- When it comes to purchasing the best caulk for yourself, there are several different things that you must keep in mind to make sure you choose the right one. However, with so many different types of caulk brands and formulas present in the market, it can become a bit tricky to pick the best option.This buying guide outlines all the important factors that you need to keep in mind while looking for the best caulk for yourself.
What is caulk?
Caulk is a material that is used to seal gaps and cracks that appear in walls and floors. It helps to prevent leakage and deterioration of material. It can also be used to repair doors, windows, tiles, sinks, tubs, and more.
Caulk is usually flexible and comes in a variety of formulations such as latex, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone and more. The main difference between a sealant and a caulk is the elasticity they provide. When dry, caulk is very rigid and hence it is best used for areas with minimal contraction and expansion.
Important factors you need to consider for buying caulk
Some of the significant factors to keep in mind are:
Water resistance
If you want your caulk to last long, then it is essential that you look for a water-resistant one. This especially applies if you will be using the seal for an area that is going to be exposed to humidity, rain, and other weather conditions.
For instance, you might want to use a water resistant seal for your windows and driveaway since these are exposed to rain. Waterproof caulk is not only durable but it also prevents mould from growing on the areas it is applied.
Drying time
The drying time of the caulk you intend to use is another important factor that needs to be considered. Generally, caulk formulas that are thicker take longer to dry than the thinner ones. Therefore, if you plan to use caulk in your bathroom, you might want to choose a formula that dries quickly so you wouldn't need to wait for days for the caulk to dry.
Price
You can find different types of caulks ranging from cheaper to expensive ones. The price of the caulk typically depends on its brand and quality. Polyurethane Caulks and latex vaults usually cost more than the rest of the caulk types.
Color of Caulk
The color of the caulk is another important factor that needs to be considered. The best option for you is to purchase a similar color to the caulk that was applied previously. Majority if the caulks come in four colors - white, brown, cream, and clear.
Clear caulk is the best option if you want the caulk to blend flawlessly with the material it is applied to. White caulk works the best for tubs and showers. Whereas, brown caulk is a great option for sealing areas and surfaces made from wood. Other than these, you can also find paintable caulks in the market.
What are the 4 most common caulk formulas?
There is a huge difference between the different types of best caulk formulas. Majority of the buyers don’t really know what’s in the caulk bottle they purchase, which is why they need to return it or get it changed later on.
Let’s have a look at the 4 most common best caulk formulas:
Silicone Caulking
Silicon is one of the most common types of caulk formulas.I t is a water-resistant seal and is used commonly for repairing and sealing window frames since it can withstand changing weather conditions.
Acrylic Latex
This formula is the easiest to use and smoothen out. This formula is usually used for sealing cracks and gaps around corner joints, moldings, door and window frames. Acrylic latex works great on both painted and unpainted surfaces. To improve the formula's flexibility and adhesion - you can add silicone to it.
Polyurethane
As compared to other types of formulas, polyurethane is more tougher, which is why they are widely used to fix and make repairs in driveways. However, since this formula is thicker, it can be difficult to use. Also, it takes longer to dry.
Solvent-Based
Solvent based caulks generally last much longer than water-based caulks. Since the formulae don't get damaged from direct sunlight, it is commonly used for roofing. However, this formula is also difficult to work with and requires solvent for tooling.
Hybrid
The hybrid caulks consist of polyurethane and silicone mixed together to provide stronger and better adhesion. As compared to other formulas, hybrid caulk is much more durable and long-lasting. Moreover, it provides better resistance against UV radiation as well.
What packaging options does caulk come in?
Caulk usually comes in two types of packaging options - big cylindrical cartridges or small squeezable tubes. The type of packaging you should get for yourself depends on the type of project you need it for.
Most of the times, large cylindrical cartridges work best for hardcore caulking projects, such as caulking gaps in driveways. Also, they can store a larger volume of caulk as compared to squeezable tubes. However, cartridges can be a bit more difficult to work with.
On the other hand, squeezable tubes are better suited for smaller scale projects, such as sealing pipes, windows, plumbing and more. This option is much easier to use as it only requires you to squeeze the tube from the back. However, it doesn’t hold a lot of volume because of its smaller size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for exterior caulk to dry?
A: The time it takes for caulk to dry depends on the material it is made from. Roughly, it can take anywhere between an hour to 2-3 days for it to dry.
Q: Why is caulking important?
A: Caulking helps prevent the damage that can be caused from water and moisture seeping into your home’s floors and walls.
Q: How do you keep caulk from going bad?
A: The best way to keep caulk from going bad is by keeping the caulk tube tightly shut and airtight. When not in use, seal the tube’s nozzle with a Saran Wrap by wrapping a rubber band around it.