So the contractor (or home inspector or the handy uncle) told you it's time to "re-caulk" around the windows and the tub. He pointed out some small cracks where the crown molding meets the wall and said "just throw a little caulk in there too."
When you finally stopped laughing - many construction terms are hugely funny - you looked at him with wide and innocent eyes. You finally asked him what type of caulk you need. More laughter. He tells you to go to the local hardware store and just read the labels. Easy.
Nope.
There are not only hundreds of types and colors of caulk available but all sorts of other materials that are not caulk but disguised in caulk-like tubes. Here is a little advice on what to look for when you need a tube of sealant for common DIY maintenance applications:
Around the windows use a paintable latex based caulk. DAP's Alex Plus is a commonly used product and there are similar sealants available from other manufacturers. This type of caulk is water soluble until it dries which makes it easier to clean from hands and smooth surfaces. It is NOT easy to clean from carpet, clothing and some other materials unless you get on it right away.
Fill cracks around molding (except in "wet" areas) with a paintable latex (see above.)
Around the shower, tub and kitchen/bathroom/laundry counter tops use a 100% silicone caulk. Latex-based products are water resistant; silicone is waterproof. It will last longer and should be used in areas where sealant will be in constant contact with water. Silicone caulk is very difficult to clean from most surfaces and it is not paintable so you will want to select a color that matches other materials in the room.
Fill cracks in concrete foundations with a polyurethane caulking. There are actually other (better) options for dealing with cracks in concrete but this is the most effective one in a caulk form. And if you thought it was difficult to clean up the silicone...
Fill cracks in asphalt with blacktop filler/sealant. This should be an asphalt based product specifically designed for driveway repair.
Once you have figured out which product you need and have loaded the caulking gun, the fun part starts. Take a few moments before you dive in and watch a few YouTube videos on the process. Better still, call the handy uncle.
When you finally stopped laughing - many construction terms are hugely funny - you looked at him with wide and innocent eyes. You finally asked him what type of caulk you need. More laughter. He tells you to go to the local hardware store and just read the labels. Easy.
Nope.
There are not only hundreds of types and colors of caulk available but all sorts of other materials that are not caulk but disguised in caulk-like tubes. Here is a little advice on what to look for when you need a tube of sealant for common DIY maintenance applications:
Around the windows use a paintable latex based caulk. DAP's Alex Plus is a commonly used product and there are similar sealants available from other manufacturers. This type of caulk is water soluble until it dries which makes it easier to clean from hands and smooth surfaces. It is NOT easy to clean from carpet, clothing and some other materials unless you get on it right away.
Fill cracks around molding (except in "wet" areas) with a paintable latex (see above.)
Around the shower, tub and kitchen/bathroom/laundry counter tops use a 100% silicone caulk. Latex-based products are water resistant; silicone is waterproof. It will last longer and should be used in areas where sealant will be in constant contact with water. Silicone caulk is very difficult to clean from most surfaces and it is not paintable so you will want to select a color that matches other materials in the room.
Fill cracks in concrete foundations with a polyurethane caulking. There are actually other (better) options for dealing with cracks in concrete but this is the most effective one in a caulk form. And if you thought it was difficult to clean up the silicone...
Fill cracks in asphalt with blacktop filler/sealant. This should be an asphalt based product specifically designed for driveway repair.
Once you have figured out which product you need and have loaded the caulking gun, the fun part starts. Take a few moments before you dive in and watch a few YouTube videos on the process. Better still, call the handy uncle.