Caulking exterior wood is a primary defense against the elements. Caulking is one of the weapons that shields your trim against weather and insect related problems. It is a simple, yet crucial task to safeguard your home. Pictured here is an uncaulked exterior door jamb open to water damage, insects and dry rot.
Waterproofing and Rot Prevention:
Caulking helps waterproof your exterior trim. When properly applied, it forms a barrier against elements preventing water from infiltrating joints and edges. It protects against water damage, rot, and the headaches that come with them. All exterior wood is susceptible to rot. Caulking protects vulnerable areas from the moisture that causes decay.
Insulation and Insect Proofing
Proper caulking seals gaps and crevices in your exterior trim, making your home a draft-free haven. Enjoy a cozier living space and say goodbye to chills. Proper caulking provides a shield against the elements. Pests are persistent, but they’re no match for well-caulked exterior trim. By closing off entry points, caulking becomes your home’s first line of defense against termites, carpenter ants, and wasps.
Energy and Cost Efficiency:
Caulking isn’t just about protecting, it’s also promotes energy efficiency. By sealing gaps and preventing air leaks, properly sealing exterior trim contributes to a more energy efficient home. This translates to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, the paint on a well caulked home lasts longer than on an uncaulked home. This reduces yearly maintenance costs and extends the time between repainting.
It also enhances curb appeal and makes a paint job last longer. By providing protection against moisture, pests, and the ravages of time, exterior wood caulking becomes the guardian that helps your house resist rot, maintain its structural integrity, and save money for years to come.
Window Glazing
Although many people refer to sealing windows as caulking, it’s not. Window glazing is applying a putty that seals the gap between the (wood or metal) mullions and glass. The process involves partially or completely removing and replacing damaged putty between the wood and glass.
To insure a proper and long lasting job, the sash bed must be skillfully prepared before applying the glazing. Once installed, the glazing must be smoothed to an even slope. This gives it a professionally finished look and proper functionality.
Wood Siding
This is the before picture of un-caulked exterior siding and sloppily painted wood planks next to stucco. On older houses, all gaps between planks and stucco should be caulked prior to applying paint. Caulking gaps keeps bugs and moisture out, plus it is an essential part of an attractive paint job.
Properly Caulked Siding
This is the after picture of properly caulked and painted exterior wood siding. All gaps between boards or between the stucco and wood have been sealed and painted. Sealing gaps prevents moisture and insects from getting in. It also is an integral part of a properly painted exterior.
All Los Angeles Painting Company, Inc. 310-470-9218 provides professional caulking and window glazing services for modern and vintage homes.
