Ready, Set, Caulk!
Apparently, the caulk gun is the tool of choice for correcting common leaks in the areas that require cosmetic care. These are the areas around windows, doors, fireplaces, trim work, paneling...basically anywhere you have two joints meet.
During the audit, I learned that trim is used to cover the imperfection in drywall and other joints. The imperfections let a lot of air flow in, under, and through. In the winter, you can find these easily by wetting your hand and moving it along the trim areas.
Mark and Jon, my energy rating experts, recommend using a clear caulk in these areas so that I did't need to do any touch up painting. They demonstrated the technique so that I wouldn't have areas with an unsightly glob. They also recommended a water clean up variety.
Oh, yes. The technique...
Wrong way!
Get familiar with the metallic stop flow tab on the caulk gun. Cut the tip of the caulk applicator on a 45 degree slant as small as possible, if necessary increase tip opening in very small increments. Work at eye level--so have a stool nearby. Do not slant the caulk tip, as is shown in the first photo, but keep it pointed directly into surface and drag at an even speed. This allows enough caulk to fill in any wide gaps. Have a wipe cloth handy. Prepare for many squats and stretches.
Finally, USE THE STOP FLOW TAB!
During the audit, I learned that trim is used to cover the imperfection in drywall and other joints. The imperfections let a lot of air flow in, under, and through. In the winter, you can find these easily by wetting your hand and moving it along the trim areas.
Mark and Jon, my energy rating experts, recommend using a clear caulk in these areas so that I did't need to do any touch up painting. They demonstrated the technique so that I wouldn't have areas with an unsightly glob. They also recommended a water clean up variety.
Oh, yes. The technique...
Wrong way!
Right way! Thumb on stop flow tab.
Get familiar with the metallic stop flow tab on the caulk gun. Cut the tip of the caulk applicator on a 45 degree slant as small as possible, if necessary increase tip opening in very small increments. Work at eye level--so have a stool nearby. Do not slant the caulk tip, as is shown in the first photo, but keep it pointed directly into surface and drag at an even speed. This allows enough caulk to fill in any wide gaps. Have a wipe cloth handy. Prepare for many squats and stretches.
Finally, USE THE STOP FLOW TAB!
posted by Julie A. Carda | 8:00 AM
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