Top Caulking Mistakes

Caulk is an essential product used in both industry and DIY home renovation, it is a flexible material used to seal gaps, cracks and joints between surfaces and building materials. Caulking is key in the preparation of surfaces prior to decoration and restoration and acts as the foundation for many projects so it is important that it is done correctly to ensure your fixtures and surfaces are properly sealed.

Here are some common errors that many people make when applying caulk:

It is important to choose the right type of caulk for your project, as it needs to meet the needs and requirements of your specific application surface. In this case when choosing a caulk for use on windows, you will want something that is flexible, and ideally water and temperature resistant, such as a polyurethane or silicone based caulk.

Before applying a new bead of caulk it is crucial that the previous, existing caulk is fully removed as the remaining old caulk may hamper the application and adhesion of the newly caulked area. 

To remove existing caulk, you should take a caulk remover gel, apply liberally to the surface and then allow it to sit for a few hours. You should then use a putty knife or a utility knife to cut and scrape away the existing caulk, being careful to not damage the surface underneath. Once all the caulk has been removed you should then clean and dry thoroughly.

Over-applying the caulk will not only make a mess on the surface, but can also negatively impact the strength of the bond between the two surfaces. If the gap you are trying to caulk is wider and deeper than 1cm, you should use a foam rod to fill the space as opposed to just using caulk.

After applying a bead of caulk, it is essential that it is smoothed out either using a smoothing tool or your finger. This works to ensure there are no gaps and the caulk is fully sealing the joint.

Window Caulking Errors

Caulking your windows can help to stop heating and cooling loss through your home by sealing air leaks and improving your energy efficiency. It is important when using caulk on your windows that you are only applying it in the places where it is required and not just all over the window.

Caulking the moving parts of your window may in fact negatively impact its functionality and can result in you accidentally sealing the window shut.

Weep holes are implemented to prevent mould, rust and rot from developing. They allow moisture behind the window to be removed from the frame, if the weep hole is caulked over, this then gives the moisture nowhere to go.

Key Window Caulking Tips

Here are some tips for where you should apply the caulk around windows.

Caulk the inside and outside of windows

It is best to apply caulk to both the interior and exterior of the windows, as this will help to further avoid draughts and damp/moisture problems.

Selecting the right type of caulk

It can be tricky deciding which type of caulk is best for your windows and the type of caulk required will be dependent on the room which the windows are in.

For the exterior side of windows, the caulk will need to be durable, water-resistant and able to withstand temperature fluctuation.

For the interior side of windows, you will need a caulk that does not release any harmful fumes when curing. If the window is in a humid, high moisture room such as a bathroom or kitchen, it’d be advisable to get a caulk with mould and water-resistant properties.

Apply the caulk in optimal conditions

Choosing the right type of caulk is essential and it is equally as important to apply the caulk in the right conditions. It is recommended that the caulk is applied in dry conditions in temperatures above 7°C. Ideally it is also best to apply the caulk when there is a low humidity levels, as this will prevent the caulk from cracking and separating