Home › DIY guides › Reseal a drafty window
Difficulty Easy Time 1-2 hours Materials $18–$38 Steps 4
Easy 1-2 hours
Ensure proper ventilation when using sealants.
Do it yourself
parts & materials, about 1-2 hours of your time
Hire a pro
typical all-in price
Doing it yourself could save roughly $112
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices.
Get real quotes .
Caulking gun Utility knife Putty knife
Window caulk
Typically need: 1
Weather stripping
Typically need: 1
Cleaning solution
Typically need: 1
Estimated materials total: $18–$38 . Prices vary by region and retailer.
1
Clean the window frame
Use a cleaning solution to remove dirt and old sealant from the window frame.
15 min
Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
2
Remove old caulk
Use a utility knife or putty knife to carefully remove any old caulk from the window frame.
15 min
Utility knife Putty knife
3
Apply new caulk
Load the caulking gun with new window caulk and apply it evenly along the seams of the window frame.
30 min
Caulking gun
4
Install weather stripping
Cut the weather stripping to size and apply it around the window to prevent drafts.
30 min
Safety rules
Use caulk and sealants in a well-ventilated area.
Legal disposal
Dispose of old caulk and materials according to local regulations.
Check locally
Check with the Naperville building authority for any specific local requirements.
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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.
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