Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500182
06/24/03
Types of Caulking
Silicone
-lasts 12-30 years
-best adhesion
-use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4"
-good for all surfaces
-may not take paint
Butyl
-lasts 8-10 years
-some shrinkage
-use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4"
-available in many colors
Acrylic Latex Silicone
-lasts 12-20 years
-easiest application
-use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4"
-may not take paint
Acrylic
-lasts 8-10 years
-water clean-up
-use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4"
-no odor
Latex
-lasts 2-10 years
-water clean-up
-use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4"
-most are paintable
-available in many colors
Oil Base Asphalt
-lasts 1-4 years
-soft and tar-like
-use in seams and gaps on roof around chimneys, stacks and pipes to
1/4"
-hardens rapidly
-cracks
Caulking Cord
-lasts 1-2 years
-peel from roll then push in place
-temporary filler around storms, air conditioner
-comes in rolls, unused portion can be stored for years
Oakum
-twisted hemp treated with tar
-cut to needed length then push in place
-stuff large gaps then caulk over the oakum
Glazing Compound
-lasts indefinitely
-application requires some practice with a putty knife
-use as a seal between window glass and frame
-often overlooked as an area needing repair.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus,
with references from Michigan Extension bulletin Caulking and
Weatherstripping.
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