5 Steps for Exterior Caulking Application

You’ve got this exterior caulking project in the works, and you want to make sure you do it right. Many people are intimidated by the idea of applying exterior caulking, but you don’t have to be. Maybe you’re working on your own home, and you need to caulk around all the doors and windows to keep drafts out in the winter and bugs out during the summer. Or maybe you’re working on someone else’s house, and you need to caulk around their windows as part of your remodeling services. Here are some easy steps to follow when applying exterior caulking. After all, you don’t want to get it wrong and end up with a mess that leads to water damage or mold growth.

Apply Primer

Primer, an optional step in some cases, allows the caulking to adhere well to any surface. This is especially important for outdoor surfaces where moisture and sunlight can damage caulk over time. Choose a primer based on your application area; some primers can be applied directly to drywall, while others require pre-treating cracks before applying them. If you have cracks on your wall, primer application can help mitigate the effects of sudden temperature changes or humidity. For example, you won’t experience severe cracks around your caulking in the future.

Place Backer Rods in Large Gaps

You have to close big gaps before you can apply the caulk. If your gap is more than a few inches wide, use a backer rod or cardboard tube to fill them up. It’s easy to install and keeps your caulk from seeping out. Use a level or scrap lumber to make sure your backer rod stays upright before adding spackle or caulk. Don’t worry about the gap; your exterior caulk will cover it nicely.

Apply The Sealant

It is recommended that the sealant is applied in a continuous manner so that there are no missing sections. If you spot uneven areas, try applying thicker layers. If there are any issues, you can also remove sealant on bare drywall using acetone or an adhesive remover. For best results when applying sealant on vertical surfaces, use a painter’s pole or an extension pole to accurately apply caulking on edges.

Shape The Joints

Use a shaping tool to flatten excess caulking. Smoothen any bumps so that they do not drip downwards and maintain a neat appearance. If you are working with a wooden stick, place it at an angle and slide it across the sealant with consistent pressure.