The Secret Life of Sealants and Caulks

The Secret Life of Sealants and Caulks

While they are used for different applications, sealants and caulks are best friends Usually always found within arm’s reach of each other, if one happens to wander off the other will soon have them back in the fold.

For construction, routine home repairs, even automotive applications they are invaluable and as important as any other tool in a contractor’s kit.

They don’t crave the spotlight, although both know their worth.

So, what is so impressive? It’s all about one simple thing – indispensability

Let’s take a look at these essential products and why every homeowner, DIY-er, or contractor needs them both in their life.

Sometimes it’s the quiet ones that make the biggest impact.

Your Money-Saving Secret

All we need is the air that we breathe, sure, but air, whether it be cold or warm, is likely to take advantage of you when you’re least expecting it.

It’s time you decide where it needs to be.

Sealing in warmth in cooler months and keeping out those chilly drafts can really affect your household budget. You’ll be surprised just how much a little time spent sealing up gaps with the right products will save you.

Your wallet will thank you.

Keep Pests on Their Own Turf

You don’t invade their space, so you expect the same in return, right. The trouble is pests, insects, and vermin tend to have selective hearing and be downright rude when deciding to encroach on your personal space.

The good news is you can keep them out. Sealing up entry points where they easily get through without being noticed is the first step. Sealants, especially weatherproof ones will have them looking for alternatives, but if you use a product that has an inbuilt pest inhibitor their days are numbered.

Sometimes, you gotta play dirty.

Never give a bug an even chance.

Fill the Gaps in Your Life

Gaps happen. It’s a fact of life for any structure and is just something we need to be aware of but more importantly, do something about it quickly.

What causes gaps?

Settling of houses and buildings is a natural occurrence. You may hear the creaks and moans on occasion, but don’t fear. It’s not time to bring in the paranormal experts, just time to make regular check-ups a part of your yearly maintenance plan.

The same goes for general wear and tear. No home will go through years without needing the occasional repair work to be completed.

Sealants and caulks are especially good for these kinds of jobs around the house. Did you know both these products can be used inside and outside of the home?

From silicones for those repairs that need a more flexible compound to waterproofing repairs for wet areas in bathrooms and kitchens.

For those who want a reusable product, having sealant in a can may be useful at times.

Designed especially for the best in sealing, coupled with ease of use, there’s no easier job.

Time for a check-up?

You do it for your own health. Now it’s time to do it for the health of your home.

Sealants to the Rescue

Got Emergency repairs?

Whether you are trying to stay afloat or woken by a leaking roof, sealants are designed specifically to deal with those things in life we cannot predict.

Leaks to gutters and roofs can present a real issue if not dealt with immediately. Water damage, dust and dirt accumulation, and open invitation for pests will all lead to the deterioration of your home. When you need to seal it, whether to stop further damage whilst a roofing expert is on their way or using it for a more permanent solution on those smaller jobs, sealant will be your new lifesaver.

Sealants and caulks to prevent mold, and further building damage are a must-have. Choose the right ones for specific jobs and you will be doing yourself and your home a favor.

These things are sent to try us, as the saying goes, but with the right know-how and the best products for the job, you can bring back peace of mind to your household and its future value.

We Are a Great Investment

Yes, if these two unassuming products could talk, they would definitely be singing their own praises. Homes are the largest investment we make in our lives, so it makes sense to do what we can to protect it

Using caulks and sealants properly the first time will prevent expensive random repairs and maintenance over time.

While all areas of the home can benefit from having sealants and caulks used from time to time, what are some other applications these two products offer?

  • Protection For Everyone

 Dust and air pollutants are your home’s worst enemy. If you have people in your life with allergies, or who suffer from asthma, the need to keep dust and foreign particles out becomes a priority. Using the right sealants around windows and gaps in your home will have an immediate effect on air quality.

In addition, caulking and sealants can prevent the build-up of dust and dirt over time. This in turn may help with mold and mildew prevention on walls and floor and window coverings.

  • Control the Noise Factor

Sealing gaps helps with keeping room-to-room noise at its lowest levels. Everyone needs a quiet space occasionally. Sealants and caulk help this become a reality by sealing off sound distractions and outside noise pollution.

Some Fun Facts

Caulk was first used in shipbuilding. Filling the gaps between planks of wood made the vessel watertight and therefore seaworthy.

I’m sure it was nice to know they could get their sea legs on knowing they didn’t have that to worry about. Just sharks, rogue waves, scurvy, pirates… never mind.

Did you know sealants are used in outer space? Yep. The final frontier, my sticky-loving friends.

A loss of air pressure on the International Space station caused astronauts to use sealant and gauze as an emergency repair. A leak was to blame for this life-threatening emergency.

See. Leaks happen. To everyone.

What’s the Difference?

It’s a good question, and generally why most choose to have both on hand.

While caulks are more rigid in compound, sealants tend to be more flexible in nature. Think of it as elasticity. Like comparing a rubber glove to a gardening glove. Both are useful, both are fit-for-purpose, but it’s a good idea to have both.

For areas where there is likely to be more expansion and contraction, a silicone sealant will be the way to go. For areas of complete block out that don’t tend to have lots of movement, and as a great base for paint, choose a more rigid type of caulk.

You don’t need to be a professional. Clearly, sealants and caulks are for every homeowner, and DIY aficionado. For small jobs and large, emergencies, or regular maintenance this is the stuff for you.

Want to know more? We’re always on hand to give you the best advice and share our expertise. Whether you’re a pro or a DIY-er we know there’s a need to get the right product for the job.

Contact us today and we will steer you down the right path to a job well done.