Many homeowners hope to save money on a caulking contractor by tackling this home improvement project themselves. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get professional results and easy to make mistakes. Here are some of the more common problems you might run into during a DIY project.

Common Caulking Issues

1. Buying the Wrong Type

There is a wide range of caulk products available, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Some can be painted and some can’t; some are suited to nonporous surfaces while others are meant for concrete and masonry repair; some are longer lasting than others or more resistant to stress. Failing to select the right one can lead to more time and money spent.

2. Bad Surface Prep

Many homeowners attempt to apply new caulk right over the old stuff but to get a good seal, this layer needs to be removed first. You also need to clean the surface thoroughly and may need to sand or treat it for the best adhesion.

3. Applying Too Much

It’s easy to go overboard when you aren’t used to using a caulking gun or applicator. DIY seams are often marked by lumps, bumps, and thick lines which stand out from the treated surface. Even if you wipe away the extra, a residue will be left behind. Caulking contractors have years of practice laying down just the right amount of material.

4. Applying in Bad Weather

Caulk should almost always be applied between 45 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Too cold and it will freeze; too hot and it will cure too quickly. You also want to make sure conditions are dry, as moisture can swell the materials you are trying to seal, changing the dimensions of the crack.

5. Not Tooling the Caulk

After administering the material, caulking contractors smooth it out for an even seam without excess bulk. Not only are the results more attractive this way, but the process helps push material deeper into the crack, ensuring a more secure seal.

If you’d rather have professional results from an expert caulking contractor, choose Stutzman Sealants & Sons in Lincoln, NE. Serving Lancaster County for over 30 years, they offer a full range of repair services for aged masonry and cracked bricks, as well as new stonework installation and tuckpointing treatments. To schedule an appointment from one of their professionals, call (402) 467-4144 or send a message online.