Exterior maintenance is an important part of keeping any commercial property strong, stable, and safe. Whether the building is a hotel, apartment complex, or office building, maintenance is vital to retaining the integrity and safety of the building. Conduct regular maintenance on a minimum of a monthly basis to keep the building in its best condition.

One of the most important steps in maintaining the comfort and stability of your building is caulking a building’s exterior. Caulking seals off gaps and cracks and keeps the outside elements from penetrating a structure’s envelope. In this article, we’ll break down the importance of routine caulking, the types of caulking you should know, and some maintenance tips.

What is Caulk?

Caulk or caulking has two definitions. It can be used as a verb to describe the process of sealing gaps, cracks, and small holes, but it also refers to the material used for the process itself. Caulk is the rubbery or chalky sealant seen on the seams or joints around buildings.

You can use it to seal gaps in concrete, stucco, brick, stone, and metal. The composition of caulk depends on the type you use, but generally, it’s made of flexible polymers and a mixture of latex and acrylic materials. These types of sealants don’t expand — rather, they shrink and cure rigid.

There are lots of benefits to routine caulking, but it mainly serves to prevent water damage, keep air and pests out of the building, and reinforce joints and seams. Caulk also covers up unsightly cracks and holes. You should regularly inspect high-traffic areas of the building for deterioration. Doing routine inspections and caulking can end up saving money on expensive repairs down the line.

Types of Caulk

Before you start caulking, you want to make sure you’re using the correct type! Here are some of the most common types of caulk you should have on your radar:

Latex Caulk

Sometimes also called acrylic latex caulk, this caulk is easy to use, inexpensive, and cleans up easily with water. It can last 10-15 years, but keep in mind its longevity is affected by temperature change and exposure to water. This type of caulk is best for wood, masonry, or drywall. It’s best suited to indoor use, and may not be your most effective option for exterior caulking on commercial buildings.

Acrylic Tile Sealant

This material is used to patch up small holes and gaps that are prone to mildew and mold. It’s a great way to seal tiles alongside a stronger sealant but isn’t ideal for a primary caulk.

Silicone Caulk

Silicone is a material that’s flexible, durable, and waterproof—perfect for exterior use. This product is great if you want to caulk to seal windows, siding, gutters, roofs, and masonry. Silicone caulk and sealant lasts up to 20 years, withstanding extreme weather, temperature changes, and UV exposure.

Expandable Foam Caulk

Also called polyurethane foam, this type of sealant is used for insulation purposes. It also serves as a barrier to rodents and other pests. It can be used in landscaping, pipe penetrations, outside faucets, vent, and other areas as needed. Apply expandable foam using a nozzle attached to the product. Silicone Depot’s Expanding Foam Sealant works especially well for sealing outside elements due to its closed-cell composition. This type of foam forms more rigid and makes for a better, tighter seal.

Butyl Rubber Caulk

Exclusively for outdoor use, this caulk is ideal for roofing repairs. It can withstand extreme elements and works on a wide variety of building materials, like aluminum, metal, mortar, rubber, concrete, and more. It’s often used for concrete, siding, and gutters. Be careful when using butyl rubber caulk, as it is irritating to the eyes and skin.

Routine Caulking Tips

When caulking for commercial properties, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. Here are a couple of pointers to help you out:

• Remove old caulk before getting started. This is an important step in proper caulk application. You’ll want to make sure the area you’re working with is clean and free of old sealant before you go in with a fresh layer. This is especially on surfaces like porcelain and ceramic.
• Use the right caulking gun for the job. Certain features may make one caulking gun easier to use than the other, while others are better for commercial-grade jobs. The two main types of guns are automatic and manual. Manual caulking guns are cheaper, but automatic types are often more effortless and can make a flawless seal.
• Keep a damp rag nearby — you’ll need it often to keep your hands, equipment, and other areas clean. Make sure you are rinsing it from time to time because the caulk will quickly stiffen the fabric. Rinse the rag and change out the water in your bucket frequently, and the whole process will be much cleaner.
• Avoid common caulking mistakes. Never apply caulk to a dirty or damp surface, and make sure you’re wearing protective gloves. It’s also important not to rush the job. Rather than laying down one long line of caulk, work with single beads. This will give you better control over how you apply it.

Shop for Exterior Caulk at Silicone Depot

In the long run, routine caulking on commercial buildings can save time and money down the line. Instead of having to make expensive building repairs later, take care of the structure regularly by caulking areas that don’t have proper sealing.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, lasting caulk (up to 10x longer than other polyurethane sealants), Silicone Depot’s newest line of Concrete Joint Expansion Sealant is the ideal choice. Need a different kind of caulk for your project? Check out our catalog of silicone sealants, expanding foam sealants, and more!