No matter how strong the fitting of windows and doors is made in aluminum and glass work, if their final sealing is not correct, water enters inside the walls during the very first rain. Using a silicone gun to make sliding or openable windows waterproof is the most important technical stage. Many new craftsmen are unable to operate a silicone gun properly, which causes the silicone line to become crooked or results in water leakage starting from there after some time.
In today's post, we will learn how to load and use a silicone gun in a professional manner and what the correct method is to permanently protect the outer frame of a window from water.
1. Preparation of Silicone Gun and Material
Before starting the waterproofing work, it is essential for you to have these professional tools:
- High-Quality Silicone Gun: Always choose a gun with a strong frame and a smooth trigger so that the pressure on the silicone remains uniform.
- Neutral Cure Silicone: Always use weather-rated silicone for aluminum and glass work that can withstand weather effects.
- Sharp Cutter or Blade: For cutting the silicone nozzle.
- Clean Cloth and Spirit/Alcohol: For cleaning dust and moisture.
2. Technical Method to Load and Prepare a Silicone Gun
Some new boys jam the silicone tube into the gun incorrectly, which bursts the tube. The correct method is as follows:
- Pulling Back the Gun's Piston: Pull the iron rod or piston completely back by pressing the release lever present at the back of the silicone gun.
- Opening the Tube's Seal: Cut the plastic seal present on the top part of the silicone tube with the help of a cutter, and tighten the long plastic nozzle onto it by rotating it.
- Cutting the Nozzle at 45 Degrees: This is the most critical point. Do not cut the front part of the nozzle completely straight; instead, cut it slantingly at a 45-degree angle. The benefit of cutting it slantingly is that the nozzle fits perfectly into the corner of the frame while applying silicone.
- Loading the Tube: Now place the tube inside the frame of the gun and push the piston forward from behind until it touches the back part of the tube. Press the trigger lightly two or three times so that the silicone reaches the tip.
3. Professional Method to Secure (Waterproof) a Window from Water
To fill the gap present between the outer frame of the window and the wall, mandatorily follow these steps:
Step 1: Deep Cleaning of the Area
If dust, cement debris, or moisture is present at the joint of the aluminum frame and the wall, the silicone will never stick there, and water will come inside. Completely clean and dry the entire joint with the help of a cloth or brush before applying silicone.
Step 2: Correct Handling and Angle of the Silicone Gun
Always hold the gun with both hands; one hand should be on the trigger and the second hand should be under the front part of the gun so that the gun does not shake. Instead of keeping the gun completely straight (at 90 degrees) over the frame, keep it at a 45-degree tilt and seat the slantingly cut part of the nozzle inside the joint.
Step 3: Operating the Gun at a Uniform Speed
Press the trigger slowly and with equal pressure, and pull the gun toward yourself smoothly (at a uniform speed). If you stop the gun repeatedly or give it a jerk, the silicone will come out more in some places and less in others, which will ruin the waterproofing.
Step 4: Finishing and Smoothing
Immediately after applying the silicone line (before it dries), run a special scraper, plastic tool, or a finger lightly dampened in soapy water over the silicone. This will seat the silicone deep inside the joint and make it look completely clean and beautiful from the top.
Golden Technical Rules of Waterproofing
- Silicone Size: The wider the joint is, cut the nozzle from the front accordingly so that the bead of silicone completely fills the gap.
- Avoid Work in Rainy Weather: If the wall or frame is wet, never apply silicone. Due to the wetness, the silicone loses its grip.
If you operate the silicone gun according to these technical principles, the life of the window will double, and the walls of the house will remain safe from rainwater and dampness forever.
0 Comments