Re-Caulking Windows

[Shakey]

Does anyone have any experience when it comes to having windows re-caulked?

Does the old caulking need to be removed first or do you simply put a new bead over the old one?

The caulking around the windows in my seven year old house is dry, brittle, cracked and in some areas seperated leaving gaps.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[NHCharger]

The cheap way out is to cut out the really bad caulking where it is lifting off the brick and then caulk over the existing caulk. The right way would be to remove as much of the old stuff first, then caulk. They do make specialized tools for removing caulking, instead of trying to dig it out with a utility knife and screw driver. Also use some good commercial caulking, not the cheap stuff you find at the home improvement stores. If you want I could ask the commercial caulkologist we use what brands he would recommend.

Also prep work is just as important. I see you have clad windows which is nice (no painting), but the window frames need to be throughly cleaned so there is a solid bond between the caulking and window.

[Shakey]

The cheap way out is to cut out the really bad caulking where it is lifting off the brick and then caulk over the existing caulk. The right way would be to remove as much of the old stuff first, then caulk. They do make specialized tools for removing caulking, instead of trying to dig it out with a utility knife and screw driver. Also use some good commercial caulking, not the cheap stuff you find at the home improvement stores. If you want I could ask the commercial caulkologist we use what brands he would recommend.

Hi Brian - how ya been?

Please do ask the specialist what he'd recommend.

I don't plan on cutting any corners, I thought it would be best to remove the old stuff but someone said it was not necessary.   

Thanks.

[69charger2002]

i agree remove as much of the old stuff as possible
it wouldn't hurt to overlay the caulk on top of the other.. but it you've ever seen a 30 year old house that this has been done to say 5 times over the 30 years, it gets pretty ugly. now if you're getting ready to sell the house soon, just caulk over and be done wth it. otherwise take the time and scrape
trav