Caulking is an essential part of home maintenance and this will seal cracks, gaps and joints so that water, air and pests cannot get into the house. There are many issues that improper caulking can cause such as mould growth, water damage and reduced energy efficiency.

To avoid common mistakes in caulking

You can search for reputed caulking services Melbourne so that you can select a professional that has experience in the field. A common mistake that many homeowners do when they carry out caulking as a DIY project is not using the right type of caulk for the job. Different areas will need different types of caulk. There are latex, silicone and polyurethane caulk and you need to know which one to use depending on the situation. For areas that are exposed to water such as kitchens and bathrooms, silicone caulk is ideal because it has water resistant properties. Latex caulk is good for dry areas. You can clean it easily and paint over this. If you use the wrong type of caulk, it can lead to poor adhesion and durability will be reduced. You will find yourself re-caulking more frequently. You need to read the labels to see what the instructions recommend. The surface has to be prepared properly before you caulk. If you apply caulk to a greasy, wet or dirty surface, it will not adhere properly.

When you apply caulk

You have to remove any paint, old caulk or debris from the surface so that it is clean. There are caulk remover tools that can be used to get rid of the old caulk. When you properly prepare the surface, a strong bond can be ensured and this will also extend the life of the caulk. Humidity and temperature can affect the application of caulk and curing. You should avoid applying caulk in extremely cold, hot or humid conditions as this will lead to poor adhesion. The caulk will not cure properly. Humidity has to be low for caulk to cure properly and if you are caulking outdoors, it is best to choose a dry day so that you can avoid moisture disrupting the bonding process of caulk. There will be recommendations provided by the manufacturer regarding the specific temperatures and humidity that is optimal for caulk application.

You need to know how much caulk to use as well

If you apply too much, this will lead to bulges that will look unappealing. It will also be difficult to smooth out too much caulk. If you use too little, there will be insufficient coverage and gaps. You need to cut the caulk nozzle at a 45 degree angle. The first opening you make should be very small. You can always make this bigger if you need it. A consistent bead of caulk has to be applied and a caulk finishing tool can be used to smooth this out. You can also smooth it out with your finger so that there is proper coverage.