Let’s Give You Something to Caulk About!

More About the Importance of Caulk Around Your House …  

The “pun”ishment is not over yet! In this article, we “caulk” about some of the things to look for when inspecting your caulk.
 
Caulk can last anywhere from a few years to as many as 50 years, depending upon what it is made of and how well it was installed. If, despite our last article on caulk, you have been procrastinating or it’s been 50 years since you last checked (and we hope not) now is the time to play home inspector! In fact, inspecting caulk should be one of those things you do twice each year to make sure your home is in good repair. Here are a few additional hints about inspecting caulk that you may not have considered.
 
Outside the house. Don’t wait until there’s a problem! Familiarize yourself with the outside of your home, including areas you don’t ordinarily see. Check your window frames for damage and notice if there are any gaps between the frame of the window and the structure itself. Any gaps should be caulked. Inspect this caulk for discoloration, holes, or damage. Also check the eaves, around doors, the corner boards and board joints.
 
If you have dirt right up to the side of your house, make sure that vines, tress, bushes or weeds are cleared away. These may obscure areas that have been caulked and need attention. Consider adding a gravel buffer to prevent damage to your home from vegetation.
 
Skylights should be inspected inside and out for leakage and caulk condition. Also inspect areas where pipes or vents protrude from the structure. If you prevent moisture from entering your home in the first place, you are less likely to experience damage. Be sure to have any damage you find repaired now – before the rainy season begins.
 
Indoors: Inspect the frames around windows and doors. If you feel a breeze when the door or window is closed, you may need to caulk or you may need insulation. If you’re not sure, ask an expert for help to decide the best remedy for this problem (we know where you can find one).
 
In the kitchen: Check around your sink, at backsplashes and around any windows checking for wear, discoloration, holes or leaks. Well maintained caulk should form a seal preventing entry by water, ants and other undesirable tiny guests.
 
In the bathroom. Before drawing that nice relaxing bath and lighting scented candles, check the caulk and grout for mold, discoloration, or peeling. Mold is one of the most common sources of allergies and it loves to buddy up with your caulk and grout. Pay attention to where the tile meets your tub and where the shower doors meet the walls. If you see cracks, holes, deterioration or discoloration, this is a sign you need to get caulking and if your toilet is rocking, it’s time for caulking!
 
Of course we know that you have better things to do with your time than crawl around in your bathroom or scale the roof to inspect caulk! Your handy handyman can help you with all of these. Just give us a call!