Photograph: Tom Scalisi
Exterior caulk is a thick, viscous resolution that is available in an extended tube and is utilized with a caulking gun. It’s designed to seal seams in home windows, doorways, siding, gutters, brick, concrete, and roofing tiles to make sure that a house stays waterproof and pests keep out. Exterior caulks are straightforward to make use of and are a cheap possibility to repair quite a lot of cracks and breaks across the exterior of a house.
The perfect exterior caulk for a house will depend on the areas that want sealing, the fabric receiving the caulk, the dimensions of the crack or hole that wants filling, and whether or not the caulk must be paintable or in a premade colour. Most significantly, the product must be prime quality if it’s going to guard the house.
To assist with selecting the perfect exterior caulk, we carried out hands-on testing with the next merchandise.
- BEST OVERALL: DAP Dynaflex 230 Premium Elastomeric Sealant
- RUNNER-UP: GE Supreme Silicone Window & Door Sealant
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Frost King Mortite Caulking Wire
- BEST FOR CONCRETE: Sashco Slab Concrete Crack Restore Caulk
- BEST FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS: GE Superior Silicone 2 Window & Door Sealant
- BEST FOR SIDING: Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant
- BEST FOR BRICK: Crimson Satan Lifetime Extremely 230 Premium Acrylic Sealant
- BEST FOR ROOFS: DAP Polyurethane Development Sealant
- BEST FOR GUTTERS: Crimson Satan 100% Silicone Sealant
Photograph: Tom Scalisi
How We Examined the Finest Exterior Caulks
Once we determined to place collectively a information on the perfect exterior caulks, we needed to ensure we’d solely be suggesting the easiest merchandise. We referred to as upon our experiences as DIYers and professionals to spherical up merchandise we all know and belief.
As soon as we had merchandise we felt met our standards, we carried out hands-on testing. First, we arrange a small experiment to see how straightforward every product was to use, and the way lengthy it could take to dry in comparison with the producer’s recommendations. Then, we took these merchandise to work, caulking cracks or gaps in concrete, brick, home windows, gutters, and extra, being attentive to how every carried out.
By the top of the take a look at, we had a strong thought of which caulks have been the perfect, and for which jobs they have been finest suited.
Our Prime Picks
The merchandise beneath have been chosen for high quality and value. Try this checklist to find among the finest exterior caulk available on the market for a house. And to make it possible for these merchandise are actually all they’re cracked as much as be, we carried out hands-on testing.
Photograph: amazon.com
DIYers searching for a paintable latex caulk that additionally goals to have the toughness of a silicone product ought to take a look at DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant. This 12-pack of caulk has sufficient materials for big jobs like siding or window replacements however is available in simply dealt with 10.1-ounce tubes.
This latex-based caulk is straightforward to use, and it will probably seal gaps as much as 2 inches huge (with a backer rod or a filler). Its system is specifically designed to withstand cracking and enhance flexibility over different latex-based caulks. After utility, it ought to be prepared for portray in about 2 hours.
Throughout the take a look at, we discovered Dynaflex 230 very straightforward to use. It flowed nicely from the tube and was straightforward to software. Since silicone doesn’t sometimes combine nicely with wooden, we have been excited to present this latex sealant a shot, and it did very nicely. It was a bit of runnier than most of the different caulks, and it did take a full 2 hours to agency up, however it carried out nicely.
Product Specs
- Sort: Latex
- Drying time: 2 hours
- Paintable: Sure
Professionals
- Paintable in 2 hours; splendid for same-day tasks
- Works on wooden not like silicone merchandise
- Very straightforward to use; nice for dwelling DIY fanatics
Cons
- Generally is a bit runny in hotter working temperatures
Get the 12-pack of DAP Dynaflex 230 at Amazon or particular person tubes at Ace {Hardware} and The Dwelling Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
The silicone-based system of GE’s caulk resists mildew and gives improved flexibility over different caulks. GE even boasts that it produces seven occasions the power of a typical bond. As soon as it cures, this product resists cracking, shrinking, and injury from excessive temperatures.
This exterior silicone caulk is low odor and dries inside half-hour. It additionally works on many supplies like vinyl, masonry, and metallic. And for delicate metallic finishes that different caulks may injury, GE’s Supreme Silicone Window & Door Sealant is secure.
