8
Interior Caulking
Interior caulk, which is an elastic sealer, is used
to prevent water intrusion. The most common
areas for caulking are around backsplashes,
showers, sinks, and tubs.
Caulk needs attention and regular maintenance
to maintain its function. Without maintenance,
moisture can work its way behind caulk and
damage what the caulk is protecting.
Care and maintenance
The following are tips for maintaining the
interior caulking of your home.
Inspection
Inspect the areas of the home where there
is original caulk. Look for any spots where
the caulk has separated or deteriorated.
The following are priority areas to check:
Around plumbing fixtures, sinks, showers,
toilets, and tubs.
Around door and window frames.
Around backsplashes, tile, and floors.
Around ceiling fixtures and doors to the attic.
Between the home’s foundation and sill plate.
CAUTION: Avoid applying silicone
caulking over acrylic caulking or acrylic
over silicone, as the two types of caulks
will not bond properly.
Reapplying interior caulk
1. Use a painter’s tool, putty knife, or scraper
to remove old caulk.
2. Clean the area that needs caulk and dry
thoroughly as caulk won’t bond to a surface
that’s dirty or damp.
