Courtesy of TLC How it Works & Planet Green
We like to promote energy efficiency here at Planet Green. One of the ways to increase your energy efficiency is by sealing your thermal envelope. One of our most stalwart allies in thermal-envelope sealing is caulk.
Caulking guns and caulk can be purchased at your local hardware store, and together they cost less than the price of a movie ticket. You don’t have to be a green contractor to apply caulk, and if you screw up, well, that’s why God gave us putty knives.
First off, read the label. If you are trying to apply caulk to tile, and the caulk doesn’t say it will stick to tile, get a different type of caulk, a type that says it will stick to tile.
Clean the surface that you are about to caulk. Scrape out and remove any debris like old paint and dirt. Then wash with soapy water.
Where to Caulk?
The best place to caulk is where two different types of building materials come in contact, like where the wall meets the window. Caulk in any place where their may be an air leak.
Please note: Before you go sealant-crazy, make sure you do not block off any place that provides adequate ventilation.
When To Caulk?
Caulk on a dry, mild days.
How to Get a Smooth Application
Get some masking tape. Run tape on both sides of the crevice that you’ll be caulking. Make sure your tape is straight. Apply caulk between the tape. Work slowly and carefully. Use your finger or a Popsicle stick to tool the caulk. Remove the tape. Viola!
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