Removing Caulk from Window Flange
bongo30
| Posted in General Questions on
Hello, our contractor caulked the bottom flanges of our windows before I noticed and asked him to stop.
Is there an easy way to remove the caulk from under the bottom flange or any other solution you would recommend? This is a new construction home.
Thank you,
Lana
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Replies
Lana,
I use a box knife or similar razor blade tool to cut the caulk and then pull it away from the bonding surface. Just take your time and don't get too aggressive.
If the contractor pushed the caulk deep into the gap, you may have to use other tools to pull it out. I don't think you have to remove a 100% of the material, but you do want to remove anything that might form a dam and keep water from draining out.
You can get plastic razor blades and scraper tool handles for them. I've found these palstic razor blades are great for scraping caulk off of relatively hard surfaces without risk of scratches. Plastic razor blades can also scrape baked-on grime off of non-stick cookware without damaging the coating if you're careful. These plastic razor blades are less risky in terms of the potential for damage with regular razor blades, and they'll work just fine for a relatively soft material for caulk.
Ironically, when I originally discovered these plastic razor blades I had intended to use them to clean a head gaskget off of an old air compressor I was working on. They did not work for that, and I had to use my old steel razor blade scraper. I've since found lots of uses for the plastic razor blades though and highly recommend them for scrape-cleaning use!
Bill
Great suggestions! Thank you!