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The Life of Caulking May Be Misleading, Check it Regularly

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Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819

The Life of Caulking May Be Misleading, Check it Regularly

 

There are many different types of caulking for many different applications. Using the correct product for your project is very important for favorable results. But just how long does the caulking last.

 

Caulking has gone bad for the second time.Usually not as long as they claim; you can help achieve longer lasting caulk life by doing a few things in the beginning.

Read and follow the instructions on the product. It is important that the surface is properly prepared, a clean dry surface has a better rate of success than just applying the product over the surface

Use the proper caulking. The choices may seem endless, but be sure that the description matches your project. You don’t want to use an interior caulk for the outside of your home.

Extreme conditions can affect the life of the product. Moist areas and areas of extreme weather can take its toll on the caulking – creating a need to redo the caulk lines again. There are products that perform better than others; maybe it would makes sense to spend the extra money now to help push back the clock.

So if you are looking to increase the life of the caulking in your home, start by following a few simple steps - Buy and use the right product, read and follow the instructions.

 

 

 


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Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Great advice Tom, especially since there are so many choices.  I stood in the caulk aisle at Home Depot for quite a while a few weeks ago when they were working on the suite next door.

Oct 08, 2013 07:33 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Tom. As usual you go above and beyond in explaining the limitations of products and reading the directions is always a good place to start. Suggested.

Oct 08, 2013 10:44 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

At Home Depot, the caulking takes up just about one whole side of an isle Roger.  :)

Oct 08, 2013 11:04 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Thanks for the vote of confidence Sheila. Using the right product is very important, especially in keeping moisture away.

Oct 08, 2013 11:05 PM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Tom,

In many cases the caulking lasts only about half the time the MFG says. Any caulking on the exterior that starts to get that chalky look and touch is well beyond it's expected life.

Have a great day in Sacramento.

Best, Clint McKie

Oct 08, 2013 11:52 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Timely information for home owners. It is a good time to check for needed improvements.

Oct 09, 2013 06:16 AM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

A small item, but really important in the life and "health" of a home!  Congrats on surpassing the 900,000 point mark!  You rock!  K

Oct 09, 2013 08:35 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Clint - You are right, caulking is pretty much forgotten until it is way past due.

Oct 09, 2013 08:59 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

 

Roy - Let's get it before the winter comes.

Oct 09, 2013 09:00 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Kathy - Thanks Kathy! It wasn't until you mentioned it that I saw it. I got some bonus points for a contest that pushed me over ahead of schedule.  :)

Oct 09, 2013 09:00 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

The elastomeric caulks say 30, 40 and 50 year warranties.  I have yet for anybody to prove that to me.

Oct 09, 2013 08:41 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I'm not sure how the claims can be made Jay, I don't think they were tested for that long.

Oct 09, 2013 11:00 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

They weren't tested obviously.  I think they must do some test, and say there was this or that much degrading, so it should last this long... Who know.

Oct 12, 2013 08:29 AM
Jared Garfield
Rich Life Real Estate Team - Buford, GA
Invest With The Best For The Highest Returns!
Helpful tips!
Oct 13, 2013 02:31 AM