Many people think of caulking as being limited to sealing joints, but this material is good at accomplishing a surprising number of household tasks. Here is a look at seven problems that can be solved with caulk.
Bugs And Pests
Some homeowners believe that calling a pest control company is their only course of action when they start to notice a pest problem within their home. However, in many cases, sealing gaps can go a long way toward keeping pests from getting inside of the house. Concrete and mortar repair caulk can be used to seal gaps in brick, concrete, stone, metal and stucco as well as small fissures in your basement walls or foundation that serve as the perfect opening for rodents, insects and other pests. Sealing these gaps with caulk may mean there is no need to use potentially harmful pesticides around the home. This type of caulk can be used indoors and painted when dry, which makes it as attractive as it is functional.
Loose Molding, Tile Or Carpet
An all-purpose caulk often works better than glue when small areas of molding, tile or carpet are coming loose. For example, if a length of molding falls off, you can dab a small amount of caulk behind it and stick it back into place. Likewise, you can apply a small amount behind tile that has come loose or a corner of carpet that is coming up and fix it back into position for long-lasting results. In some cases, you may even be able to use all-purpose caulk to install wood paneling instead of nails.
Leaky Gutters
Gutters tend to develop cracks and gaps as they age, particularly in the areas of downspout junctions and joints. These joints can be sealed using butyl rubber caulk, which is a strong waterproof sealant. Applying a small amount into the cracks can stop leaks in your gutter and allow rainwater to flow freely away from your home.
Drafts
If any areas of your home feel drafty, caulk could be the solution. Drafts and air leaks can get into your home in small spaces around your windows and doors. Caulking is an easy and effective way to seal up any small areas where air is leaking, allowing your home to stay at a more comfortable temperature, thereby reducing the stress on your HVAC systems and keeping your energy bills lower. Vinyl latex can be used for this purpose in damp areas and will last for around five years, while acrylic latex is best for dry environments and holds up for around 15 years.
Uneven Woodworking
Even the best woodworking jobs are prone to a bit of unevenness. Most floors are slightly uneven, and lining up baseboards perfectly can be an impossible task. If you have any small gaps above, beneath or between your baseboards or molding, you can use acrylic latex caulk to fill them in. It can be painted in as few as six hours after application because it dries quickly, and you can find it in a range of colored pigments to match the surrounding material.
Tile Touch-ups
When small spaces open up between the tiles in your kitchen or bathroom, it may not be necessary to go to the trouble of replacing the tile or even regrouting. Instead, caulk can be used to seal up small spaces between tiles to keep moisture out and prevent mold and mildew from proliferating. Caulk that is 100% silicone or siliconized acrylic can create a watertight seal that will stand the test of time. Waterproof siliconized acrylic caulk is suited to glass, ceramic tile, and tubs, while mildew- and mold-resistant silicone caulk work well on nonporous surfaces such as metal, glass and ceramic.
Wallpaper Sealing
Wallpaper is back in style, but even modern wallpaper is prone to pulling up as it dries. If you are having trouble with the edge of your wallpaper staying put as the glue dries, run caulk along the trimmed paper seams, paying close attention to the corners. Then, smooth the area out using a wet finger or damp sponge to remove surface imperfections.
This trick also works well for older wallpaper that is peeling away from the wall. Lift up a loose section of wallpaper and apply some adhesive caulk beneath it before smoothing it back against the wall. After the adhesive has dried, you can apply another bead of caulk along the wallpaper seams to prevent it from peeling up again.
Get In Touch With The Experts On Caulk
Although caulk can be useful for a wide range of simple home tasks, it is best to leave fully caulking or recaulking your home to professionals. Water or moisture entering your home has the potential to cause significant damage, so you will want to ensure the work is carried out properly. Reach out to the experienced caulking professionals at Waterproof Caulking and Restoration to earn more about how their caulking services can help you keep out moisture and pests while making your home more energy-efficient.