At Ace, you’ll find all the caulk you need to make home repairs. Shop masonry caulk, kitchen and bath caulk, door caulk and all-purpose caulk fit for your specific project.
What is Caulk Used For?
Caulk, or caulking, is a material used to seal joints or gaps around windows and doors to protect against energy loss, moisture, dust and insects.
But window and door caulk are just one type of caulking. It’s also used for a host of other applications:
- Kitchen and bath caulk is used to seal plumbing fixtures and pipes to prevent leaks.
- Masonry caulk is used to repair masonry and concrete to help prevent erosion.
- Fire caulk is rated to withstand high temps and expand in fires to help ensure fire safety.
Caulk Types: Latex, Silicone and More
Different types of caulk are used for different types of projects:
- Acrylic latex caulk: This all-purpose caulk can be painted and cleaned with soap and water. It’s best for sealing baseboards and wood molding.
- Latex with silicone caulk: This door and window caulk is the same as the basic acrylic latex, but it has silicone added for better waterproofing. Latex caulk with silicone can be used to seal around doors and windows, both indoors and outdoors.
- Pure siliconecaulk: This premium sealant is ideal for high-moisture situations like tubs and showers. Clean-up for bathroom caulk jobs requires mineral spirits.
- Butyl rubber caulk: An outdoor caulk used to seal rain gutters and roofs, butyl rubber caulk also requires mineral spirits for clean-up.
- Refractory or firecaulk: This fire-resistant caulk is used to seal fireplaces and other high-temperature materials.
- Masonry repaircaulk: This highly flexible concrete caulk is used to seal seams and repair damage in bricks, stucco and concrete.
Caulking Guns
Caulk comes in squeeze tubes or cardboard or plastic cartridges that require a caulking gun. It is typically made of metal and has a trigger connected to a rod that pushes a plunger into the cartridge, forcing the caulk out.
Tips on How to Apply Caulk
Different caulking jobs require different caulking tools and materials. If you need to remove old caulk, putty knives, razor blades and caulk remover tools are essential.
To apply new caulk:
- Thoroughly clean the area to ensure the caulk will properly adhere. Use mild soap and water, then rinse and ensure the area is dry before you proceed.
- Cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle to the appropriate size. Larger cracks need larger openings.
- Hold the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle against the joint, starting at one end. Slowly squeeze the tube or trigger, moving the applicator along the seam or crack at a smooth, consistent speed.
- Lightly draw your finger or a caulk-smoothing tool along the bead to remove any excess.
- Allow the caulk to cure according to directions before you let it get wet.
Grout and Tile Cleaners for Caulk
Grout and tile cleaners are great for caulk application and cleanup. Before caulking, use them to remove dirt, mold and mildew from tiles and grout. After caulking, they help clean any excess or smudges on surrounding areas, providing a polished, professional finish without damaging the freshly applied caulk.
Shop Caulk Near You at Ace Hardware
Shop caulk near you at Ace from brands like DAP, Sascho, Great Stuff and GE to seal your windows, doors and more against the elements. Stop by your neighborhood store or order online for quick delivery to your home.
