How to Caulk House Siding
Whether you're installing new siding or performing routine home maintenance, applying caulking to your home's exterior siding is a crucial step in preventing moisture damage. Moisture can enter your home through the smallest crack or open seam and cause extensive damage to your home's framework over time. Cracks in caulking also allow exterior air to enter your home and will increase your utility bills. As a rule, plan to re-caulk your home's exterior siding every five years. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver or chisel
- Foam backer rod
- Tube of caulk
- Caulking gun
- Scissors
- Damp sponge
Instructions
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1
Dig out the old caulking from the seams of your exterior siding with a screwdriver or chisel. If the open seam is wider than ½ inch or deeper than ¼ inch, push a piece of foam backer rod into the gap with your screwdriver.
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2
Slide the tube of exterior caulk into the caulking gun until it is firmly in place. Cut about ¼ of an inch from the tip of the tube of caulking with a pair of scissors.
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3
Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle next to the seam you plan to seal. Press the nozzle of the caulking gun firmly to express a thick stream of caulk across the seam.
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4
Wipe the damp sponge across the line of caulking to smooth it out and seal it in place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Opt for clear caulking if you're worried that caulking on your home's exterior siding will leave noticeable smears.
If you notice that your home's siding panels are buckling or cracking, you may need to replace the siding rather than merely caulk the seams.
For a smoother appearance, use a spoon dunked in soapy water to smooth out your caulking lines.
Do not smooth out caulking with your fingers. You risk cutting yourself on any cracked metal seams.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit house siding 3 image by Psycience from Fotolia.com
