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Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:34

Caulking - the process of sealing joints and cracks in your house

Written by  Ray Munn Ltd
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Caulking is essentially the process of sealing joints and cracks in your house to prevent water seepage, air penetration or reduce permeability to noise.

Decorators Caulk - 1 hour drying time

The material used to do this is commonly referred to as caulk and it is made of silicone, latex, acrylic, oil or butyl rubber. Normally the material on which the caulk is based will determine where you can use it, so it is important to find out where each type of caulk is suitable for use.

Silicone caulk is the most common type of caulk, and has been for the past twenty or so years. This is because of its applicability on a broad range of surfaces- you can use it on wood, cement, metal, plastic, etc. The fact that silicone caulk is very durable has also boosted its popularity. It can withstand extreme temperatures as it remains flexible even after drying, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking. Due to this quality, it is favoured for use in sealing spaces around doors and windows. But applying this type of caulk can be rather challenging so you may want to try a different type.

Acrylic latex silicone blend caulk is a good alternative to the plain silicone caulk. This is because it is easier to apply than the latter, yet retains its durability. Some varieties of this type of caulk can be painted on to blend into the surfaces it will be used.

Kitchen and bath caulk is specially designed to resist moisture penetration. They are perfect for use in the sealing of bathtubs, sinks, toilettes and other surfaces exposed to a lot of water. You can get kitchen and bath caulk in a variety of colours to match the surface you need to apply it on.

If you need caulk for heavy duty jobs like repairs on chimneys, oil-based asphalt caulk is the way to go. It also works well for the sealing of outdoor vents and air pipes. It hardens quickly and lasts for a long time. There are other types of caulk available in the market and depending on your exact need, you can always find a suitable caulk at almost any hardware.

Read 452 times Last modified on Friday, 11 November 2011 23:04

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