In winter cold air and moisture tends to always find a way to penetrate your home. A solution is to closely examine your doors and windows for any gaps, and either frame sealants or foam fillers to remedy the problem - keeping damp and cold air out and warm air in.
How to Apply Frame Sealants
Gaps in door and window frames often appear when caulking material becomes old and fails. If you see any damp patches on the walls around a window frame it’s an indicator that there are gaps in the seal.
The problem with using a normal cellulose filler or mortar mix to fill these gaps is that both set rigid. Throughout the year the gap opens and closes due to natural seasonal movement of the structure. Since the filling material is rigid, it eventually cracks and falls out.
In this situation you must use a mastic sealant, which will remain flexible. There are sealants available for different situations and you need to buy one specifically for dealing with frames - apply with a caulking applicator gun.
Colours include white, grey and brown and the mastic can be painted over if desired.
First you must prepare the affected area, brushing down the gap and surround to move dirt and debris. Then apply the sealant as a continuous bead along the length of the gap.
Applying Expanding Foam Fillers
Whenever pipes, cables or flues penetrate walls or roofs, there is a potential damp problem lurking. An ideal quick solution for sealing such areas is available with expanding foam fillers. Supplied in an aerosol, these fillers are simply sprayed on, then left to expand and fill any shape of hole. They will stick to virtually any surface and can be cut or shaped with a knife or hacksaw when dry. However, they can be very sticky to the touch, so always wear protective gloves when using them.
Filler foams are ideal for sealing irregular gaps in awkward places, the kind of areas that would otherwise be inadequately plugged or left exposed to allow damp to gain a hold. Trim them to shape once they have hardened, and protect them with a layer of exterior filler or mortar.
We have a wide range of sealants, adhesives, expanding foams, and tools that you’ll need to seal your windows and doors, and keep your home cosy this winter.
View full range here.