In our testing, this GE caulk labored fairly nicely. It was straightforward to use a bead, and it tooled to a clean completed product. It was one of many first caulks to dry, and it created an appropriate bond towards our wooden substrate. The one draw back we discovered was that it isn’t paintable, however this caulk’s clear end may do the trick typically.
Product Specs
- Sort: Silicone
- Drying time: half-hour
- Paintable: No
Professionals
- Dries shortly (one of many quickest in testing)
- Sealant very straightforward to use and power
- Options low-odor system; splendid to be used round pets and youngsters
- Can safely be used for metallic
Cons
- Not paintable (however it’s obtainable in a number of colours)
Get the GE Supreme Silicone at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Dwelling Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
When a short lived seal is all that’s required round a window or door, corresponding to for winterization, it is sensible to save lots of a bit of cash and frustration. One roll of Frost King Mortite Caulking Wire options sufficient materials to caulk as much as six home windows, making it way more reasonably priced than utilizing tubes of liquid caulk.
This caulking twine is cheap and doesn’t harden, that means that DIYers can take away any sealed joints with relative ease in comparison with liquid caulks. The person should merely unravel the tape, separate a rope of caulk, and press it into the hole with their fingertips. As soon as it’s in place, customers can select to color it or depart it as is.
To be trustworthy, we thought this rope caulk was a very good deal, however just for some functions. It was very troublesome to make it look clean, so it wouldn’t be splendid for anyplace that will be simply seen. Additionally, ripping off respectable lengths of caulk was a bit irritating because it got here off in smaller chunks. Nonetheless, we actually did like how straightforward it was to take away, which might make it a superb selection for winterization.
Product Specs
- Sort: Rope caulk
- Drying time: Doesn’t treatment
- Paintable: Sure
Professionals
- Straightforward to take away when wanted
- Sufficient for sealing 6 home windows at a cost-effective value
- Utility could be very easy and may be adjusted
Cons
- Not straightforward to software right into a crack; different merchandise are probably extra appropriate
Get the Frost King rope caulk at Amazon, Ace {Hardware}, or The Dwelling Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
For smaller concrete cracks, use the Sashco Slab Concrete Crack Restore Caulk. This specifically designed system encompasses a gritty texture to duplicate the looks of concrete as soon as the caulk cures. The ten.5-ounce tube of exterior caulk can span gaps as much as 3 inches, and the grey colour helps it mix in with unpainted concrete. Nonetheless, since it’s acrylic-based, customers can paint it to match the remainder of the floor.
This grey concrete caulk’s sturdy design can stand up to common foot and car visitors, so DIYers can apply it to a driveway, patio, and path with out worrying that the caulking will crack or fall out. This exterior caulk, which takes 3 to 4 days to totally treatment, could be very versatile and may transfer with the concrete because it shifts as a substitute of cracking and breaking.
The way in which this caulk blended in with concrete surfaces was truly fairly spectacular. Additionally, regardless of its grittiness, it was very straightforward to use and power. It did take shockingly lengthy to dry, nevertheless, which might be an issue for driveway or sidewalk repairs. Nonetheless, based mostly on our testing, we might say that the outcome can be definitely worth the wait.
Product Specs
- Sort: Acrylic
- Drying time: 24 hours
- Paintable: Sure
Professionals
- Paintable to mix in restore; nice for canopy up tasks
- Gritty texture properly mimics concrete
- Particularly designed to stay to concrete surfaces
Cons
- Very sluggish dry time; tasks can take a number of days to finish
Get the Sashco exterior caulk at Amazon or Ace {Hardware}.
Photograph: amazon.com
Home windows and doorways require an exterior caulk, like GE Superior Silicone 2, that may adequately present a seal towards moisture, airflow, and temperature. It additionally wants to stay versatile sufficient to soak up the kinetic power from the window or door opening and shutting. The ten.1-ounce silicone caulk has a transparent coloring so it’s much less noticeable after curing.
