Insulation projects around the home vary based on the surfaces you are trying to air seal. Latex caulk works well to quickly fill in narrow gaps around doors and windows and even base boards and crown moulding. Expandable foam caulk is a better choice for sealing larger gaps and holes.
Acrylic latex is suitable for general sealing purposes in the attic. It works well for sealing gaps and cracks between insulation and framing, as well as around plumbing and electrical penetrations. It is paintable, dries relatively quickly, and is easy to work with.
Silicone sealant has a number of advantages. It is non-toxic and safe for the building's residents, and can be used to keep rodents away because it is difficult to chew through.
The best product to use during winter is silicon-based caulking. Silicone caulk is waterproof, extremely flexible, does not freeze in cold temperatures and can be applied at -20 c to -29C.
Caulk for Insulation Projects
Latex caulk works well to quickly fill in narrow gaps around doors and windows and even base boards and crown moulding. Expandable foam caulk is a better choice for sealing larger gaps and holes. Use it to insulate areas around pipes and electrical outlets and between window jambs.
DOWSIL™ 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant and DOWSIL™ 813C Construction and Concrete Silicone Sealant are approved for application at temperatures as low as -25°C.
The lifespan of a joint sealed with silicone caulk is over twenty years, but a polyurethane-sealed joint will only last about five to ten years. Silicone caulk is prized for its elasticity and it adheres well to any smooth surface except wood.
I recommend either 100% silicone sealant or a “siliconized” acrylic caulk. Both adhere well and will remain flexible for years. Note, however, that 100% silicone must be cleaned up with mineral spirits; siliconized caulk can be cleaned with water.
Interior/exterior use. Application temperature range is between -35°F and 120°F. Joint width should not exceed ½”. If joint depth exceeds ½”, use foam backer rod.
Silicone sealant is a non-toxic material and is ideal for keeping rodents away since it's tough for them to gnaw through. You must seal the spaces as early as possible because once the rodents infest the area it can be a headache to get them out. Also, professional pest-proofing might put a hole in your wallet.
Caulk cracks around windows, doors, fascia boards, etc. Use a good quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk.
Don't use plastic sheeting, wood, rubber or a screen to close off an area because the mice can gnaw right through it. A mixture of steel wool and caulking compound makes a good plug to seal small openings. You can't use steel wool on its own because the mice will be able to pull it out or chew through it.
Find attic bypasses.
Check for gaps in your attic that facilitate air movement by checking for dirty insulation. Seal the gaps with caulk or expanding foam. When complete and dry, push the insulation back into place.
Does Insulation Count as an Air Space? Typically we suggest you have an air gap between 1/2″ and 3/4″ for the radiant barrier to work. Air gaps larger than this work well too – they promote ventilation on the foil and help keep the air dry and the air temps lower.
Apply a fresh layer of lap-seal caulk around the base of the vent pipe and the edges of the boot every few years to maintain a watertight seal.
However, polyurethane sealants also have a few disadvantages. They are less flexible than silicone sealants and may crack or become brittle. They also require a longer curing time and can take up to 24 hours to fully cure, which may not be ideal for applications that require immediate use.
MS polymers and polyurethanes are the two best silicone sealant alternatives. They are very similar to silicone and in most cases, they have higher performance than silicone sealants. MS polymers are likely the best option for you if you are looking for a sealant that has: Good UV resistance.
Polyurethane sealants are some of the most widely used formulations for new construction projects as well as renovations. It is often used for roofing, gutters, expansion and control joints, foundations and isolation joints.
Silicone and rubber-based caulks are generally more durable and flexible, making them ideal for cold-weather applications.
In the event that the sealant or finish does get frozen, it is best to let the product stay frozen for the duration of the season, rather that bring it inside to thaw and risk it being frozen again. The succession of the freeze/thaw cycle occurring repeatedly is what primarily causes the breakdown of the product.
Silicone rubber compounds have characteristics of both inorganic and organic materials, and offer a number of advantages not found in other organic rubbers. Silicone rubbers have fine electrical properties, good chemical stability and flame retardancy, and superior resistance to heat and cold.
Flexible and durable, Silicone Sealants insulate homes from extremes of heat and cold better than other materials do. Their stability at both high and low temperatures give them a durability ordinary rubber sealants cannot match.
Avoid caulking any areas that can trap water or restrict its ability to escape. Water buildup anywhere in your bathroom can lead to the development of mold and mildew, and in some cases cause rotting around windows and doors.