Note: This DIY article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to take the place of product-specific installation procedures; always follow applicable manufacturers’ instructions. Depending on your home’s age and condition, location within the home, and other potential factors, repairs and/or upgrades or other services may be necessary prior to the beginning and/or completion of your project that may involve the services of a home improvement professional. This article does not include advice pertaining to local building codes and/or any related inspections.

If you’re aiming for a more sustainable home, you might be surprised to learn that one of the biggest helpers comes in a small tube. Sealants play a quiet but important role in reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and keeping your home comfortable through every season. With a few smart choices, you can boost sustainability at home without overhauling your entire space.

Silicone stands out in the sealing world because it holds its performance for far longer than many budget-friendly alternatives. While acrylic or latex options often harden, shrink, or break down when exposed to moisture and temperature swings, silicone stays flexible and bonded for years.

Why sustainability at home starts with small choices

Creating a more sustainable home doesn’t always require solar panels or a full remodel. Often, the biggest improvements come from small choices that prevent waste and extend the life of what you already own. Air leaks around windows, doors, and trim might seem minor, but they force your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. The same goes for neglected sealant lines in kitchens and bathrooms, which can lead to moisture damage and unnecessary repairs.

By taking care of these small details, you prevent bigger problems from forming and avoid sending damaged materials to the landfill. These are low-cost fixes that fit easily into everyday maintenance routines and make your home more efficient without much effort. It’s proof that sustainability at home is mostly about choosing durable, long-lasting solutions to save energy and resources over time.

Why silicone lasts longer and why that matters for sustainable homes

Not all sealants age gracefully, and the ones that fail early create more problems than they solve. Cheap or low-durability formulas and acrylic or latex options tend to crack, shrink, or peel long before their time, especially in areas exposed to moisture or seasonal temperature swings. Once that happens, drafts return, water seeps in, and the materials around the joint start to deteriorate. What could have been a simple maintenance task often turns into a bigger repair, costing more money and creating more waste.

Silicone, on the other hand, stands out in the sealing world because it holds its performance for far longer than many budget-friendly alternatives, and stays flexible and bonded for years. It also resists UV rays, humidity, and daily movement around windows, doors, kitchens, and baths. That durability means fewer failures and fewer drafts.

Every time a sealant fails early, you have to scrape it out (a task greatly facilitated by GE’s Sealant Remover Tool), apply a new bead, and throw away the old material and packaging. Multiply that by every window, door, and bathroom joint, and the waste adds up quickly. A long-lasting silicone bead reduces that cycle dramatically. It keeps conditioned air inside and protects surrounding materials from water damage that would require energy-intensive repairs.

Silicone also supports energy efficiency by creating a tighter, more resilient seal. Less air leakage means your heating and cooling systems do not have to work as hard, which lowers energy use and shrinks your overall environmental footprint. 

Energy savings start with sealing key trouble spots around your home

A well-sealed home holds onto comfortable temperatures more easily. When small gaps stay open, they act like escape hatches, letting conditioned air drift away faster than you realize. Sealing those tiny openings helps the entire home stay more stable, so rooms warm up or cool down evenly rather than fighting against invisible drafts. Long-lasting silicone makes this even more effective since it keeps those joints sealed season after season instead of wearing out just when you need it most. The result is a home that runs more efficiently without you constantly adjusting thermostats or relying on extra heaters to pick up the slack.

To get the most benefit, focus on a few key areas that tend to cause the biggest headaches. Window frames and trim are common trouble spots because seasonal movement can open up hairline cracks. To get a neat, professional-looking application, use GE’s Sealant Smoothing Tool. Exterior door casings also deserve a close look since hinges and frames shift with daily use. Kitchens and bathrooms should be next on the list, since worn sealant near sinks and fixtures can let moisture sneak in and lead to repairs later. Attic access panels are another spot worth checking since warm air rises and finds its way into unused spaces. Light switches and outlets can also leak air from wall cavities into your rooms. Even baseboards along exterior walls can hide narrow gaps that allow air to pass through. 

GE products that support sustainability at home

When your goal is a home that runs cleaner, lasts longer, and uses less energy, the tools you pick matter. GE Supreme Silicone Window & Door Sealant is formulated for durability. It bonds to a wide range of materials, resists breaking down under UV rays or moisture, and keeps gaps sealed tight so your home doesn’t lose heated or cooled air. 

If you’re focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, or any room that sees moisture, consider GE Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant. It handles humidity, movement, and high traffic. Choosing these longer-lasting sealants means fewer replacements, less material waste, and fewer tubes discarded into the trash. It’s a simple way to turn a small maintenance decision into a meaningful contribution toward sustainability at home.

To get GE Sealants’ products for your home improvement project, visit these fine retailers in the U.S. or Canada.