This exterior caulk system resists freezing temperatures and is UV-resistant so customers needn’t fear about it shrinking or discoloring. It’s additionally mold- and mildew-resistant, making it appropriate for moist areas. After utility, the silicone caulk is water resistant inside half-hour, although it takes 24 hours to totally treatment. This versatile caulk’s system withstands growth and contraction, making it a strong selection for home windows, doorways, siding, attics, molding, and vents.
We discovered this system to be some of the versatile throughout testing, and it was one of many quickest to dry. Whereas it’s unlucky that it’s not paintable, the clear end and a cautious utility ought to cover most small cracks.
Product Specs
- Sort: Silicone
- Drying time: half-hour dry
- Paintable: No
Professionals
- Versatile one hundred pc silicone system
- Resists excessive temperatures, mildew, and mildew
- Dry inside half-hour (24 hours earlier than complete treatment)
Cons
- Not paintable (however is accessible in a number of colours)
Get the GE Superior Silicone exterior caulk at Amazon or The Dwelling Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
Don’t let drafts and soaking rain seep by means of siding and trigger injury. Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal can seal up holes, cracks, or susceptible seams in siding, conserving moisture and pests on the surface. Customers can apply this silicone exterior caulk alongside siding seams, and inside half-hour this caulk ought to have the ability to present an efficient seal towards water, although it does take 24 hours to totally treatment.
This sturdy silicone caulk stays versatile after curing and received’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time. Understand that this caulk shouldn’t be paintable, so select the clear or white Gorilla product finest suited to your house’s exterior.
Throughout the take a look at, we discovered that this silicone did require a little bit of pressure to squeeze it out, however the clean bead left behind was completely definitely worth the effort. It didn’t run—some extent that’s value contemplating when selecting a caulk for siding. Additionally, it dried shortly and was straightforward to software to a clean end. The one factor we might’ve favored was a paintable end, which this caulk didn’t supply.
Product Specs
- Sort: Silicone
- Drying time: half-hour
- Paintable: No
Professionals
- Dries inside half-hour; nice for fast fixes
- Agency strain leads to a pleasant, clear bead
- Doesn’t run when utilized to a vertical floor
Cons
- Not paintable; solely obtainable in white
Get the Gorilla exterior caulk at Amazon.
Photograph: amazon.com
Holes in brick partitions can result in water injury, insect infestations, and chilly drafts—and a big sufficient gap may be an invite to rats and mice. Fill these holes with this acrylic latex exterior caulk to correctly seal out undesirable pests or climate circumstances. The acrylic latex has antimicrobial properties to assist shield the caulk towards mildew and mildew.
This caulk works on painted or unpainted wooden, plaster, glass, aluminum, masonry, tile, metallic, and concrete. It takes about 1 hour to dry and may be painted in about 4 to six hours. It is available in a ten.1-ounce tube and is accessible in white, almond, black, brown, clear, grey, or tan to match brick or mortar. It additionally is available in a 5.5-ounce tube that’s obtainable in white or clear.
At first, we thought this product was truly too skinny and runny. Nonetheless, after we used it on brick, it was the clear winner. Not like different thicker formulation, this sealant was straightforward to software into the nooks and crannies that exist in brick, and it was straightforward to push into some mortar cracks as nicely. It did dry shortly, however it was in direct daylight on the time. All in all, we favored it for brick however discovered it could be too runny for different vertical, smoother surfaces.
Product Specs
- Sort: Acrylic latex
- Drying time: 1 hour (to tack-free)
- Paintable: Sure
Professionals
- Fast drying system takes simply 1 hour to change into tack-free
- Skinny sufficient to work into nooks and crannies of a brick wall
- Adheres to brick, wooden, metallic, tile, and extra
Cons
- Could also be too runny for smoother surfaces
Get the Crimson Satan Lifetime Extremely 230 Sealant at Amazon or Walmart.
Photograph: amazon.com
Holes and cracks in a roof want sealing up as quickly as doable to stop moisture from seeping into a house. Designed to seal shingles, gutters, chimneys, skylights, and ducts, this polyurethane exterior caulk is a perfect possibility for fixing your roof.
The ten.1-ounce tube of exterior caulk’s black colour can match or mix with the colour of shingles. Nonetheless, for individuals who desire a special look, this caulk is paintable, although it could want a couple of coat. This exterior caulk takes 4 to 7 days to totally treatment. As soon as cured, it gives a water-proof seal that is still versatile till it’s eliminated.
