All about the CAULK

Why is it important to properly seal windows and doors?

Before caulking air leaks in an existing home, you will need to?detect the leaks and assess ventilation needs to ensure adequate indoor air quality. In addition to sealing air leaks, caulking can also prevent water damage inside and outside of the home when applied around faucets, ceiling fixtures, water pipes, drains, bathtubs, and other plumbing fixtures.

Proper sealing of windows and doors is something that should not be overlooked. Not only does properly sealing windows and doors with quality sealant help to increase your home?s longevity, but it also helps to keep the elements outside.

Energy Efficiency

When doors and windows are properly sealed, heat and cold are kept inside during the winter and summer months. Improper sealing can result in drafts and ultimately makes it more difficult for heating and cooling systems to regulate temperature.

When heating and cooling systems are constantly working harder to regulate preferred temperature within the home, chances are that energy costs will increase. Not only will it be more expensive to maintain, but it will also put more stress on the system than necessary. This could result in undesired repairs or replacements!

When comparing the long-term price of heating and cooling a home with improperly sealed windows, to the cost of sealing them, there?s little question that one would prefer to invest in a quality, 100% silicone sealant, specifically formulated for windows and doors.

 

Nature Stays Outside

Properly sealing windows and doors will make all the difference. Over time, the moisture caused by the elements can be absorbed by the windows and doors. This can ultimately damage them from the inside out.

Bugs and other pests can be very resourceful. Unsealed windows and doors make it easy for insects to invade a home. These pests can include:

• Spiders
• Centipedes
• Mosquitoes

Not only will it keep insects from moving in, but it can also be beneficial to keep pollen and allergens outside. This can be extremely helpful for those who suffer from year-round or seasonal allergies. Mold can also pass through unsealed crevasses and if not treated can damage windows, doors, walls and floors.

Sealing windows and doors properly can also prevent street noise from entering your home. By sealing these cracks and crevasses the sound won?t be able to enter and you can continue to enjoy the solitude and serenity of your home.

Increase the Lifespan of Your Doors and Windows

As previously mentioned, properly sealing your clients? windows and doors can help to keep out the elements, contaminants and even bacteria. Once moisture and mold enter your home and begin to build up inside of your windows, doors and surrounding floors and walls, it can grow quickly and become expensive to treat.

A buildup of moisture gone untreated for a period of time can cause your window or door to begin to warp and lose shape. When properly sealed, deterioration slows down and you can enjoy your investment for much, much longer.

Selecting Caulking

Most caulking compounds come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns (if possible, purchase one with an automatic release). Some pressurized cartridges do not require caulking guns.

When deciding how much caulking to purchase, consider that you’ll probably need a half-cartridge per window or door and four cartridges for the foundation sill of an average home. Caulking compounds can also be found in aerosol cans, squeeze tubes, and ropes for small jobs or special applications.

Caulking compounds vary in strength, properties, and prices. Water-based caulk can be cleaned with water, while solvent-based compounds require a solvent for cleanup. See the table below for information about common caulking compounds.

At Tree Court Builders Supply, we want the products that we offer to last a long time. Choose a quality sealant and be sure to properly seal. You will be the King or Queen of Caulk — and you’ll be glad you did.