As an apartment complex ages, the caulking around windows, doors, and other exterior joints can fail. Commercial caulking plays an essential role in keeping your building watertight. When caulking begins to crack, peel, or show other signs of deterioration, it can lead to air and water infiltration, higher energy bills, pest intrusion, and mold growth.
By looking for signs of caulking failure and re-caulking promptly, you can avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Here are the top signs that it may be time for a new commercial caulking at your apartment complex.
Crumbling or Cracked Caulk
One of the most prominent indicators that the commercial caulking needs replacing is visible cracks or crumbling. Places to check include windows, door frames, vents, pipes, and any other exterior penetrations. Even tiny cracks let outdoor air and moisture seep into the building envelope.
Over time, normal expansion and contraction of building materials can cause the caulking to split or detach. Temperature fluctuations, sun exposure, rain, and wind also take their toll. Suppose gaps form between caulking and adjoining surfaces such as stucco, brick, siding, or window frames. In that case, new caulk is definitely in order.
Signs of Water Intrusion
Failed caulk shows itself when you see signs of water getting into the building. Water stains around windows or doors suggest the caulking has lost its seal. You might also notice moisture accumulation or outright leaks inside around penetrations. This indicates that the caulking is no longer effectively blocking bulk water entry.
The caulk likely needs replacing if parts of the exterior wall are discolored from moisture or show mineral deposits. Keep in mind that by the time you spot actual water damage, the failed caulk has probably already led to further issues inside the wall or roof assembly. Re-caulking at the first signs of leakage is paramount to preventing worse building envelope damage.
Draftiness Near Doors and Windows
Cold drafts near exterior doors and windows can also hint at a need for fresh caulk. If the seal around openings has begun failing, outdoor air can infiltrate the building more efficiently. This leads to tenant discomfort and higher utility expenses as the HVAC system works harder to heat or cool unconditioned outside air unnecessarily entering the apartment.
Some air leakage is inevitable in aging buildings. However, tenants will appreciate comfortable living spaces free of drafty annoyances. Replacing worn caulking provides better air sealing, keeping indoor conditions more pleasant.
Pest Intrusion Around Openings
Cockroaches, spiders, mice, and other unwelcome pests might start appearing around cracks or openings in the exterior. Breaches in the building envelope give insects and rodents access inside where they can nest, multiply quickly, and bother residents. No one wants to discover bugs skittering through their home or nagging rodent problems.
If tenants complain of pest sightings near exterior cracks or you spot spiderwebs, insect carcasses, or droppings around openings yourself during inspections, badly deteriorated caulk may be to blame. Sealing off gaps deprives pests of entry points into units and common areas. This safeguards a more hygienic interior environment.
Increased Energy Costs
Sudden spikes in heating or cooling expenses can also suggest air leaks due to compromised caulk. The HVAC system inevitably works harder to maintain indoor temperatures if unconditioned outside air flows freely into the building through openings. Stops and starts as the system struggles to hold setpoints constant, shortens equipment life.
If you lack caulk maintenance records, have an energy audit conducted to pinpoint trouble spots. Thermography scans, blower door tests, and other assessments can identify areas of air leakage. Targeting fresh caulk to locations with the greatest leakage provides better air sealing for improved energy efficiency.
Musty Odors and Potential Mold Issues
If water intrusion occurs in moist climates or bathrooms and kitchens, failed caulk can lead to ugly mold and mildew buildup. The spores release unpleasant, musty odors that permeate drywall and fabrics. Mold also poses health hazards to those with respiratory issues such as asthma.
During unit inspections, sniff out funky smells around showers, tubs, sinks, and other wet areas. Survey the exterior for blackened caulk or visible mold near joints, too. Don’t ignore nauseating stenches or visible fungal growth; the problem will only worsen. Re-caulking to prevent further moisture entry is essential before tackling mold remediation.
When to Call the Professionals
While caulk tubes are readily available at any hardware store for minor upkeep, commercial caulking replacement is best left to seasoned contractors. Professionals bring specialized equipment, premium commercial-grade caulking compounds, and expertise gained from years of building envelope maintenance experience.
From high-reach boom lifts for multi-story buildings to dust-containment systems that prevent messy cleanup, commercial caulking pros do the job without disturbing residents.
They know which caulk formulations work best for the materials and exposures found in apartment complexes. Thoroughly sealing the building envelope also requires careful preparation and professional joint sizing knowledge.
Protect Your Apartment Complex with the Commercial Caulking Experts
The Waterproof Caulking & Restoration team has extensive experience in re-caulking multi-unit residential buildings. Take advantage of our advanced equipment, premium caulking compounds, extensive color-matching capabilities, and success in rejuvenating building envelopes on complexes of all sizes.
We help building owners nip problems in the bud before minor sealing issues blossom into major headaches down the road. Contact us today at 484.265.9646 or online for a customized re-caulking assessment and quote.