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Stopping Drafts

15 de octubre de 2020

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Cooler weather means drafts of air may come into your home. This can cause your heater to work overtime and raise your energy bills substantially. If water comes in where it isn’t supposed to, the damp environment can cause mold or mildew and rotting in wood floors. This would be a financial headache later on if the problem isn’t addressed immediately. Caulking the right areas is a cheap fix to prevent costly home repairs and can quickly be done. 

Where to Caulk around the Exterior

Caulking in the right spots will create a barrier to stop rain and cold air from seeping into gaps, preventing damage and a cold home. 

Check window and door frames where they meet siding on an exterior wall. This is a common area that may need extra caulk to seal any gaps. You should check any area around the exterior where different types of building materials meet, such as wood siding and brick. 

Check for openings or gaps in siding, stucco, or your foundation to prevent potential water damage during rainy weather. 

Where to Caulk Indoors

The kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room are the most vulnerable areas for drafts or water damage. If the caulking in these sensitive areas is maintained, you’re likely to avoid issues later on. Be sure to check periodically as the caulk can become damaged or dried out over the years. 

In the kitchen, check where the backsplash meets the counter and the wall. If water gets trapped in these areas, you could deal with mold and mildew which will cause a smelly and stressful problem. You’ll also want to check around exterior doors if you have them near the kitchen area to keep drafts from entering. 

The bathrooms need thorough inspection and caulking repair at faucets where the tub or shower meets the surrounding materials. Where the plumbing comes through the wall or floor, be sure those areas are caulked as well. 

Understanding the different types of caulk is important to properly conducting your home repairs. The most common caulk varieties are latex, acrylic and silicone. Latex caulk is known for its durability, but doesn’t always stand up to temperature changes. Acrylic can easily be painted and cleaned up with water. It’s great for touch-ups and small gaps. 

Silicone is the most familiar variety for everyday homeowners and has a rubbery, flexible texture. It is most useful on non-porous surfaces such as glass or metal. It also holds up to temperature changes due to its flexible texture. 

By knowing your home in and out and being educated on the proper types of caulk to use, you’re being proactive and avoiding potential damage later on. Don’t be afraid to DIY with these simple fixes.