Top Home Caulking Pitfalls

Caulking is one of the many ways of sealing joints, seams and some types of piping. Caulking is used to provide thermal insulation, noise mitigation and control water penetration. This is mostly done with a combination of readily available construction materials such as silicone, polysulfide and polyurethane and acrylic sealants.

Caulking doesn’t only apply to shipbuilding but to home maintenance as well. Toilet bowls, wall joints, windows and other parts that are in need of sealing are all in need of caulking. Before you venture out on any do-it-yourself ideas and instructions, here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when caulking at home.

Settling to adhesive rather than sealant

Caulk is used for sealing cracks and gaps that exist between two materials especially in places where water and air could seep through. In the event when you see daylight through the crack or feel a draft, seal it with silicone. It is not an adhesive therefore, it is safe to use on door frames, sink and counter tops.

Failing to locate all leaks

Yes. It is important to seal leaks of your windows, electrical wirings, doors and plumbing but how about places like the attic, basements and crawl spaces. These leaks can pose bigger threats if left unattended.

Forgetting the caulk gun

Never leave the hardware store with just a caulk cartridge. It isn't designed to be squeezed and applied. You’ll need a caulk gun to properly dispense it when you apply it.

Neglecting the old caulk before applying new

Most people believe that applying a new caulk to the old one will help strengthen it, but no. Use a razor blade first to remove the old caulk. With this, not only will you remove the old layer but also the mildew and mold that may have formed. Follow it up by cleaning the surface with a household cleaner or rubbing alcohol with a wire brush or clean cloth. Be sure to make the surface clean, free of soap, dust and grease before caulking.

Wrong tube cut

The line of the caulk is called a bead and is usually formed with every squeeze of the caulk gun. The right bead starts with the right cut. Be careful to cut the opening of the caulk tube to fit the job. As a rule of thumb, cut near the top for a thin bead and further down for a thick bead. For silicone caulk, there is an inner seal that should be pierced before application.

These are some of the common pitfalls of home caulking. Always remember to read the instructions provided on the product packaging before you do the caulking. Keeping this information is important not only for instructions but for storage and first-aid reasons as well.