Does Your Home Need Caulking?
Place a dollar bill in your doorjamb and shut the door. Try to remove the bill. If it slides out easily, you are losing energy and could be giving pests a gateway into your home. Try the same trick between your window sash and sill — the same rule applies. The best way to fix this inefficiency is by caulking. Caulking the interior and exterior of your home at least twice a year can save energy, prevent water damage, and improve your property’s appearance. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
Caulk Like a Pro
The makers of GE Silicone caulk offer the following advice:
- Clean the surface. Remove old caulk, dirt, and loose particles with a caulk-removing tool or wire brush for concrete and masonry applications, and wipe clean with a cloth.
- Prepare the tube and seal. Cut the nozzle to desired bead size. If using a caulk gun, squeeze with even, consistent pressure to control the rate at which the caulk leaves the tube.
- Smooth the caulk seal. Use your finger or a wet caulk-smoothing tool within two to five minutes of application.
- Store the tube and clean. Squeeze the caulk until it’s barely coming out of the tube. Replace the cap, or use a nail in the tube opening.
Caulking Indoors
Here are a few good places to start:
- The bathroom. “Give your bathroom a clean, fresh look by caulking the sink, toilet, and shower/tub,” says Carey Evans, a designer who appears on the HGTV show Don’t Sweat It. “It’s important to use silicone caulk, because it is not water based, so there is minimal shrinking or cracking.
- The kitchen. Your sink could stand new caulk, too. Just make sure to remove the old stuff first as it’s a magnet for mildew and mold.
- Windows and doors. Caulking around interior windows and doors using either an acrylic or silicone product could lower your energy bills.
Caulking Outdoors
Tackle these projects to get real results:
- Exterior windows.
- Doors.
- Siding.
- Driveway.
Learn more about protecting your home from the elements with the right insurance coverage and these winterizing tips. © 2013 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
