Who invented caulk?
John Dicks!
Back in 1865 John Dicks had a company that produced sealing wax for canned foods. However, in the early 1900s, John expanded the business to include different types of sealing putty’s, including caulk. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the invention of caulk revolutionized home improvement projects!
If you’re getting ready to complete a home repair project that requires caulk, this article’s for you. In this short guide, we’ll explain what the best caulks are for different types of projects. From your home’s exterior to your shower and sink, choosing the right type of caulking means setting yourself up for success!
Read on to learn about the many great uses of caulk.
Best Caulks for Your Home’s Exterior
When you’re applying caulking to the exterior of your home, you have to make sure you’re using a high-quality product. There are cheap acrylic latex caulks that claim they’ll work for exterior use.
However, we find the best caulks are the hybrid ones made of silicone and latex. One of the many great uses of exterior caulks is using them to install a new carport. You can also use exterior caulk on some of your door trim boards to keep your house properly insulated.
Most Flexible Types of Caulk
Next, sometimes you’ll need a more flexible caulk to get the job done. For instance, let’s say you’re caulking an area that’s subject to temperature fluctuations, like a sink. The more flexible the caulk is, the easier it’ll be for it to adapt to the temperature variations.
We find that synthetic rubber and silicone sealants are 2 of the most flexible types of caulks. However, keep in mind that silicone sealants don’t adhere to wood or masonry very well.
What Caulk Should You Use for a Shower?
If you’re choosing a caulk for your bathtub, look for products that say, “Tub and Tile” or “Bath and Kitchen” on the label. Typically caulks made for showers use acrylic latex or silicone compounds.
The specially designed bathtub caulks are engineered to resist mold and mildew. Bathtub caulks will also do a better job at sticking to nonporous, smooth surfaces.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Sealants
Lastly, let’s look at how you can be sure you’re choosing the best sealant for your project. Here are a few properties to consider before buying any type of sealant:
- Adhesion
- Durability
- Application difficulty
- Cost
Sealants are made to adhere to certain surfaces better than others. Double-check the label on the sealant your about to buy to make sure it’s specifically made for the surface you’re using it on.
Next, take into account how durable you need the seams to be. For instance, if you need seams that last for years and years, polysulfide sealants have some of the longest life expectancies.
Keep Your House Looking Great
What will be the best caulks for your home improvement project? Are you going to invest in a durable caulk for your home’s exterior? Or are you looking for a flexible caulk to finish your bathroom project?
Go ahead and buy a caulk that will help you finish your home improvement project today! Remember to read the label, and make sure the caulk is designed to go on the surface you’re using it for.
Are you ready to learn more tricks to keep your home looking amazing? Then go ahead and read another one of our articles.