What to Look for in Exterior Caulk

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The aim of a sealant, or caulk, on the outside of a house is to seal gaps that permit air and moisture to infiltrate the construction of the house.

That appears easy sufficient, however the actuality of constructing supplies is that they’re consistently transferring.

Modifications in temperature and humidity trigger them to repeatedly increase and contract which suggests the dimensions of these gaps is continually altering.

Which means that the caulk filling these gaps is usually being stretched and squeezed, so if it dries exhausting it’ll crack inside a season or two because of the motion. To have any longevity in an exterior atmosphere, a sealant wants to stay versatile even after it dries.

As a result of most houses are comprised of many several types of supplies, the gaps that should be stuffed are sometimes between fully completely different constructing supplies. So, a profitable exterior caulk additionally must bond, or adhere, nicely to all kinds of supplies and floor textures.

As a result of an exterior sealant may be very seen, it’s additionally vital for it to mix aesthetically with your private home. Some caulk choices are very versatile however can’t be painted and solely are available a couple of colours. Whereas there are many “paintable” caulk choices, a lot of them dry comparatively exhausting inside a couple of months.

Answer: Elastomeric Caulk

Elastomeric caulk is a superb resolution as a result of it has the power to stretch.

Titebond DuraMaster High Performance Sealant, seen sticking between a brick and a piece of molding

Titebond has addressed all these points with their new all-purpose exterior sealant known as TiteShield.

It’s an elastomeric caulk which, because the identify implies, can stretch even after it’s fully dry. In truth, TiteShield can increase and contract as much as 50% of the joint dimension whereas overlaying gaps as much as two inches in width.