Tools Needed for Waterproofing Windows

Flashing

• Flashing is either self-adhesive or fastened to window framing with staples. Whether self-adhesive or mechanically fastened, flashing ranges from approximately 6- to 12-inches wide and is available in rolls of 50-feet or more. Builders use utility knives to sever lengths of flashing from rolls and, if stapling, use hammer staplers, manual staple guns or pneumatic staple guns to attach flashing to a window frame.

Caulking Gun

• Builders use caulking guns to apply caulk, a paste-like sealant, during both window installations and repairs. Caulking guns consist of a long, half-cylinder barrel, which holds a tube of caulk, and a pistol-grip handle. To use a caulking gun, builders load caulk into the gun's barrel, puncture the tube's seal and pull the tool's trigger to force a thin, even line of caulk from the tube's tip. Builders can use caulk to seal the edges of flashing, the interior and exterior surfaces of a window opening and the seam between window flanges and house siding.

Putty Knives

• Builders use putty knives to apply and spread waterproofing caulks and sealants. Putty knives resemble straight-handled spatulas with either rectangular or triangular blades. Most caulks and sealants are available in both tubes and tubs. To apply sealants from a tub, builders use putty knives to scoop a portion of sealant from the tub, spread and smooth the sealant. Putty knives allow builders to spread caulk and sealant in thin layers, such as over the lap between house wrap and flashing.

Tools for Filling Large Gaps

• Poor framing or the movement of building materials often causes large gaps to develop between windows and surrounding surfaces. To waterproof large gaps, builders fill gaps with filler materials, such as specially designed, foam or rubber backer rods or expanding spray foam. Builders cut backer rods to size with construction shears or utility knives. Expanding spray foam shoots directly from a can with the push of a button. After stuffing gaps with filler materials, builders use caulking guns or putty knives to distribute sealant over the filled gaps.