Caulks
Roof Repair Caulks
Caulk is a type of finishing material that is used to fill in gaps, cracks, and breaks in various surfaces. By using caulk, you can help to prevent heat loss around windows and doors, water leakage around toilets and bathtubs, and cracks in your driveway and foundation. Sometimes referred to as sealant, caulk used to only be available in polyurethane and silicone forms. However, there are now a variety of different types of caulk specifically designed for a number of different home repair jobs.
Caulk is useful stuff-it can be used to decorate or repair and, at the same time, it seals and protects. It is a wonderful preventative and is easily replaced when its better days are past. Caulk is inexpensive and easy to apply relative to the damage it prevents.
Caulk is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. Caulk serves several purposes :
- It seals cracks which rob your home of conditioned air, making it more energy efficient.
- Different materials expand and contract at different rates and at different temperatures. Flexible caulk can seal the cracks that result from this movement.
- It provides a moisture barrier and seals water away from areas which could be damaged by rot or by the expansion of water as it freezes.
- It prevents insects from crawling through cracks into your home.
- It provides an attractive finish in corners and at the joints of unlike materials.
Types of Caulks
Many people find it overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right type of caulk for a particular job. Because there are so many different kinds of caulk on the market, the decision can be a difficult one. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right caulk for your repair job.
Following are the different types of caulk:
Choosing Your Caulk
when it comes time to choosing a caulk for a particular repair job, it is important to consider a few key factors first. These factors will play an important role in helping you to decide what type of caulk to choose:
- Indoors or Outdoors? Some caulks are designed for outdoor use, while others work better inside the home. Depending upon your job, you may need an inside or outside caulk.
- Temperature: Consider the temperature in the place where you are going to put the caulk. Some types of caulk can withstand extreme temperatures while others can’t. This can severely affect performance.
- Moisture Levels: Some caulks are specifically designed to be installed in high moisture areas. If you use a caulk that isn’t, it could impact on adhesion and durability.
- Application Process: Some types of caulk are much easier to apply than others. Consider your level of caulking expertise before you run out and purchase a hard-to-apply caulk.