Should they always be caulked? The answer depends on the manufacturer, and installation method used when the siding was first installed. NOTE: Generally, we do not recommend caulking butt-joints on cedar siding. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. We only caulk butt-joints on cedar siding if previously caulked.
Fiber cement boards are caulked only when there is no metal flashing behind them. Some manufacturers do not require the metal flashing, therefore, we caulk the butt joint to keep the pieces together and also prevent moisture. Pretty much all trim joints need to be sealed. While a DIYer or a novice painter might attempt to produce a cleaner look by sealing all gaps on a wood garage door, garage door panels are designed to move. The panels on your garage door require room for free-play.
Caulking them is a mistake and the caulking is likely to fail prematurely. Gaps, cracks, failed knots, etc. Anything that might one day allow moisture to penetrate will be sealed. Minneapolis House Painters recommends paying attention to corners and crevices as well as trim boards around windows and doors. In the old days, the builder would install the trim, bring the siding up to it, and caulk the corner. By Juan Rodriguez. Juan Rodriguez is a former writer with The Balance who covered large-scale construction.
He is an engineer with experience managing and overseeing large civil works construction. Learn about our editorial policies. Updated on November 12, Your Privacy Rights. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.
We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. It's not a catch-all, though. Some areas of the home should never be caulked, since doing so can trap moisture and cause damage. Make sure the caulk you use is appropriate for the project you're undertaking. The Department of Energy says some caulks are flexible to allow joints to move. You should also check to see which caulk best fits the area and materials it will be applied to; some varieties are good for exterior use, while others excel at dissimilar materials.
On the exterior of the home, caulk is particularly useful in corners and edges. Elegant Painting, a company in Woodinville, Wash. The home improvement professional Ron Hazelton says window and door frames should also be sealed; even if these have been caulked before, older caulk may have pulled away from the edges and need to be replaced.
A quick application of caulk is useful for closing off any number of cracks or holes where water or pests can enter. Donna Boyle Schwartz, writing for the home improvement professional Bob Vila, says some caulks are specifically made to close off openings in the concrete or mortar in foundations. Weatherproof caulk is useful for roof repairs, as it will seal off gaps around flashing, skylights, and other openings.
Similarly, waterproof sealant is a good way to revitalize gutters by plugging leaks. You might be able to caulk the junctures where certain kinds of siding come together, helping to keep them in place and prevent moisture from entering your home. Elegant Painting says this shouldn't be done for cedar siding or other natural materials that are designed to expand and contract.
You can also use caulk to fill in cracks, gaps, and other openings in the siding itself. On the home's interior, caulk is useful for filling in gaps at the bottom or top of baseboards. Lee Wallender, writing for the home improvement site The Spruce, says this process makes the baseboards look better, prevents debris from accumulating in the gaps, and keeps air from leaking around them. However, you can also consider alternatives such as tightening the baseboards or replacing them with thinner, more flexible ones.
A line of caulk will cut down on drafts around window frames. You'll just want to make sure you use it to seal gaps in immobile areas.
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