Why Should You Caulk?

• The purpose of caulking is to keep elements from getting into or out of your house. A good caulking job on the windows can keep heat and cool air from escaping and lower your energy bills. Caulking around the bathtub and sink can keep leaks from developing that may eventually destroy wood or weaken your foundation. Caulking can also keep out bugs, dirt and airborne irritants.
  
  

Types of Caulk

• Different types of caulk are used for different types of jobs and come with advantages and disadvantages. Oil-based caulk is used for routine caulking jobs and glazing and is the least expensive, but also lasts the least amount of time. Oakum caulk is rarely used by homeowners anymore because it must be pounded in and covered with a compound, but it is very good for filling very deep cracks. Polybutane cord caulk is good for wide cracks, but it cannot be painted. Butyl rubber caulk is primarily used for metal-to-wood and it can be difficult for a layperson to use. Neoprene caulk is very good for filling cracks in concrete, but the fumes are toxic, so make sure your worksite is very ventilated. Silicone caulk is the easiest to use, but you pay a premium for this ease.
  
  

Application

• The manner of applying caulk basically boils down to three methods. You can buy caulk in bulk form in drums. This is the least expensive kind of caulk to buy and also the least convenient to apply. Bulk caulk is mainly used by professionals for large jobs. Consumer household use is mainly done with cartridges of caulk fitted into a caulking gun or disposable squeeze tubes. The squeeze tubes are the easiest to use, but aren't as precise as a caulking gun.
  
  

When to Caulk

• Caulking is best done when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is an emergency at hand during cold temperatures, use polybutane cord caulk. Caulking is also difficult during very warm days as the caulk gets runny. To avoid this problem, place the caulk tube or cartridge into the freezer for an hour. To facilitate sticking of the caulk, apply a primer to the seam beforehand. Allow the caulking to cure for a few days and then apply a finish coat if you decide to caulk at the same time you are planning to paint.
  
  

Inspection

• Caulking jobs need to be inspected every once in a while to determine things like flexbility and the quality of the seal. Over time the caulk can become fragile and develop cracks. How often this degradation occurs depends upon the quality of the caulking job itself and environmental factors like humidity. If you can poke your finger into the caulk and crack it open, it is time to remove the old and replace with new.