and while it's an excellent product in terms of durability and adhesion, the shorter working time can indeed be challenging if you're meticulous or new to it.
The first time I applied Quad Max, I remember feeling rushed trying to keep a neat bead along some larger windows. It skins over faster than silicone, so you really can't linger too long. What helped me was breaking the work down into smaller sections and prepping everything thoroughly beforehand. Masking tape also became my best friend for clean lines—saved me from panic smoothing, haha.
If you're particularly cautious or slow-moving with sealants, I'd recommend practicing on a less critical area first or sticking with a high-quality silicone like GE Advanced Silicone 2. It's more forgiving and still reliable enough for most residential applications.