Window Caulking and Choosing between Silicone and Latex Caulks

1. Window Caulking and Choosing between Silicone and Latex Caulks Whether you are concerned about the energy efficiency of your windows or you simply need to ensure that bugs do not enter your property through those tiny holes around your windows, you may seriously think of trying window caulking. So many service providers are now there to help you with this, but you can handle the task yourself if you know how to select the right caulk for different jobs. Whether you want to apply caulk on your windows or you have other caulking jobs, you will usually be looking at two caulking options – silicon and latex. They both have their own set of properties that make them suitable for different jobs. Here is a bit about these types to help you make a right decision. Silicone: It is a popular option and is usually quite suitable for situations when you need strength to handle specific caulking jobs. You will find it to be the perfect option to cover surface, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass. In other words, you will be able to use silicone caulking easily on non-porous surfaces. It can be extremely sticky, which is the reason why you may find it a bit hard to apply, especially if you do not have much experience handling a caulk gun. Because of its stickiness, you will find cleanups to be a big pain in the neck. You may want to put your money on silicone caulks when your job requires flexibility – it works great when you have to cover joints with movement. Keep in mind that you cannot paint silicone caulks, but you may have to consider it if you need a long-term solution, as it may last up to 30 years after application. Latex: It may be a much more suitable option for anyone interested in window caulking mainly because it adheres superbly to masonry, wood, and drywall. You can use it on your wooden windows with utmost ease. It is not as sticky as silicone caulk, which is why clean up is not going to pose a huge problem. You can clean the area using soap and water. Another good thing about latex caulks is that you can paint over it. It is not that expensive, but it does not come with a life expectancy as impressive as in case of silicone caulks. The fact of the matter is that while both silicone and latex caulks are quite popular, they do not work great for some surface areas. Silicone is your best bet when you want something to use around showers and tubs or in kitchens to fix water damage. Latex, on the other hand, can help you manage most of your interior applications. In case you are not sure which way to go, be sure to talk to a professional or simply hire one to have your caulking job done in the best way possible. Articles Source : http://www.learncolour.com/window-caulking-and-choosing-between-silicone- and-latex-caulks/