When talk about caulking, we immediately think of window caulking or door caulking. however, many other parts of your home’s exterior need to be properly caulked. Your protection against water, air, mould, insect, and rodent infiltration requires a tightly sealed home. Caulking is the solution to finalize the sealing of your home.
Sealants and caulks tend to deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to weather elements; therefore, you should regularly inspect and maintain your home’s exterior materials.
SHOULD YOU CAULK AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND AIR OUTLETS?
In addition to caulking windows and doors, consider caulking the many exterior air outlets, external electrical outlets, and exterior faucets. These are all prone to compromising the airtightness of your home.
Some of the exterior elements of your home are likely to reduce its airtightness. Think of the dryer outlet, exterior electrical outlets, exterior faucets, and the kitchen hood air outlet. When installing these outlets, a hole slightly larger than the duct is drilled. The space between the air duct and the exterior cladding of your home must be sealed. This should be done by Aqua seal caulking specialists.
Why allow air to circulate between the exterior and interior of your home? If you’re not convinced by the amount of money you’re paying for electricity, think about the rodents and insects that can sneak in. Replacing the caulking on your home’s exterior air outlets is a practical improvement within your reach.
SHOULD YOU CAULK AROUND OUTSIDE LIGHTS?
Yes! It would be best to consider caulking any exterior lights installed on your home for the following reasons:
· Caulking your exterior lights helps prevent water infiltration that can damage your lighting accessories.
· Caulking exterior lights also prevent insects and dust from getting in, which keeps your light cleaner, longer.
· By sealing your exterior lights, you will improve your home’s airtightness and quality of life.
HOW DO YOU CAULK A LIGHT FIXTURE?
Caulking a light fixture is like caulking windows, doors, outlets, soffits, and fasciae. The following steps can be applied to caulking any exterior element of your home or building:
· Gently clean the surface to be caulked. Caulk adheres better to a clean surface.
· Prepare your work area by covering the floor with an old sheet. Have paper towels and a knife on hand to remove and clean up excess caulk. A bowl of water may also be useful for regularly soaking your fingers while finishing. Use a stepladder to work safely and allow you to see what you are doing.
· Cut the tip of the caulking canister at a 45-degree angle. You can use a knife or large scissors.
· Start applying the silicone caulk from the top-down, first on one side, then on the other. The underside of the light should not be sealed to allow moisture to escape.
· Smooth the silicone around the light. You can do this with your finger freshly dipped in the bowl of water, but the finish will remain visible. You can also try to do the smoothing of the caulk with a flat wooden stick. This is what professionals like aqua seal Caulking do.
Clean up the light and its surroundings, then pick up the sheet and your tools. Everything will be back to the way it was, but your light will be protected from water, dust, and insects.
SHOULD ROOF FLASHING BE CAULKED?
What about roof flashings? A roof flashing is a thin material, often made of galvanized steel or a flexible membrane, that is used to ensure that water drains to the outside, mainly at the intersections between dormers, a chimney or a wall and the roof. If the sealant that bonds the flashing to the roof, wall, chimney, or other surface is damaged, remove it and apply a new sealant. This will ensure the durability of your roof and its watertightness.
VIC AQUA SEAL IN MELBOURNE IS YOUR CAULKING SPECIALIST
Aqua seal offers best residential caulking, commercial caulking services all over Melbourne area. Before you consider caulking your own fascia’s, flashings, or other exterior elements, take the time to call us for a free quote and get professional caulking work that will maintain a professional appearance for years to come.
Read more about our professional services by visiting our website and reading our blog at www.vicaquaseal.com.au
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