Which caulk

Because it is so adhesive, old polyurethane caulk needs to be sanded or cut in order to be removed. Where to use it: Polyurethane caulk is great for outdoor painting projects. It performs very well on stucco homes, and can be used in the hairline cracks that inevitably appear on stucco surfaces. It is the best caulk to use on dissimilar materials that have been joined, such as metal to masonry, or brick to wood.

Where NOT to use it: Polyurethane caulk would be overkill for indoor projects; use acrylic caulk instead. Features: Rubber and butyl caulking were more popular in decades past, but are still used from time to time. This type of caulk is stringy, making smooth application and a fine finish hard to accomplish.

It has high adhesion capabilities and will stick to almost any type of surface. Shrinkage is a problem with rubber caulk; it is solvent-based, and as its solvents evaporate over time, the caulk line dries and shrinks. Where to use it: Use rubber caulk on exterior joints, such as chimney flashing and gutters. Where NOT to use it: The solvents used in rubber caulk are highly flammable and dangerous to breath, so only use it outdoors.

It adheres very well to almost any material but it does not adhere well to wood surfaces. Also, silicone caulk is not paintable, so be careful about where you use it. The silicone in the caulk prevents the paint from bonding with the caulk. On the other hand, it is ideal for wet or exterior surfaces because it holds up well in sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Most manufacturer warranties are twenty years. It costs about twice as much as polyurethane caulk but it will last twice as long. One of the best uses of silicone caulk is for sealing around plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks. It is also excellent for weatherproofing your house. Use it to seal around doors, windows, and utility cables coming in from outside, and you will be going a long way to minimizing drafts.

Sealing those openings can also help keep out rodents and vermin. Silicone is the best sealant to use in colder temperatures. Unlike polyurethane caulk, the cold temperature does not affect application.

In cold weather, polyurethane caulk becomes harder to apply. Heavy-duty caulking jobs, such as sealing the joints of a shower or tub or filling large cracks, call for this pure silicone caulk that can last as long as you own your home. Sold as a ounce cartridge, the clear caulk boasts a flexible, waterproof, and rot-resistant formula that withstands whatever bath time throws at it without cracking, yellowing, or molding. The sealant goes on with a caulking gun and adheres well to fiberglass, glass, and other common shower and tub materials.

It dries in 30 minutes and cures in one day. Whether touching up a small span of crumbling caulk around your bathtub or filling a hairline crack on the shower floor, speed your way through small or detail-oriented tasks without sacrificing durability with this squeezable caulk. The flexible, rot-resistant siliconized acrylic formula boasts long-lasting protection against temperature changes and mildew.

Available in a 5. The caulk dries in one hour, cures in three days, and lasts up to 35 years. Mold and mildew are no match for this 2. This waterproof caulk provides up to 10 years of protection from stain-causing mold and mildew. Its squeezable formula goes on as a smooth, consistent bead—with minimal odor—and easily adheres to stone, metal, and other common shower and bath materials without staining. It dries in 30 minutes and cures in six hours.

Each tube in this two-pack of caulk with silicone contains It is durable and paintable. Glass Caulk Silicone and siliconized acrylic work best for glass. But read the label to make certain it adheres to glass surfaces. Gutter Caulk Gutter sealant or caulk will be called butyl rubber. This caulk is ideal for below grade applications and outdoor waterproof needs.

Roofing Caulk Roofing caulk is available in gun grade or brush grade, based on how it will be applied. This polymer caulk must adhere to metal, masonry, or asphalt roofing materials.