The Benefits of Re-Caulking Your House This Winter
Cracks in your caulk are unsightly, but they can be more than that if left unattended, especially in the winter months. Water can seep through cracks into your home and cause mold or mildew to develop on your walls or woodwork. If you have cracked caulk around your bathroom and kitchen fixtures or along the foundation of your home, pay attention to these reasons why you should recaulk this winter before water damage occurs!
What is Caulking?
A sealant is a liquid or paste that is applied to joints and seams in order to make them watertight. Caulking prevents leaks by filling the gaps between two surfaces and creating an airtight, watertight barrier.
The Importance of Caulking
A grout specialist will know when and how to recaulk your grout.
It’s important to recaulk your home this winter for two reasons. First, caulking can help prevent water from seeping into your walls and causing damage. Second, caulking will help reduce the amount of air that is transferred from one side of your house to the other, which can save you money on heating costs in the winter. If you live in a climate where it gets below freezing in the winter, make sure to seal off any cracks or openings near your windows and doors.
When Should You Recaulk?
It’s important to recaulk your home every few years. If you’re not sure if your caulking is still in good shape, here are a few telltale signs when should you recaulk:
- Mold or mildew is growing on the caulk
- The caulk doesn’t look fresh anymore (it has a yellowish tint)
- The caulking doesn’t lay flat against the surface it’s supposed to cover
- There are cracks in the caulking near the door and window frames that let water seep into the house
- The color of your caulk is different from what’s around it
- When you remove an old piece of caulk, a bead of liquid is left behind on the wall (and/or there’s discoloration from where the old caulk was removed)
