Finding the right caulk
This Is A Hammer
Q: I discovered some small cracks in the wood frames of my back door and windows. A friend told me an easy fix is to just caulk over the cracks. But at the hardware store, I found several different types of caulk. Which is the best to use on outside wood frames? — DIY Newbie in Ohio
A: Each type of caulk available at your local home-improvement store has somewhat different properties — even though their main purpose is to create a durable seal against the elements. Here’s a short guide to the different types:
•Acrylic latex: An all-around caulk with an acrylic base, that’s easy to work with. Keep a tube of it around for any job where the area normally stays dry — it’s also the best for small cracks in wood trim. Cleans up with water.
• Vinyl latex (a.k.a. polyvinyl acetate): Another all-around caulk that can be used in wet areas, like the tub or shower.
• Butyl rubber: Harder to apply, but good for outdoor use — including sealing window frames, gutter and downspout seams — because of its ability to flex with changes in temperature and its weather resistance.
• Silicone: Perhaps the strongest bonding caulk available — yet silicone doesn’t hold paint at all. (Colored silicone caulk is available.) Make sure the work area is well-ventilated. Clean excess silicone using rubbing alcohol.
• Oil-based: This is the least expensive caulk you can purchase, and you get what you pay for. Once the oil has leached from the material — which happens in a couple years depending on where it is used — the caulking dries, shrinks and crumbles out of the cracks.
HOME TIP: To prevent the tip of a caulking tube from drying out between uses, wipe the outside clean, poke a nail inside the tip to clear it, then cover the tip with a slip-on pencil eraser or an electrical cap.