Resealing Andersen Doors

Remove the old caulk from around the Andersen doors, by gently scraping it loose with a putty knife. If small bits and pieces remain, sand them away with fine-grit sandpaper. Brush over the area with a stiff brush to remove dust and other debris. Excessive debris may cause the caulk to fail.

Caulk along the joints in the door frame and the joints between the Andersen door and the house walls, using silicone caulking. Hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle from the house, start at the top of the joint and pull down, holding the trigger of the caulk gun with even pressure to ensure an even bead of caulk comes out.

Add more caulk if the first bead disappears into the joint. It's necessary to seal the joint completely. If the caulk comes out of the joint, use the putty knife to push it back in. Once the joint is filled, dampen your finger and gently pull it down the bead of caulk to smooth it.

Work in a continuous manner, taking care to avoid gaps between the caulk. Try to cover a single gap with one long strip of caulk; this will eliminate hidden holes in the gap that may allow moisture or air to enter.

Apply caulk during warm, dry weather to ensure it has time to properly set. Allow the caulk to dry for 12 hours before subjecting it to water or paint.