The history of using caulk to seal leaks began with wooden ships. The wood planks had a seam of material inserted between them to keep the water out. Today, the same principle is used to seal a home of air leaks in order to improve energy efficiency and save on yearly utility costs. To learn more about how to locate air leaks within your home click here.
Once the leaks have been located, the next step is to determine which product best suits your needs. Polyurethane or latex caulking are inexpensive materials and have the longest duration period before the caulk needs replacing.
Most caulking tubes are disposable and can be easily inserted into a sturdy caulking gun. Investing in a better quality gun is worth it in the long run. Look for an automatic release style for convenience. After the disposable tubes are used it is easy to clean up the gun with soapy water and store until the next time.
Clean the surface to be caulked with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly. Moisture can prevent a tight seal. When ready to apply, use a 45-degree angle as you squeeze the caulk into the gap. You will know it is the right angle if the caulk goes into the crack and not on the surface. A little practice is all that is needed to get the feel of how to lay it down properly. Have a damp rag or some paper towels handy to wipe up any messes.
It is recommended to squeeze shorter sections at a time. Smooth out the caulk and push it deeper into the crack to assure a better seal using a dampened bare or gloved finger, but be cautious of splinters. A metal spoon or foam paintbrush may provide the same results without injury or mess. Allow the recommended curing time according to manufacture instructions before painting the caulk.
Contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning for all your heating and cooling needs. We guarantee quality service and customer satisfaction for the Middletown community.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about caulking and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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