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New home-owner here. I need to do some caulking, never done it before. I understand about needing the caulking gun. Can someone tell me about different kinds of caulk and when to use each type? Do I have to use rubbing alcohol (have read online about this). Any other technique tips?
You'll really only need to know about 2 types; latex and silicone.
For the most part, silicone is used in areas that need to be waterproof and will not be painted, as silicone is unpaintable. There are a couple of paintable silicone mixes that are fairly new on the market, but I haven't had a reason to use them yet. Silicone requires alcohol or mineral spirits for cleanup. Common areas for silicone caulk: exterior around doors and windows, interior around tubs, showers, and sinks.
Latex is mainly used in interior applications, it isn't quite as impermeable as silicone and has more of a tendency to mildew in damp or humid areas. However, latex caulk is water based and can be cleaned up with soap and water. Common areas for latex caulk: interior along baseboards and trim, and exterior applications that need to be painted to match the surrounding surface (siding, flashing, painted trim, fascia and soffit, etc.)
If you've never caulked before, practice on hidden areas or on scrap before you get started. It doesn't take long to get the hang of smoothing the bead, but the first couple runs are gonna be ugly. And don't fall for the caulk smoothing tool gimmick. The best tool around for smoothing a caulk bead is a wet finger. Run the caulk bead, wet your finger, and run it over the caulk starting at one end and working to the center. Wet your finger again, start at the other end of the bead, and work to the center.
Hint: when you get to the end of the bead you are running, push the pressure release button on the gun. This will keep the caulk from spewing out while you are smoothing the bead.
For outside apps use nothing but Tremco mono. It lasts 20 years. Never caulk a counter flashing, you will create leaks. Only caulk where necessary, for example some windows are flashed properly and need no caulking. I have a huge mastersuite bathroom I had built and I could challenge you to find any caulk in it. You probably would not find any but there is a little but hidden.
The best tool around for smoothing a caulk bead is a wet finger. Run the caulk bead, wet your finger, and run it over the caulk starting at one end and working to the center. Wet your finger again, start at the other end of the bead, and work to the center.
Can you explain more what you mean by this? I don't know what a counter flashing is.
Two examples. One, the metalwork around a chimney. Never caulk or seal where the metalwork meets the roofing. Where the metalwork meets the bricks and is not morterd into the brick you caulk with mono. Two,If the house has replacement windows that are capped with aluminum flashing. If it is done properly you need no caulk except where the window sash meets the old frame. Just look at each example that you plan on sealing and if it looks like it;s been designed for water to flow through and out then it probably is. If you caulk a joint like that what happens is that you trap water that should drain and instead it forces the water sideways and causes a leak. I owned and opperated a roofing company for many years and I would allow my men one tube of caulk for a big roof. If things are done proper on the outside of a house water just drains away by gravity. I also see a lot of unnessary caulking inside houses. I hate caulking. it's ugly even when an expert applies it and I will only use it where it's absolutely required. Like in a bathroom where the ceramic walls meet a bath tub. Uaually these joints are caulked. I have no idea why since the tub has a 2 inch flange all the way around it and water does not flow uphill in my experience. This tub to wall caulk always looks like crap and is always mildewing and causing the type of problem I was refering to. The water gets in because no caulking seal is perfect and it just stays wet in there forever. Without the caulk what ever little bit of water that does get up there dries out and it can't cause a leak because of the flange.
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Originally Posted by Bass101
New home-owner here. I need to do some caulking, never done it before. I understand about needing the caulking gun. Can someone tell me about different kinds of caulk and when to use each type? Do I have to use rubbing alcohol (have read online about this). Any other technique tips?
Don't get it in your mouth.
I second that a finger is the best beading tool. I received a tip from an old man years ago to the effect that a drop of baby oil rubbed between thumb and index finger helps you avoid "shearing" when smoothing your bead of caulk.
Well, most of what you should know is already covered. here a few more things that you should know about caulk
1. Never eat it.
2. Do not leave it in your unheated garage over the winter.
3. If you do nto use the wole tube, stick a big nail in the end of the nozzle to keep it from plugging up.
4. Do not buy a cheap caulking gun.
5. do not put or allow caulk in your hair. Wear a hat. This is especially true with silicone caulk.
6. Practice on some scrap lumber before you touch the caulking gun to your home.
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