Window Caulking Compounds: Which One To Use?

1. Window Caulking Compounds: Which One to Use? Caulk is a material, flexible in nature, used for filling the gaps and cracks existing in windows, doors and other stationary building components. Selecting the right caulking is the core determinant of successful window caulking results. It is imperative that you carefully detect and assess the leaks that exist in your windows and evaluate any ventilation needs that your home needs for sufficient indoor air regulation. Based on the information acquired through inspection, you can decide which caulking compound is best suited for your window. Window caulking compounds vary in strength, properties, and pricing. Therefore, you need to be careful during selection so that you can get optimal results. Here are some window caulking compounds that are commonly used. You can study and acquire information which one is best suited for your window needs. 1.Silicone Silicone is the most common caulking compound that can be used for household as well as construction purposes. It can seal broken joints in your windows and can be adhesive for the metal joints. It is suitable for metal, wood, stone, and bricks, so you won't have to worry about various textures of your wall and window when you are beginning to caulk. Silicone has little to no shrinkage and has excellent quality adhesion. It allows the joints to stretch up to three times and compress up to one-half the width.

2. 2.Polyurethane If your window entails larger cracks on its exterior and/ or interior, polyurethane is the best- suited window caulking compound for you. It expands when it’s curing and is most appropriate for areas with less to no friction. Polyurethane does not shrink but has the tendency to expand, making it suitable for larger cracks. If your window has irregular gaps, polyurethane can be used. However, you need to coat the exterior window caulking with a paint to protect it from ultraviolet radiation. 3.Water-based foam sealant With 25% of expansion tendency, the water-based sealant can be used for window and door caulking. However, unlike silicone and polyurethane, it can only be applied to smaller cracks and for new constructions. It does not shrink and yields satisfactory to excellent results. 4.Butyl Rubber Butyl rubber is an excellent caulking compound for your window as it can be effectively used for most contrasting surfaces. Be it glass, metal, plastic, wood or solid concrete, butyl rubber is the caulking compound for you. It can be used for sealing the gaps around the windows and efficiently bond any loose shingles that you may have in your fixtures. Butyl rubber has the tendency to shrink between 5% and 30% but caulking done through this compound is durable for at least ten years. You may require double coat to ensure robust caulking.

3. 5.Latex Latex is also a good window caulking compound that is effective in filling cracks in tile, plaster, glass, and plastic. It can be used to fill the ugly looking nail holes. Latex is easy to use and is resistant to water once dry. You can paint it to merge it with the rest of your window frame. However, latex has the durability as low as two years. It can go up to ten years, but you cannot be too sure. Also, it does not adhere to metal. It offers less flexibility and can shrink up to 10%. Based on the information provided above, you can select the one that suits best with your window caulking needs. Silicone can be easily ranked as the most effective caulking compound for fixing your windows and filling any unwanted gaps. Article Source : http://www.architecturebeta.com/window-caulking-compounds-which-one-to- use/