![]() Some shrinkage will occur and must be applied in warm temperatures (above 40degrees F). Butyl Rubber: used to seal dissimilar materials (glass, metal, wood, concrete). Clean up with mineral spirits or naphtha. This material does have a tendency to become dry, separate, and fall from crevices. Oil Based Caulks: readily available, good exterior sealant. This material may be sanded and painted and is very water resistant once it is dry. Latex: very easy to use can be trimmed or smoothed with moist tool or finger. Exhibits little or no shrinkage and may be cleaned up with mineral spirits or naphtha. It has excellent adhesion properties but cannot be painted. Silicone Caulking: a very good sealant which remains flexible after curing. Cleans up with mineral spirits or naphtha. It does, however, have an unpleasant odor that lingers for days until the solvent evaporates. ![]() Mono Caulking Compound: a very sticky, acrylic-type sealant which works well. ![]() Many products on the market today either work very well and are expensive or work for a while and are inexpensive.ġ. TYPES OF SEALANTS: The key to finding the correct sealant lies with the education of the user of these products. INTERIOR CAULKING AREAS: All areas should be caulked such as around pipes, wires, vents, duct vents, between fireplace and walls, windows, baseboards, furdowns, built-in cabinets, inside closets, and outlet and switch plates. It is here that over 25% of air infiltration enters into the home, if this area is not properly caulked. Perhaps the most important area to apply caulking is the area where the sole plate meets the slab. If caulking shrinks, reapply to form a smooth bead so as to seal completely.ĮXTERIOR CAULKING AREAS: All joints between chimney and siding, eaves and gable molding, window sills and siding, window sashes and siding, windows and masonry, door frames, masonry and concrete parts, and inside corners formed by siding should be caulked. Caulk must be sent to the bottom of the opening so there will be no bubbles. All areas to be sealed must be cleaned to ensure good adhesion. The automatic release stops the flow of material when pressure is released. It is well worth the extra money and will be less messy. Also note weathering characteristics, such as cracking, shrinkage, water and mildew resistance.Īlways use a good caulk gun with an automatic release. Use a compound that will adhere to wood, glass, metal, plastic, and masonry since these materials expand and contract. One should pay attention to the manufacturer's description of the material, its performance quality, and directions for application. Many caulking compounds can be found on the market today. ![]() In addition to sealing materials being used during the construction of the building, some sealing may be retrofitted in homes that have been built for many years.Įxamples of this type of sealing: (1) sealing installed between door jambs, (2) sealing at the bottom of a door, (3) adding storm windows over existing windows, and (4) sealing receptacles and switch outlets in the interior. There is more to sealing than smearing messy beads of caulking over everything. Every possible joint between two materials which penetrates the exterior wall, ceiling or floor should have a sealant applied. Sealants work much better when applied during construction, rather than as an afterthought in conventional construction practices. However, if we are to conserve energy we must do a better job of sealing the house. The fact that man needs oxygen to survive is a good reason for this impossible task. It is almost impossible to completely seal a house. LESSON/INFORMATION: Infiltration of unwanted air assumes a leading role in calculating the amount of heat loss/gain in a building. Determine areas which need to be caulked or sealed to prevent air infiltration. Compare the different types of sealants available and select the best one for a particular situation.Ģ. GOAL: To become familiar with the different types of caulking/sealants that are available in home construction. Sealants and Caulking SEALANTS AND CAULKING:
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