Caulking is used almost everywhere. It provides a water-tight seal all-around tubs, sinks, toilets, windows and closes gaps in baseboards and crown molding. It generates an even, air-tight surface area to shield building materials from moisture and air. Maintain your energy bills under control by using caulking to close drafts surrounding your office and house. It can help to prevent decay and mold. It'll contribute many years to your paint jobs as well as make your house look finished.



Caulking features a time line to work with. It doesn’t endure forever and will ultimately break down. Once breakdown begins, fix the joint to circumvent damage to your home. There are different caulking types a variety of jobs and locations. Ahead of purchasing your caulking, do your homework beforehand:

How To Apply

Several caulking items are simple to apply simply require water for cleanup. There are other varieties though that require solvents for cleanup. It is common for some caulking items to produce a strong, noxious odor and vapours while they cure. Be sure to function in a well-ventilated space.

Which Caulk Do I Need For the Job?

Do your research to ensure your caulking preference meets the demands of the material you will be working with for adhesion and location.

Paintable Caulk vs. Non-Paintable Products

If you plan on painting the caulking when it cures and dries, check the label to ensure you are opting for one that can be painted over as some types don’t recommend it.

Do I Require Moisture-Resistant Caulk?

If you are caulking in humidity zones including around the toilet, tub, or sink, make sure you pick a product that is water and mildew-resistant.

Location Matters

Exterior caulking items are created to handle the elements. They are uniquely formulated to keep flexible and handle freezing and thawing and future joint movement.



Will I Require A High Heat Formulation?

Climate is a factor for particular caulking products as some varieties do not withstand temperature changes. For correct curing, some caulk requires warm weather application or certain temperatures.

There are various varieties of unique caulking items available. The most popular ones for property owner projects include:

What Is Butyl Rubber Caulking?

This caulk was designed to be a water-resistant sealant for brick, metal and concrete jobs. This caulk can endure painting soon after it is cured. The product remains adaptable and is suitable for expanding locations like gutters and roof flashing. This caulking is messy and demands solvent cleanup.

Understanding Silicone Caulking

Silicone is great for non-porous surfaces including glass, metal and ceramic tile. Note that silicone is not going to stick to porous surfaces for example masonry or wood. Silicone caulking is offered in clear or a variety of colors plus it can’t be painted on. Silicone stays versatile after it has dried and nothing will stick to cured silicone...including extra silicone. It is difficult to repair and can leave a film behind that is tough to remove. One of many key benefits of silicone is that it can be applied at pretty much any temperature. However, be prepared for silicone to release a strong odor during the curing stage. Also, it will take solvents for cleaning.

Which Caulking Is Best For Kitchen and Bath?

Silicone is typical for kitchen and bath applications in sites of high moisture content. It is great when it comes to sealing around tubs and kitchen sinks. It needs to completely dry before it can get wet. Silicone caulking can be found in many hues and resists mold and mildew. Another bonus is that soap and water are all you need to clean.

Where Is Acrylic Latex Used?

This type of caulking is used for sealing doors, windows and moldings both externally and from within. The temperature has to be forty degrees F or higher whilst curing. This material also comes in numerous colors and can be painted on whenever cured. Once it dries completely, it is water and mildew-resistant. Before being exposed to moisture, it needs to be dried completely. This caulk is not difficult to apply; however, it isn't as flexible as silicone or butyl rubber. Acrylic merely requires water for easy cleanup.

Have a caulking gun accessible for best results. If you only need a little bit of caulking, search for smaller hand tube varieties. To occupy the gaps surrounding door and window frames, purchase pressurized cans to simplify application. Check the square footage calculations on the caulking labels to be certain the proper amount is bought.