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.
Fall is the ideal season to reseal windows and doors before colder, wetter weather sets in. Mild temperatures and lower humidity create the best conditions for applying and curing exterior sealant. Sealing now with a high-performance product like GE Pro Seal Max Window & Door helps prevent drafts, moisture damage, and rising energy bills all winter long.
Extreme temperatures can interfere with how well a sealant performs, which is why early fall offers the best time for resealing projects. As windows and doors are some of the most common sources of heat loss in homes, small gaps around the frame of your house are often the root cause and should be your fall weatherproofing priority.
Fall weather sets the stage for better sealing
Extreme temperatures can interfere with how well a sealant performs. During summer, hot surfaces can cause sealant to cure too quickly or fail to bond properly. Alternatively, in winter, cold temperatures can slow the curing process and reduce flexibility, making it harder for the sealant to adhere or expand and contract as needed. Fall weather strikes a balance, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 40°F and 90°F in most regions, which is ideal for most exterior sealants.
Lower humidity is another advantage of sealing in the fall. Moisture in the air can slow curing and affect how well the sealant sets, especially in high-humidity summer climates. Drier air in the fall helps the sealant cure more evenly and consistently. Wind and precipitation are also generally more manageable in early fall than in late winter or early spring.
Sealing windows and doors when conditions are right ensures a longer-lasting bond and better protection for your home. By taking advantage of fall’s stable weather, homeowners can make sure their sealant adheres correctly and performs well throughout the colder months ahead.
Weatherproofing tips: preventing winter drafts starts at the frame
Windows and doors are some of the most common sources of heat loss in homes, and the root of the problem is often small gaps around the frame of the house. Over time, weather, movement, and settling can cause the original sealant to crack or pull away from surfaces. While these fissures may seem minor, they allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder and increasing your energy bills.
Sealing these gaps in early fall is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor comfort before temperatures drop. Focus on both the exterior and interior sides of window and door frames, especially in older homes or anywhere you’ve previously noticed drafts. Even well-installed windows and doors can shift slightly over time, creating space for air leaks.
Sealing windows and doors: moisture control protects structural integrity
When sealant deteriorates, even small gaps can allow rain, snowmelt, or condensation to seep into the surrounding structure. Over time, this moisture can lead to rot in wooden framing, corrosion in metal components, and the growth of mold or mildew inside your walls. Once water invades the building envelope, repairs often require removing trim, drywall, or insulation. As such, prevention remains far easier and more affordable than remediation.
Fall is the best time to address these risks, because it allows you to reseal windows and doors before winter’s wettest and most damaging weather arrives. Snow and ice can accumulate around sills and ledges, then melt and refreeze, pushing moisture into any unsealed cracks. This freeze–thaw cycle also expands gaps in materials, exacerbating any existing weaknesses.
By resealing windows and doors now, you create a continuous, water-resistant barrier to keep moisture out through winter and beyond. Durable, professional-grade products like GE Pro Seal Max Window & Door are designed to handle temperature swings and harsh conditions without cracking or shrinking.
Why GE Pro Seal Max Window & Door is the right choice for sealing doors and windows
GE Pro Seal Max Window & Door is specifically formulated for tough outdoor conditions and is a superior choice for outdoor sealing projects in the fall. This advanced silicone sealant adheres strongly to common building materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement. It remains flexible in a wide temperature range, so it won’t crack or shrink as temperatures fluctuate between fall and winter. It’s also rain-ready upon application, reducing the risk of washout if weather conditions change.
Unlike some general-purpose caulks, Pro Seal Max is designed to resist UV rays, mold, and mildew, making it a long-term solution for exposed areas like window and door frames. Its durability through freeze–thaw cycles helps maintain a secure seal throughout the winter months and beyond. For interior trim or specific indoor applications near windows and doors, GE Advanced Silicone Window & Door Sealant is a great companion product that provides similar performance.
What to look for when inspecting old sealant
Before resealing, it’s important to inspect the condition of the existing sealant around your windows and doors. Start by looking for visible cracks, peeling, or separation from surfaces. Discoloration or the presence of mildew may also indicate that the sealant has degraded and is no longer providing a proper barrier. In some cases, you may feel a draft or notice moisture buildup near the frame. Both are signs that the seal has failed.
Use a fingertip test to check flexibility. Press lightly on the sealant, and if it feels brittle, crumbles, or pulls away, remove it with a putty knife or GE’s Sealant Remover Tool. Pay close attention to south- and west-facing areas, which tend to degrade faster due to sun exposure. Also, inspect horizontal joints and corners, where movement and weather strain sealant the most.
To get GE Sealants’ products for your home improvement project, visit these fine retailers in the U.S. or Canada.
