How to Seal Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a common home exterior material. During installation, it may be necessary to join two siding sheets against one another to cover an entire surface. You must seal these meeting points to ensure rain water and other debris do not get underneath the siding and possibly damage the framework of the house. It may also necessary to re-seal joining points when performing routine maintenance or preparing the siding for painting.

Bucket
Mild detergent
Sponge
Hose
Butyl caulk
Caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the canister of butyl caulk into a caulk gun. This caulk is flexible, so it will move as the siding swells and shrinks with weather changes. This prevents the siding from buckling or becoming warped.
- 2
  Fill a bucket with hot water and add enough mild detergent soap to create suds. Dip a sponge in the soapy water and wipe down the siding. Rinse it with a garden hose or a wet cloth and let the siding dry.
- 3
  Pull the trigger on the caulk gun and apply a thin bead of caulk in the vertical laps where the siding sheets meet. Apply a thin bead of caulk at the points where the siding meets wood casing.
- 4
  Apply caulk to the point where the siding butts up against windows, doors, outdoor faucets or spigots and electrical outlets. Let the caulk dry according to the package instructions.

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