Development adhesives are usually skinny and simple to use, and that was the case with this DAP sealant. Throughout testing, we discovered that this caulk dried a lot sooner than marketed, however nowhere close to as fast as many of the relaxation. Nonetheless, the bond was sturdy and the black colour would mix in nicely with most roof shingles.
Product Specs
- Sort: Polyurethane
- Drying time: 3 to six hours
- Paintable: Sure
Professionals
- Black colour blends in with most roof shingles
- Adhesive is skinny and applies simply
- Versatile waterproof seal splendid for many climates and roof shingles
Cons
- Lengthy dry time (however probably shorter than marketed)
Get the DAP polyurethane exterior caulk at Amazon or Walmart.
Photograph: amazon.com
A leaking gutter system can result in clogs, damaged gutter items, and ice buildup in freezing temperatures, however Crimson Satan 100% Silicone Sealant can deal with the issue. The 9.8-ounce tube of silicone caulk is suitable with glass, ceramic, vinyl, and metals, making it an important possibility for sealing holes and gutter-piece connections.
DIYers can apply this caulk at freezing temperatures if mandatory, in order that they don’t have to attend to repair leaks till the climate agrees. This silicone caulk takes 3 to 4 days to totally treatment and stays versatile after curing, lowering worries about cracking or shrinking.
We discovered Crimson Satan’s caulk to be a pleasure to make use of throughout our exams. It was thick however not so thick that it was runny. This allowed us to use the caulk to the joints round our gutter finish caps and power it in place with our fingers. Whereas it may get a bit of awkward to wield a big tube atop a ladder, the smaller squeeze tube can also be obtainable. It did take some time to treatment, nevertheless, so make sure you plan for a couple of days with out rain.
Product Specs
- Sort: Silicone
- Drying time: 20 minutes (to tack-free)
- Paintable: No
Professionals
- Thick system is surprisingly nonetheless straightforward to use
- Straightforward to software into gutter finish caps and downspout joints
- May even be utilized in freezing temperatures
Cons
- Takes some time to treatment (may be a number of days)
Get the Crimson Satan Silicone Sealant at Amazon or Walmart.
What to Take into account When Selecting Exterior Caulk
Earlier than selecting the perfect exterior caulk to seal home windows, doorways, and siding, there are some elements to think about, corresponding to product sturdiness, how straightforward it’s to make use of, and the way lengthy it takes to treatment.
Kinds of Exterior Caulk
A number of various kinds of exterior caulk can be found, together with latex, acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and butyl rubber exterior caulk. Every kind has its professionals and cons, so it’s a good suggestion to get conversant in the obtainable choices to find out which is finest for a given mission.
Exterior Latex Caulk
Utilizing a latex base for an exterior caulk is an efficient possibility for areas with comparatively constant temperatures all year long. The explanation for that is that when an exterior latex caulk cures, it now not expands or contracts with the fabric round it. Whereas it’s doable to color latex caulk, the paint might crack and flake throughout excessive temperature adjustments.
Latex exterior caulk can also be sometimes the least costly and requires extra frequent changing than different sorts of caulk to stay efficient.
Exterior Acrylic Latex Caulk
For a longer-lasting product than easy latex caulk however one thing that’s nonetheless straightforward to make use of, acrylic latex caulk could also be a sensible choice. This system can also be extra water resistant than common latex, offering a greater seal towards moisture to guard a house from the weather.
Acrylic latex exterior caulk is a well-liked selection for a lot of supplies, together with metallic, wooden, and tile, and comes at a good value. Nonetheless, like latex caulk, it’ll shrink through the curing course of and doesn’t broaden or contract in response to temperature change. It will probably take paint, however the paint might find yourself with cracking and peeling issues.
Exterior Silicone Caulk
Exterior silicone caulk is the most typical kind of exterior caulk due to its unimaginable sturdiness and water resistance. Silicone can also be a really versatile materials, even after it cures, making it a really perfect possibility for sealing drafty home windows and doorways. Such a exterior caulk received’t sometimes take paint nicely, although many producers supply a number of totally different colour choices.
