Tips & Tricks

Helpful Hints For Your Next Caulking Project

With a nickname such as "toolbox in a tube," you can quickly see that caulk can be a homeowner's best friend - it's cheap, it's easy to apply and it has a multitude of uses.

But once you choose the appropriate product for your project, there are many tips and tricks that you should know to make your project look like a professional did it.

General Tips

• Read all of the manufacturers Directions completely before using any product.




• Don't wait too long to make those repairs. Small, inexpensive projects today can easily become large expensive projects tomorrow.




• To insure your project goes smoothly, make sure you have all of the tools needed for the job before you start. This will save you time, energy and frustration in the long run. That includes choosing the right product for the application.




• Cutting corners on price may give you more headaches then savings. Buy the best product suitable for your application.




• Mold & mildew can be tough to keep away from high humidity areas such as your bathroom or kitchen. It's important when using a caulk or sealant that the product contain a mildewcide to help resist mold & mildew growth.




• Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive caulk contains double the amount of mildewcide to fight the growth of mold & mildew on the cured caulk surface.




• Water-based products cure or dry by evaporation. Conditions that effect evaporation also change product cure. Cool, humid conditions slow the cure while hot, dry conditions speed it up. Good airflow increases evaporation and speeds the cure.




• Product curing is also effected by the substrates. Porous surfaces allow water to escape and speed the cure. Non-porous surfaces do not and water must evaporate from the caulk surface. Do not trap water-based products between two non-porous surfaces.




• A 1/8 inch gap around 2 door frames can let out as much hot air as a 12-inch window open 6 inches all winter long.




• Caulking around doors, windows, pipes, cables and vents can save up to 10% in heating and cooling costs.




• 10% or more can be saved on energy costs by reducing the air leaks in your home.