Caulking any two areas together provides a smoother transition and is pleasing to the eye. However, caulking provides more than just aesthetics: it is most importantly a seal to keep out dust, dirt, and water from entering an area. Check out these ways to properly caulk areas of your home in order to avoid needing water damage restoration services:
Choose the Right Type
Caulk comes in not only a lot of different colors but also in both indoor and outdoor varieties. Outdoor rated caulking is tougher to withstand the extreme elements while the indoor type is made to be easily painted and applied. Choosing the correct type of caulking for the project will help to avoid water damage and water damage restoration.
Cut the Tip
To get the perfect edge to your caulking line, cut the tip of the caulking tube at a 45°angle. Always cut off small amounts at a time until you get the desired size that you want. Too big of a hole can cause a whole mess of problems to occur once you start. Use the tip to get into those small crevices to make a solid and seamless line.
Keep It Smooth
After applying a line of caulk, push the caulk into a tight seal by running your finger over the caulk or using a specialized caulking tool. Don’t be afraid to get messy with this part as using the same finger can help create a much needed barrier between the two surfaces.
Have a Wet Rag Ready
Even the most experienced caulkers mess up from time to time. Have a damp cloth ready to clean up any messes that can occur. Rinse the cloth out regularly to make sure that you can easily wipe up rogue caulking lines that happen.
Caulking can take some time to master but it is an important skill to have for any homeowner who wants to protect their home. Choose the right type of caulk and know how to apply it to better create a tight seal. Providing a tight seal around areas of your home will help to lessen the chance of needed water restoration services. Contact ServiceMaster of Charleston if your home has experienced some leaking or flooding.
