The importance of interior caulking
Indoor caulking joints protect your home against indoor water leaks and moisture between surfaces. If water finds its way behind or between 2 surfaces (For example kitchen counter and wall, between tiles, bathroom counters and walls, etc…), mould can easily grow and spread, especially if the moisture problem is not rapidly corrected.
Problems associated with mould.
The biggest problem with mould is its variety of health effects and symptoms, as well as allergic reactions. The application of Indoor caulking protects surfaces against water seepage and thus helps to stop the expansion of mould.
The growth of indoor mould should also be avoided, for moulds can start eating away at different materials (For example Wood-based materials are highly susceptible to mould). Mould can affect the look, smell, and even the structural integrity of a building. Moulds can grow on any surface as long as moisture, water and oxygen are present; however, mould growth can be prevented by controlling moisture.
In residential structures, interior caulking is used for the following applications:
Bathroom and bathtub caulk
In the bathroom, caulking the bathroom sink, the toilet and bathtub with a waterproof sealant is necessary to prevent water and moisture intrusion. Gaps between the surfaces such as:
- Bathtubs or showers with a wall or floor tiles
- Toilet and floor
- Sink and wall
It’s best to choose a bathtub sealant that resists mildew. The best bathtub sealants are silicon-based sealants that have anti-mildew and anti-fungal components.
How to caulk a bathtub?
- Remove the sealant from the bathtub.
- Clean all the bathtub surfaces to remove oils, dirt and soap.
- Use friction alcohol to ensure no contaminants are present.
- Apply silicone-based bathtub sealants.
- Tool and smooth the bathtub caulking joints.
Plumbing holes through the wall or floor.
Decorative plates often cover the plumbing holes; caulking around the decorative plates can improve the appearance of the plumbing openings and prevent air infiltration.
Caulking kitchen sinks and countertops:
An Application of flexible silicone caulking around your sink and between your countertop and the backsplash or wall is essential to prevent water and moisture from entering these gaps.
Caulking Baseboards:
Caulk can be used to seal the gap between walls and baseboards, both on the top and bottom of the baseboards. Caulking the baseboard gaps will give your room a nicer and more finished appearance. Caulking can protect the baseboards against water infiltration, as well as regulate their wear and tear.
Caulking staircases:
Caulking between the wall and the staircase improves the staircase’s appearance and prevents dust and dirt from accumulating between the boards and the joints of a staircase. We recommend the application of silicone caulking with the right colour match to the stairs and walls.
Caulk around interior windows.
Caulking windows in your home’s interior is done to give the window a professional, modern and finished look. In order to prevent or limit air and water infiltration, it is essential to caulk the exterior window joints as well as the interior ones.
Caulking crown mouldings.
Decorative interior caulk can be used around crown mouldings to enhance their appearance for a smooth finish. Crown moulding sealants are used for the following:
- Where trim such as crown mouldings meet walls, and ceilings.
- Where chair rails meet floors.
- The joints of two pieces of moulding that meet along the wall or corners.
In conclusion, indoor caulking has esthetic benefits and it is also important in maintaining your home’s materials health and integrity.
Calfeutrage Apex is an interior and exterior caulking expert on the south shore of Montreal.
For a free quote, click this link.
