Caulking

From minor maintenance projects to decoration tasks caulking comes to the rescue for a myriad of projects. This handy dandy material can be put to use in so many different ways within your home. Caulking is a rubbery substance that is manufactured in a variety of formulations that is powerful enough to bond to just about any surface or material. This makes it highly versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. The right type of caulk can solve just about any problem.

What Is Caulk?

Caulk is a waterproof material derived from a flexible polymer such as rubber or latex. This material expands with temperature but fully absorbs vibration which is why it’s used to fill and seal the seams between building structures. The great thing about caulk is that it doesn’t crack like mortar or grout and it can be used to bind materials that are connected at different angles.

Caulk and sealant are two terms that are often used interchangeably because the two products serve the same purpose; they fill the seams and gaps between building materials. However, the main difference between these two materials is the elasticity. Caulk is much more rigid than sealant when it dries. On the other hand, a sealant is more durable in areas that are prone to constant expansion and contraction such as a window or door.

While today’s caulk is made to perform better than ever, there are specific types of caulking designed for different jobs. It’s important to use the appropriate caulking for a project for the best results.

Main Types of Caulking

Trying to find the right caulking for a project can be a befuddling experience especially when you find out that there are several variants of this product on the market. Caulking can be broken down into three main categories; silicone, latex, and siliconized latex which is a combination of the two substances. Then there’s specialty caulking that’s designed for specific tasks.

Latex and silicone caulk each offers their benefits. Latex caulk is easy to apply and can be painted over without compromising the durability. However, latex caulking weakens in sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Silicone latex lasts much longer but can be difficult to apply. Both latex and silicone caulk.is ideal for constant gaps. Specialty caulking is ideal for working with surfaces like concrete, tile, and asphalt.

Situations In Which You’ll Need Caulking

Caulking can help with a host of common indoor and outdoor issues. With the right type of caulk you can solve just about any problem including:

Help Reduce Drafts

Looking for ways to preserve energy in your home?  Air leaks can let all the warm air out during winter and the cool air-conditioned air in the summer. Sealing leaks around the doors and windows can significantly reduce drafts and your home’s energy bills. According to the Consumer Federation of America sealing your home’s windows and doors enhances its energy efficiency while decreasing your carbon footprint.

Repair Tiles

Over time, open spaces begin to develop around the kitchen and bathroom tiles. This can lead to mold and mildew growth behind the walls. Caulking creates a watertight seal that prevents mold growth in such wet conditions.

Loose Carpet

When a corner of the carpet comes up your first thought might be to replace the whole carpet. However, all-purpose caulking can fix the loose material.

Roof Repairs

Yes, with the right caulk you can even seal up the small cracks and edges along your roof edges and between the shingles. Caulk designed for roof repairs is waterproof and can be used on wet and dry surfaces.

Fixed Damaged Gutters

Caulk can also help aging gutters flow freely. As the gutters age, they eventually start to develop cracks and downspouts. Applying a small portion of caulking to the cracks can make the gutters leak-free.

Should I Hire A Professional Handyman For My Caulking Project?

From sealing the seams between the countertops, bathtub, and countertops, caulking has a very important purpose within the household. This simple maintenance task is often neglected or forgotten about until it turns into a major problem. While caulking may seem like a project you can tackle yourself in some instances it should be left to the professionals.  Even as a DIY enthusiast some projects may be too big to handle yourself.

Caulking can deteriorate with time and should be replaced as soon as possible especially in environments prone to moisture. When caulk starts to wear it leaves gaps that allow water and pests to enter. A skilled handyman like the experts at Lacey Handyman can effectively solve caulking issues. Most low-quality contractors will remove the old caulk and reapply the same product. However, we’ll find the right caulking product that is best suited for your home.

Caulking can also get messy at times. If you desire a quality application with a beautiful finish you’ll want to let the experts handle it. A professional can properly prep the surface, select the right product to ensure durability and improve the overall aesthetics of the area.  In addition, a professional experienced with caulking can further seal water prone areas. This will drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Hire Lacey Handyman for Your Caulking Project

Does your bathtub need recaulking?  Or perhaps there are gaps between your tiled walls? Here at Lacey Handyman, we have years of experience in tackling such projects. Our team will perform a thorough inspection to determine the best solution.