Refractory Caulking

About Caulk

• Caulk comes in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns. Yet, some pressurized caulk cartridges do not require caulking guns. Some caulk also comes in barrels, which is used to seal cracks and gaps in walls. Caulk can also come in squeeze tubes, aerosol cans, and ropes for special applications. Various amounts of caulk is needed for different projects. For example; when caulking windows, a half-cartridge is needed per window, and four cartridges are needed for a foundation sill.

Caulk Uses

• Besides repairing cracks in walls, caulk guns can also be used to get into smaller, harder-to-reach places, such as bathtubs, tiles, moldings, window panes, door frames, baseboards, foundations, roofing, air conditioners, gutters, fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Joints on the exterior of a house can also be caulked to keep rain and dampness out. Caulk can also be used to preserve installed building materials and to smooth transitions in joints between building materials, such as the joints between doors and walls.

Different Types of Refractory Caulking

• Many types of refractory caulks are used for various projects. Silicone caulk is highly flexible, and seals joints between bath and kitchen fixtures, tiles, gutters and plumbing materials. One type of construction silicone caulk is used to seal two different building materials together, such as wood and stone. Polyurethane caulk is an expandable, spray foam that can be applied at different temperatures to seal larger cracks, both indoors and outdoors. Water-based foam sealant caulk is great for windows and door frames, and for repairing smaller cracks. Butyl rubber caulk seals most dissimilar materials, such as glass, metal or plastic, and latex caulk is ideal for sealing joints around a shower or tub.

How to Caulk

• Wall caulk is used by spreading it on the wall, letting it dry, then using a metal scraper and a sander to smooth it down. After it is smooth and dry, paint can be applied over the caulk. To use a caulking gun, cut the nozzle of the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle. Apply the caulk by holding it on top of the crack at a 45-degree angle and using pressure to squeeze the trigger or tube. When the caulk is released from the nozzle, slowly move the caulk tube along the surface of the crack to be sealed or filled. Once finished, smooth out the caulk with a metal scraper or a small, flat surface like a popsicle stick. Let dry.