Basement windows insulating

[jarhead]

My basement windows were replaced about 4 years ago and it looks like the contractor did a pretty crappy job of caulking the windows inside and out. As I was stripping the old caulking on the inside, I noticed way too much daylight coming through. I went outside to see what was going on and noticed that there was no caulking or insulating done on the outside. What is the best way to caulk/insulate the windows on the outside? Can I shoot that expanding foam into the gaps?

[siliconbauhaus]

Use some foam backing strip and shove it in from bothe sides and then caulk away

[backpacker85]

Great advice about the foam backing....probably save you about 15 tubes of caulk (DAMHIKT) and make sure the caulk you use stays flexible after cured.

Expanding foam has its applications, but I've seen too many cases of it used in confined spaces and deforming something. Just my .02

[jarhead]

I suppose BORG sells foam backing in the insulation section. What kind of caulking should I use on the outside and how clean should the area be?

[Hellrazor]

Do NOT use spray foam on tight windows or you can and will warp the window frames. They make spray foam for window applications, but I would not use it unless the gap is an inch or more.

Use foam backer as suggest and a quality silicon caulk. Make sure everything is clean and free of dust/dirt.

[TheRic]

Plus 1 on what Hellrazor said.

[siliconbauhaus]

I suppose BORG sells foam backing in the insulation section. What kind of caulking should I use on the outside and how clean should the area be?

They should do mate, it's not a specialist item. Have a look in the door and windows section as well.

[jarhead]

They should do mate, it's not a specialist item. Have a look in the door and windows section as well.

Found it in the door/window insulation section in different diameters.

Is caulking all that is required or should some kind of trim be nailed around the window?