Nonetheless, when working with silicone caulk, understand that it doesn’t sometimes seal nicely to wooden and may be very troublesome to take away after functions. Silicone can also be tougher to work with than both latex or acrylic latex caulk, so DIYers will wish to take their time and take a look at out the stream of the caulk earlier than making use of the primary bead.
Exterior Polyurethane Caulk
Polyurethane is without doubt one of the finest supplies to make use of for sealing the outside of a house. This exterior caulk is UV-resistant, so DIYers received’t have to have a look at ugly yellowing over time on what was as soon as a transparent bead of caulking. Exterior polyurethane caulk additionally has comparable flexibility to silicone, permitting it to soak up influence injury or broaden and contract with ambient temperatures.
Polyurethane caulk can take paint, permitting it to present a house a flawless aesthetic. And it’s nice for sealing collectively various kinds of supplies, corresponding to metallic and wooden or wooden and glass. Nonetheless, it is vitally thick and doubtlessly troublesome to work with for DIYers who don’t have expertise with a caulking gun. It’s additionally one of many costlier exterior caulks.
Butyl Rubber Exterior Caulk
Due to its UV resistance, butyl rubber caulk is primarily for business or industrial settings and is used for sealing exterior areas generally uncovered to direct daylight. Such a exterior caulk can also be extremely versatile, making it a very good possibility for sealing gutters, chimney flashings, and housing foundations the place moisture accumulation and motion are frequent.
DIYers can apply butyl rubber exterior caulk in each cold and warm temperatures, in order that they received’t have to attend for it to heat up or cool right down to waterproof their dwelling. Nonetheless, to adequately take away stuck-on butyl rubber, a solvent, like paint thinner, is often mandatory.
Photograph: Tom Scalisi
Sturdiness
Some areas round a house might go untouched by anybody for years, however in addition they see fixed publicity to highly effective wind, rain, hail, and presumably snow. Because of this, DIYers want to make sure that they’re investing in a product with the sturdiness mandatory for the appliance space.
Latex and acrylic latex are the least sturdy exterior caulks as a result of as soon as cured, they don’t broaden and contract. This rigidity causes them to interrupt down a lot ahead of silicone, polyurethane, or butyl rubber exterior caulk. Silicone has higher water resistance than polyurethane however doesn’t adhere nicely to wooden, whereas polyurethane works with most supplies, even forming efficient seals between two totally different supplies.
Usability
One other essential issue to think about when choosing an exterior caulk is how straightforward it’s to make use of the product. Most caulk merchandise contain inserting a tube right into a caulking gun and squeezing the set off till the caulk is pushed out of the tip of the tube. It’s essential to direct the tip alongside the seam whereas squeezing the caulk out of the tube.
Nonetheless, ease depends upon the viscosity and adhesion high quality of the outside caulk. Utility is tougher with dense merchandise like butyl rubber, polyurethane, and silicone as a result of it’s more durable to regulate the stream of the caulk by means of the tip of the tube. Latex and acrylic latex caulk each stream comparatively simply from the tube, however it’s additionally straightforward to use an excessive amount of. Fortunately, they’re straightforward to take away with out a lot mess.
Colour
Most exterior caulks are available a transparent or white end, however some merchandise might supply a choice of colour selections to match the caulk bead to the house’s palette. Colour is a vital issue to think about when selecting a silicone caulk, as paint doesn’t follow one hundred pc silicone caulk.
Whereas it’s doable to color latex and acrylic latex, the paint might find yourself cracking and peeling; these caulks aren’t versatile sufficient to broaden and contract with the encompassing supplies because the temperature adjustments. Polyurethane is an efficient possibility for portray the caulk bead, however typically, a transparent or white bead of caulk blends in with a house’s exterior.
Curing Time
The curing time of an exterior caulk product is the size of time it takes for your entire bead of caulk to totally dry from the outside to the middle of the bead. Curing time can differ enormously between particular person merchandise. To find out how lengthy it’ll take for the caulk bead to totally treatment, discuss with the producer’s instructions.
