Most building codes require having at least one window in the bathroom for airflow. Sealing around the windows to fill the seams and gap is essential to prevent air leakages.
Can You Seal Bathroom Windows? You can seal the bathroom windows because it covers the seams, gaps, and cracks, prevents insects and bugs, reduces the airflow from outside in winter, saves energy, and reduces utility bills. It is better to select a high-quality window sealant that can withstand weather and temperature change and resist mold growth.
Sealing the seams and gaps is not a complicated process, as you can do it without hiring a professional, but it needs a better understanding of what sealant to use and how to use it properly.
Why would you seal bathroom windows?
There are many reasons for sealing the bathroom windows, and some of the reasons are explained here.
Fill the seams to prevent insects
There can be gaps and seams around the bathroom windows inside or outside due to improper installation or the frame slipping over time.
The gaps can cause insects and bugs to enter this place. These insects and bugs can hide in dark or hidden places and reproduce there, which leads to a severe infestation in the bathroom.
Filing all the seams around it can prevent the bugs from entering the bathroom and keep the environment safe and bug-free. They will not find any place to enter the bathroom, as they are attracted to the moist atmosphere for laying their eggs.
Reduce the airflow from outside in winters
Windows are installed in different places in the house to allow fresh air in summer, but the air from outside in winter causes a decrease in the room temperature.
You can get cold if the cool air from outside enters the bathroom through the seams and gaps. Therefore, sealing them is essential to prevent such situations and keep the environment warm and cozy.
However, the warm air in summer can also cause the room temperature to change, and you may have to turn the air conditioner high.
Carefully seal all the seams and gaps to block the air passage so you can open the window when you want to and close it when you do not want the air to come in.
Prevent the rainwater into the bathroom
The gaps around it can cause the rainwater to seep into the bathroom, and it causes water lines marks on the wall.
The excessive rain in the rainy season causes the wall to remain damp all the time, and the wall paint will start peeling off, which looks unattractive.
You should paint the wall with a waterproof finisher if you are facing this problem or seal the seams to avoid rainwater in this place.
The wooden planks wall is more prone to damage due to the rainwater, such as it can warp over time, or there are chances of mold and mildew growth because of moisture.
Save energy and utility bills
According to research, 20-25% of energy is lost due to the gaps around the bathroom windows because it causes the inside air to flow out and outside into the bathroom.
The room temperature changes, and you will set the heaters or air conditioners high to maintain the inside room temperature according to the weather.
The cold drafts coming through these gaps cause energy loss and increase your utility bills. Therefore, it is better to seal around it to fill the gaps and save energy, which can reduce your energy bills.
To fix the cracks
The windows in the bathroom can get cracked from the edges if someone forcefully opens them and hits them with the wall. These cracks can cause the water or air from outside to enter the bathroom and cause different problems.
The cracked windows look unpleasant and will destroy the overall look and decoration of this place. Moreover, you can hurt yourself from the broken glass when cleaning it.
It is better to seal the cracked window using any high-quality sealant to avoid the risk of getting hurt or the airflow, which can affect the inside environment.
How can you seal the bathroom windows?
You can seal the windows in your bathroom by following these steps and using a high-quality sealant.
Check for seams and gaps
Start by locating the gaps around it from inside or outside to understand where the large gaps exist. For example, you can check the seams if you feel a cold draft on a windy day in winter.
Similarly, check for gaps outside the window by moving outside the house where it opens. It is better to seal from the inside and outside if you do not have any idea about the air leakage from any of these two sides.
It is not a complicated process to seal from inside and outside, as the process follows the same pattern, but it can take some extra time if you are sealing from both sides.
Select the sealant
Different types of sealants are used to fill the gaps, seams, and tile grouts, but they all have different formulations and durability.
It is better to select the bathroom tile or tub sealant to seal around the windows or any other waterproof and mold-resistant sealing material that can withstand a moist environment.
Correct sealant choice can make the sealing last many years, and a wrong choice leads to mold, mildew, and chipping over time.
Some brands make specific sealants for shower and bathroom windows, and you can select them for better results and durability.
Prepare the window area
Now, remove the old caulk or dust and dirt around the seams and gaps to make it ready for a new sealant. The sealant cannot stick to the wall and frame if there are dirt particles and a layer of old caulk.
You can use sandpaper for slight sanding around the seams or a knife to peel off the old caulk. Make sure to carefully use the knife to remove the existing sealant to avoid damage or scratches on the frame.
Take a soft cloth to clean the area around it. Let the surface area dry properly before applying the sealant there because the sealing material will not cure if you use it on a wet surface.
Apply the sealant
Load the caulk gun when using silicone caulk to seal the gaps, while some caulks come in a tube, and you can cut the tip to apply it around the seams.
Do not try to apply a continuous bead around the entire window length. Start from the upper side, squeeze the caulk gun handle, and take it down to the middle of the window with a smooth caulk bead.
Then, start in the opposite direction from the lower end of the bathroom window to the middle. Seal the same way around it and smooth it with a knife or fingertip.
You can use a thin rag, a Popsicle stick, or select a caulk smoothing tools to spread it nicely around the gaps and cover it adequately.
Let the sealant dry
Let the sealant dry for 22 to 24 hours, or read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packing to know the accurate drying time for this sealing material.
It can cause cracks in the sealant or peel off soon if you do not allow enough time for the sealing material to dry.
Some sealant takes less time to cure, while other takes many hours or sometimes 2-3 days to dry, depending on the layers you apply and the thickness of the sealant.
What type of sealants can you use to seal the bathroom windows?
You can use different types of sealants for bathroom windows, depending on the gap size and the moisture level in this place.
Silicone caulk is a commonly used sealant for indoor and outdoor sealing processes, as it can withstand temperature changes and humid atmospheres.
You should use a sealant that resists mold and mildew growth around the seams because water drops after rain or temperature changes inside the bathroom can cause mold and mildew.
Some people use acrylic latex to seal the windows, as it is water-based and uses less toxic chemicals in its formulation. It has various colors, and you can choose the one that matches your window frame to add coordination.
Siliconized latex and polyurethane are also famous sealing materials as they are strong, weather-resistant, and durable. However, they are a little complicated to work with and need skills to apply correctly for better outcomes.
How often should you seal around the bathroom windows?
Professionals have a different point of view about how often you should replace the seal for windows, as it depends on the humidity level and the type of sealant to apply.
A high-quality sealant can last 6-10 years if you apply it correctly and remove the old caulk before applying the new one.
Different factors affect the lifespan of the sealing material, such as the skills to apply it, the bathroom atmosphere, type, quality, and formulation of the sealant.
It is better to inspect the area and the sealant around it at least once a year to check the cracks in the sealing material or chipping around it.
The new caulk cannot form a smooth and strong seal around the seams and will damage soon if you apply it without cleaning the bathroom window and the old caulk.
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