Outlined below are some important factors to consider when deciding on the right caulk for the job at hand. First, it can be helpful to narrow down the range of caulking to use on the exterior of the house based on consideration of three important factors related to where it will be used: location, season and foundation type. There are many areas on the outside of a home that might need to be caulked, and the specific location should be used to determine the composition of the caulk.
Foundations, doors, windows, driveways, roofs and gutters all require different types of caulk to seal successfully. Not every type of caulk can stand up to extreme temperatures. Some caulks may have difficulty setting up initially in extreme heat, for example, while others may not be suitable for homes in very cold or windy environments.
Cracks in a foundation can cause a loss of structural integrity and lead to high-cost repairs if they are not addressed early. Latex concrete, silicone and polyurethane caulks are all good choices for foundations, but it is important to keep the type of foundation in mind and check the label carefully before making your decision.
Exterior caulking comes in a wide range of materials, and some are easier to work with than others. Below are some of the most popular choices of exterior caulking and where they work best. Caulks made of polyurethane, also known as poly caulks, tend to be far tougher than other choices which makes them ideal for driveways, trim and areas of the home that are exposed to the elements. Also be sure to keep your wrists straight, moving your elbows and body when running a bead.
For example, if caulking a vertical seam, start at the top and as you progress downward, bend your elbows—or knees—to caulk lower while maintaining your wrist position.
Bending your wrists would alter the angle of the caulking gun, changing the appearance of the bead. Rather, caulk from one end to the middle of the seam and stop. Then, start at the other end and caulk to meet the first bead. This will allow you to maintain a steady hand position, which will result in a uniform bead. Siding is often textured, and if you slide the tip of the tube along the bumpy texture, the bead of caulk will also be bumpy.
The best way to smooth the bead is to start about six inches from the bottom and smooth that small section first. Then, move up another six inches and smooth that section next, pulling downward toward the section you just smoothed. Amateurs often try to smooth the entire bead at one time, which causes excess caulk to build up and overflow on the sides of the seam.
Smoothing just a small section at a time will give you a professional look and prevent a mess of excess caulk on the sides of the seam. It takes caulk a couple of hours to start drying, so you should have ample time to smooth in this manner.
Maintaining your windows is one way to ensure your home stays in peak condition through the seasons. Are you adequately covered? Window caulking, the process of sealing off cracks around a window with a waterproof sealant, is a simple job with a big pay-off.
Skip to Content. Not selecting the right caulk When it comes to caulk, you get what you pay for. Leaving on old caulk Caulk tends to harden as it ages, usually breaking away from its surface leaving moisture to accumulate beneath. Home Category. October 26, Facebook Twitter Courriel. Other related articles:. Your home: A practical guide to fall maintenance.
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