If you are planning to repaint your home exterior, you have to make sure that proper caulking work is done first. Caulk is a sealant that is used for sealing gaps, holes, and cracks in the exterior wall. Caulking is a necessary step if you want your paint job to look smooth and to ensure that there are no irregularities that could mar the aesthetic of your home.

Aside from its effects on the wall’s appearance, caulking also seals the house so there won’t be any moisture and airflow which are the culprits behind mold growth. By closing possible entryways of drafts, you can also lower your energy bills.

But where exactly should you apply caulk and how should it be done? Quality Seal Australia, one of your trusted caulking contractors, share these tips:

Apply the Caulk in All the Right Places

If you’re trying to caulk your home by yourself, make sure that you look for spots where moisture might get in, including these areas: 

• Around the window and door frames where air and moisture can get in
• At siding joints (this should be done with care, especially if you have cedar siding)
• Any cracks or openings on the surface of the walls

How to Use Caulk 

Similar to other home maintenance tasks, caulking requires knowledge and experience. You might not get it right the first (or even the second or third) time.

Before applying anything, you should first determine where there are air leaks and infiltration. As mentioned above, some of the common points are around the door and window frames and cracks, but you should also check roof access hatches, pipe ducts, and kitchen hoods. 

Once you have found all the areas where you should apply the caulk, you can start checking the existing caulk by pricking them with a screwdriver or a nail. If it cracks, it means it needs to be replaced. 

Now as for the application, what you can do to help improve the application is to cut the tip of the tube at a certain angle and slowly apply the caulk. Apply just enough to fill in the gaps but not too much that it’s oozing everywhere and you’ll end up with sloppy lines. You can then use a damp rag to smoothen the surface after application. Do wait until the caulk is completely dry before painting over the caulk. 

Does Caulking Require Maintenance? 

Caulking does require at least an annual checkup to see if there’s any need for a reapplication. If there are, you should address it at once because that could mean heat loss and higher bills.

Do You Need a Professional? 

If you have never done caulking before and you want the outcome to be perfect, it is highly recommended that you hire a caulking professional who can do it properly and prevent any air or water infiltration into your house. 

Conclusion 

Caulking is necessary if you want to improve the thermal comfort inside your house, avoid leaks, and ensure that your new paint job looks flawless. Because it is a complicated task, it is so much better to hire caulking contractors to handle the job. This way, you can be sure that the job will be done in compliance with not only the environmental regulations but also the safety standards in your area. 

Quality Seal Australia is one of the most reliable caulking companies in Brisbane that you can trust to do a great job with your project. Our team only uses environmentally friendly and highly-efficient seals that will last you for a long time. Contact us to get a quote!