Usually, an exterior caulk product dries inside half-hour to 1 hour however can take between 8 hours to six days to totally treatment relying on the kind of caulk, the placement, the humidity or moisture within the space, and the quantity of caulking used. A really thick bead additionally takes considerably longer to dry by means of to the middle.
Ideas for Utilizing Exterior Caulk
Including a line of caulk alongside siding or the body of a window looks as if a fast and easy course of, but when a DIYer doesn’t take away the previous caulk earlier than they start, the brand new exterior caulk won’t ever correctly seal the hole. Take away the previous caulk with a utility knife and a putty knife for a clear floor to rigorously apply the brand new bead.
When making use of the bead of caulk, make sure you grip the caulking gun with each palms to stop shaking, slipping, or some other incidental motion that will trigger a lack of management and make a multitude.
Don’t use caulk for gaps that measure greater than ¼ inch in width. It’s because the consistency of exterior caulk shouldn’t be agency sufficient to retain its kind in a big area, inflicting it to sag out of the hole and create an pointless mess. For gaps bigger than ¼ inch, use a foam backing rod to offer enough filler and help for the bead of caulking.
- When making use of an exterior caulk, take away the previous caulk beforehand or the brand new caulk is not going to adhere correctly.
- Use each palms to run a bead of caulk to make sure it’s utilized appropriately.
- Don’t use caulk as a filler for gaps which might be greater than ¼-inch huge
FAQs
That’s a variety of info on the perfect exterior caulks, however you should still have questions. This part goals to assist, because it’s a set of essentially the most ceaselessly requested questions on exterior caulks.
Q. Is caulk toxic or harmful?
This will depend on the kind of caulk getting used, as some merchandise are particularly designed to be unhazardous. Nonetheless, most exterior caulk merchandise would include dangerous components if swallowed, and the fumes from the caulk may additionally pose a hazard should you use it in an enclosed area, like a storage or an enclosed porch.
Q. Does exterior caulk work on wooden?
Sure, you may get exterior caulk that’s designed to work on painted and unpainted wooden. This caulk additionally adapts to the swelling and shrinking of wooden so the seal stays efficient regardless of the temperature, humidity, and precipitation adjustments.
Q. How do you caulk exterior home windows?
To caulk exterior home windows, you’ll be able to observe these easy steps.
- Start by eradicating the previous caulk from across the window frames.
- Put together the floor by eradicating any particles or previous paint that will hinder adhesion and washing the world, making certain it’s dry earlier than starting to use the caulk.
- Press the tip of the caulking gun firmly towards one nook of the window and apply a steady bead, thick sufficient to fill the hole, all the best way to the following nook.
- Repeat step three for all 4 sides of the window.
- Use a moist object to clean over the sealant and to take away any extra caulk.
- Enable the caulk to treatment over the following 24 hours.
Q. How do you caulk exterior siding?
To caulk the outside siding, observe these steps.
- Take away the previous caulk from the siding.
- Clear the floor by eradicating any particles or previous paint that will hinder adhesion and washing the world.
- Dry the siding with a rag earlier than starting to use the caulk to make sure that all moisture has been eliminated.
- Use the caulking gun to use a steady bead alongside the siding to fill the hole.
- Repeat step 4 for all siding seams you wish to caulk.
- Use a moist object to clean over the sealant and to take away any extra caulk.
- Enable the caulk to treatment over the following 24 hours.
Q. How do you take away caulk?
Use a utility knife or putty knife to chop by means of the previous caulk, and pull it out together with your finger or with pliers. Use the putty knife to scrape off the remaining caulk, after which sand down the floor, if mandatory, to create a clear floor for the brand new caulk to be utilized.
Why Belief Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. Because the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV sequence together with “This Outdated Home” and “Bob Vila’s Dwelling Once more,” he popularized and have become synonymous with “do-it-yourself” dwelling enchancment.
Over the course of his decades-long profession, Bob Vila has helped thousands and thousands of individuals construct, renovate, restore, and dwell higher every day—a convention that continues at this time with knowledgeable but accessible dwelling recommendation. The Bob Vila staff distills need-to-know info into mission tutorials, upkeep guides, software 101s, and extra. These dwelling and backyard consultants then totally analysis, vet, and suggest merchandise that help owners, renters, DIYers, and professionals of their to-do lists.
