Replies

1. 
   Malo | Apr 09, 2009 10:35pm | #1

   I'd certainly remove the loose stuff before recaulking with a tri-polymer like Geocel.  Other caulks may or may not adhere to the old, and for sure loose paint also has to be removed.  But, Big Stretch, Lexel and Geocel are ones I keep in the caulk arsenal at all times.

2. 
   sledgehammer | Apr 09, 2009 10:41pm | #2

   It will continue to deteriorate. I wouldn't caulk over it, not worth the risk.

   I normally chip it out with a stiff putty knife and hammer.

3. 
   Pelipeth | Apr 10, 2009 02:13am | #3

   If you want the home to look nice, yes, you need to dig out the old caulk, within reason. Experience will tell you what can stay and what must go.

1. 
   Ted W. | Apr 10, 2009 02:34am | #4

   Most importantly, the old caulk has a layer of dirt on it and in the crack. That dirt will prevent the newer, better caulk from making a decent bond. At the very least you want to get to a new, clean surface, to get the best bond. The newer poly- caulks will flex with the joint and not crack as easily.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

4. 
   rjw | Apr 10, 2009 02:43am | #5

   I like the polys for use on masonry, but be aware you have to be very good - you can't tool it with a finger and cleanup is not waterbased.

   ---

   "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

   Howard Thurman

1. 
   Ted W. | Apr 10, 2009 03:51am | #6

   I wet my finger so it doesn't stick/drag, just like silicone in a shower. Just gotta be careful not to apply too much, again like doing a shower.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   Piffin | Apr 10, 2009 01:53pm | #7

   curious - why can't it be tooled with a finger? Is mine going to fall off now? 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Ted W. | Apr 10, 2009 03:08pm | #8

   curious - why can't it be tooled with a finger? Is mine going to fall off now?

   Yup. You should start digging it out right now and redo it before it's too late. And this time use one of those fancy newfangled caulk tooly thingies.

   Naw.. just kidding. What he means is it can turn into a real mess if the person applying it doesn't take his time, apply just the right amount, and keep his finger really wet when striking it smooth.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   Gary | Apr 10, 2009 03:26pm | #9

   "Is mine going to fall off now?"Only if you used your middle finger; don't pizz off the caulk.

1. 
   Piffin | Apr 10, 2009 11:46pm | #10

   Hey guys, it's my finger falling off that I'm worried about, LOL 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Luka | Apr 15, 2009 04:53pm | #16

   More importantly, don't pizz ON the caulk.....

5. 
   CardiacPaul | Apr 11, 2009 05:25am | #11

   Gary,

   For removal of the old caulk, use a multi master with the putty knife blade.

   It will pay for itself.

    No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.

1. 
   Gary | Apr 11, 2009 04:28pm | #12

   Thanks. That is one option I didn't consider. My original thought was using gallons of 3M caulk remover.

2. 
   Ted W. | Apr 15, 2009 04:28am | #13

   The more recent knock-offs from other makers will pay for itself even faster.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netMeet me at House & Builder!

1. 
   CardiacPaul | Apr 15, 2009 04:35pm | #14

   Yes your right, The putty knife/scraper is a awesome tool, works like magic on caulk without damaging surrounding areas No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.

6. 
   cameraman | Apr 15, 2009 04:40pm | #15

   HOw did you get a picture of my exterior calking???????

   That's not how it suposed to look?????