Recaulking and sealant are essential to any building restoration project. When sealant fails, it needs to be removed and replaced. Recaulking is the most cost-effective way to prevent moisture problems and protect the exterior and interior of the building.
Caulk should be spongy and soft to the touch. When pushed on, it should spring back to it’s original position. If the sealant is hard and doesn’t move when touched, it’s time for new sealant.
We use only the highest quality caulks and sealants. Our craftsmen have decades of recaulking and sealant experience and will make sure your building stays air tight for years to come. Caulking the exterior of a building is much more difficult than your standard kitchen or bathroom.
We are well versed in all different sealant and caulk applications. Our most commonly used, high quality sealants are TREMCO Spectrem 2 and Spectrem 3.
Where caulk and sealant are needed
Doors and windows
A good rule of thumb is that anytime there are two different materials that meet (brick/stone/metal/glass/wood) there should be sealant. Each material will expand and contract at different rates and the sealant allows this to happen while still keeping it air tight. This includes the perimeter of all windows and doors of a building.
Expansion joints
Expansions joints, or control joints, allow a building to expand and contract as the temperature changes. Having sealant in these joints allow the building to move freely and also prevents moisture and air from coming into the building.
Mechanical Penetrations
Anywhere there is a vent, pipe, cable, or louver, there should be sealant. Any holes in the building exterior could allow water and air to infiltrate the building. This can lead to moisture damage and reduced efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Sealant should be used around any opening in the building’s exterior.
When do you need new sealant?
Not everyone knows when it’s time for new sealant. We have included some examples of when new sealant and caulk should be applied A good rule-of-thumb is that if there are openings in the building envelope, there needs to be sealant. It is also a good time to inspect the sealant when you are having any tuckpointing done. Here are some signs of failed sealant
- Cracked sealant
- Gaps in sealant
- Hard sealant
- Crumbling brick
- Water damage
- Insect infiltration
- Deteriorated or cracked brick
- Deteriorated or cracked stone
- 10 years since last inspection
Recaulking and sealant
It is important to address any signs of failed or deteriorated caulk and sealant immediately. Failed sealant can eventually lead to water damage and insect infestation. Recaulking and resealing a building should be done every 10-15 years, or whenever deteriorating sealant is detected. This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect your building and help prevent future, more costly complications.