Caulk is a versatile sealant used to fill the gaps between adjacent surfaces, such as between a window and its panelling or a bathtub and its surround. Sealing showers, loos, siding, and even the outside of a house’s foundation are all possible with this product.

Walls and floors can be protected from water damage, and energy loss can be reduced with proper caulking.

In this cost breakdown, we’ll talk about how much it will cost to have a professional caulk your home. 

A Primer on Caulking

Caulking compound is often stored and applied via slender, cylindrical tubes. These tubes are used in conjunction with a caulking gun, a metal device that, when the handle is squeezed, extrudes caulk through a nozzle. It is common to find caulks like bathtub caulk packaged in tubes similar to those used for toothpaste. The substance hardens and dries after being applied and exposed to air.

Caulk comes in a wide variety of forms and textures, with the most common being the thick polymers acrylic latex caulk, vinyl caulk, and silicone. Latex caulk works well on porous surfaces like wood, drywall, and stone, but silicone caulk is typically used for more watertight areas like windows, kitchens, and bathrooms. 

Caulk may effectively seal gaps of varying sizes. A single “bead” of it will typically fill a gap no more than a quarter of an inch wide; larger gaps would require additional beads. Before painting, caulk can be used to fill in any holes or gaps in the wall as well.

You can find caulking ingredients at hardware stores, but you’ll need some practise to do the job properly, safely, and neatly. A skilled handyman is your best bet for most home improvement jobs. Homeowners may wish to employ a waterproofing professional or weatherstripping contractor for more extensive caulking work, such as resealing the perimeter of a foundation. 

The Total Caulking Costs

It’s not too complicated of a job for a professional to either apply caulk for the first time or remove and replace old caulk. A handyman’s rate will be anything from $40 to $80 per hour, plus the price of any necessary materials. A full project estimate can be provided by some weatherstripping companies. After inspecting your property, they can give you an estimate of the time, money, and effort required to complete the job.

The national average cost to seal a bathtub or shower is between $110 and $280. The cost to caulk the exterior of a 2,000-square-foot home ranges from $750 to $2,000 or $2.50 to $4.50 per linear foot. 

The length of time needed to caulk an area is often proportional to the size of the area being caulked. Sealing the exterior of a 1,500–2,000 square foot home (approximately 200–240 linear feet) might take a two-person crew an entire day. However, one person can caulk a bathtub or shower in just a few hours.

Determining the Cost Factors

The final price tag of a caulking project may be impacted by the following: 

• The Removal of Old Caulk

The time and money needed to remove the old caulk before applying fresh caulk can significantly extend the time it takes to finish the task. 

• The Material Conditions

The caulk’s ability to stick to surfaces depends greatly on the condition of the materials around it. It will be more difficult to apply and may need to be renewed more often if the surfaces it seals around are corroded, flaking, chipping, or otherwise in poor condition.

• Accessibility

There will be an increase in price for any work that necessitates access that involves using a ladder, going on the roof, or going into a crawl space. Your expert’s estimate ought to account for this.

Some Tips for Cutting Costs

If you’re trying to save money, consider these alternatives to traditional caulking:

• Get Multiple Quotes

Get at least three quotations from service providers, preferably caulking companies, before deciding on one to hire, especially for larger work. 

• Get the Job Done Right, and Hire a Professional

Many competent workers are suitable for inexpensive, in-house caulking projects. Spending extra money upfront on a weatherisation expert for a significant job could save money on energy costs down the road.

Conclusion

Caulking is an important home improvement task that can help protect your property from water damage and reduce energy loss. While it is possible to do it yourself, hiring a professional caulking service can ensure a high-quality job. The cost of caulking will vary depending on factors such as the size of the area being caulked and the condition of the materials.

By considering cost factors and getting multiple quotes, homeowners can find affordable caulking services and save money in the long run.

If you are looking for very reliable caulking contractors in Australia, look no further than our experts here at Quality Seal Australia. We offer a wide range of high-quality Silicone and Caulking services to the Building Industry in Brisbane and Gold Coast. Call us today, and let us caulk all your windows in no time!