3 Best Caulk for Exterior of House

If you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast like myself, it is likely that you prefer handling minor projects around the home, yourself. Most of these projects involve repairs and crafts like decoration.

Some of these works are often done using equipment and products likely to be found in every home.

These activities are so engaging and fun that even children enjoy being involved. Not only do they help in getting the work done faster, but also gain some vital hands-on skills.

One of the products that come in handy for most repair and building works around the home, is caulk (discover if Caulk is stainable here).

If you have never been required to use a sealant for any project, then caulk may be an unfamiliar product.

Caulk is an adhesive used to seal gaps that are likely to let in unwanted insects, air, and water. Such as around windows and doors, you may notice cracks that need to be filled and this is where caulk comes in.

If you have noticed a gap and would like to fix it, you ought to go to a store where home repair products and gadgets are sold and get yourself the fitting products, based on the kind of repair.

Caulk and a caulk gun will be the fundamental items for filling the gap. Even so, you should keep in mind that there are numerous types of caulks, all with distinct attributes and suitable for sealing different kinds of gaps.

Ideal Caulk for Exterior Repairs

Some types of caulks are suitable for interior projects while others are better for exterior ones. With this in mind, it will be easier for you to get the right caulk for your projects.

For exterior projects, there are also multiple caulks at your disposal, for you to choose from. As such, choosing the best one may be quite strenuous.

Listed below are three kinds of caulks that are ideal for external repairs around your home:

1. Dap 18128 Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk 5.5 – Ounce

Features

This is one of the most sought-after caulks, its versatility is one of the reasons. It can be used for multiple purposes and applied on a range of surfaces, including wet zones such as bathrooms and sinks. The caulk is white but luckily, it can be painted over using a different color if need be. 

In addition to this, the Dap Acrylic Latex caulk is long-lasting, with its effects durable for a minimum period of 30 years.

Therefore, when doing regular inspections around your home, you will notice that areas fixed using this caulk are still intact even after several years.

Pros

1. It is simple to apply
2. It holds well
3. It is trouble-free to clean
4. It does not have an irritating smell

Cons

1. It may take a substantial duration to dry up

2. Sashco 10024 Big Stretch Caulk 10.5 – Ounce

Features

This pliable caulk is water-based and not only suitable for exterior needs, but also interior ones. A mixture of soap and water is sufficient to clean it up. The Big Stretch caulk comes in over 10 different colors, pine green being one of the common ones.

Pros

1. It is effective even during the chilly seasons.
2. It has an amazing appearance on areas where it has been applied

Cons

1. It may be difficult getting a fitting hue, especially when buying it for a second time.

3. General Electric GE 5020 10.1 – Ounce

Features

This caulk is clear and entirely constituted of silicone. Therefore, it is waterproof and barely cracks even when exposed to harsh external factors such as moisture. The General Electric caulk is an all-purpose sealant but is majorly used on doors and windows.

Pros

1. It creates an intact seal
2. Dries up fast

Cons

1. Quite costly

Factors To Consider When Selecting the Best Exterior Caulk

1. Paint ability of the caulk

Before purchasing a caulk, find out whether it is paintable. The caulk may be of a different color from the area it will be used on. You may want it to be paintable, to avoid a color contrast.

2. Material

Not all caulks are suitable for sealing all types of materials. Some are a better adhesive on wood while others are better for metal. Consider the material that needs the sealant, before buying the caulk.

3. Usability

Some caulks have components that have irritating odors and may also be harmful when touched with bare hands.

Also, such caulk may require the use of chemicals to clean up. It is important to get caulk that you can manage easily while staying safe as well.

Considering the factors to be reviewed before making a purchase, the three caulks discussed earlier meet the cut as the most ideal caulks for all exterior projects.

However, each of them has a cutting edge above the rest. Nonetheless, I would select the Dap 18128 Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk as the best among the three.