The 15 year old exterior caulking has dried out and is cracked. This is widespread and affects every window and door. Considering the new products on the market, do I have any options other than digging out the old caulk and recaulking? I noticed several polyurethane products that don’t say to remove old caulk before applying. Thanks.
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Replies
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.
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.
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.
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 ~
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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."
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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 ~
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curious - why can't it be tooled with a finger? Is mine going to fall off now?
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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
"Is mine going to fall off now?"Only if you used your middle finger; don't pizz off the caulk.
Hey guys, it's my finger falling off that I'm worried about, LOL
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More importantly, don't pizz ON the caulk.....
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.
Thanks. That is one option I didn't consider. My original thought was using gallons of 3M caulk remover.
The more recent knock-offs from other makers will pay for itself even faster.~ Ted W ~
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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.
HOw did you get a picture of my exterior calking???????
That's not how it suposed to look?????