[HomeSealed]

Closed-cell, low-expansion foam is awesome and will eliminate the need for backer rod and multiple layers of caulk. It is the method most Pros prefer.

 

[HomeSealed]

We have several cans of Great Stuff foam for doors and windows. Would this be considered closed cell? So you would spray the foam in and then re-apply the inside trim/stops? Backer rod and caulk are unnecessary?

You got it. .... I'd only clarify that a solid, continuous bead of the foam is necessary, as is exterior caulking.

 

[HomeSealed]

Why foam the sides but not the top??? Do not use the head expander, and do not bother trying to caulk that inside edge of the blindstop. Foam all four sides, then caulk the blindstop to the window from the exterior. Practice using the foam a little bit, and you really should make no mess at all. Just make sure that you have the window square, shimmed, and secure prior to foaming, as there won't be much adjustment left after the foam cures... The Alex product that you are using is junk and will probably last a couple years. Home Depot carries OSI Quad which is probably the most commonly used caulk by pros, and for good reason. You might consider hiring someone to come out and cap the exterior for you with aluminum. It would finish off the job nicely.

 

[HomeSealed]

The sill is insulated with foam from the exterior prior to installing the sill angle. The silicone on the backside of the blindstop is really just a wasted step if foam is used, but thats your choice. The rest of your products and usage seem just about right.

 

[HomeSealed]

Quad has some "self-leveling" characteristics, so just try to get it straight. It is one of the easiest caulks to lay a nice bead imo... If you do have to tool it with your finger, make sure you lubricate your finger somehow so it doesnt just stick. Most pros just lick their finger, but there are some pretty nasty chemicals in quad so do that at your own risk.

 

[HomeSealed]

Lots of great ideas, thanks a million! I'm making up some "test corners" out of 1x scraps to try out the different techniques and see what works best for me. Practice will hopefully make perfect.

Good idea... Lastly, I'd recommend buying yourself a halfway decent caulk gun, and don't be afraid to pick up some speed as you lay the bead. The key is matching the pressure that you are squeezing with the speed that you move the gun. If you try to be too careful and go to slow, you'll have no chance. That is the #1 mistake that I see.

 

[HomeSealed]

I’d rather spit on my finger than lick it, that’s some nasty tasting stuff and that flavor lingers around for quite awhile too. :huh:

If you lube it up well enough the first time, it won't stick to your finger at all... I have to say, I've never gotten the taste of quad in my mouth, although I'm sure its been a healthy cocktail of lead dust and all the delicious carcinogens in the caulk.