While a handyperson can certainly handle the job, a local window repair team is your best bet for several reasons. A handyperson or contractor with ample window experience is another good option, but it all depends on the size and complexity of the job.
The answer is yes. Professional painters indeed perform caulking as part of their comprehensive services.
Commercial caulking contractors handle all of your building's caulking needs. This includes both exterior and interior caulking. In addition to applying caulking in new buildings, they can inspect the caulking in existing buildings to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Caulking serves some very important functions for a painter -- from sealing out moisture and drafts from a building, to concealing cracks and gaps in exterior siding or interior walls prior to painting.
An experienced window repair team may also have specific experience with your window brand. And since they'll need to caulk the interior and exterior of your windows, a team experienced with this tricky process is always best.
The cost of having your home caulked by a professional service can vary based on several factors, such as the home's square footage and age. Plan on spending anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 to caulk an average-sized home.
Quick answer: Don't caulk the weep holes, moving portions, or the tops of your windows.
If all you need is some caulking work done, it's a straightforward enough job that a handyperson can take care of it. But, if you need extensive caulking work done or are trying to do other work along with the caulking, such as a complete overhaul of your bathroom fixtures, then you should consider hiring a plumber.
“You are putting it on the edge of the exterior trim to the outermost part of your window on the outside.” And then caulk the outer edge of the window frame on the inside of the house. “You usually put it on both sides for double coverage.”
If the old caulk remains in place, it is impossible to dry the surface, clean it and remove the dust. To protect the home's construction materials, it is essential to remove caulk before caulking doors and windows and starting over.
Caulking price: On average, the price to re-caulk a home is approximately $5– $7 per meter. For a medium-sized home, this usually adds up to anywhere between $900 to $2,700. This is an average price, and there are several things that will be factored in before an accurate price can be given.
When this breaks, moisture and humidity can build up between the glass in your window, creating a fog inside the windows and decreasing your home's energy efficiency. This often calls for window seal repair or a full window replacement. Window seal repair costs $70–$245, but most homeowners spend $120 or under.
Caulking should last about 5 years (but take into consideration of climate/weather) though the draft is a definite sign that the caulking should be replaced.
Moving parts: Anything that moves on your window should be avoided when it comes to caulking. The opening/closing mechanism, the ledge of the window frame, and anywhere that the window touches when it's closed are places to stay away from if you want your window to open and close properly.
For professional-looking results, apply the caulk in a continuous bead along the joint or gap you are sealing. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle and apply steady pressure to the trigger as you move along the joint. Avoid starting and stopping, as this can create uneven beads and gaps in the caulking.
Some caulk alternatives, such as silicone putty and spray foam, can be painted over once they have cured.
It is recommended to caulk before painting. Not only does unpainted caulk provide a less effective seal than painted caulk, but it tends to shrink, crack, and discolor over time, resulting in an unsightly finish.
Over windows, for example, there shouldn't be caulk between the metal flashing and the window frame. Nor should there be caulk along the flashing that often separates panels stacked on exterior walls when more than one panel is needed to cover the whole height of the wall, such as on a gable end of a house or shed.
Not only can caulking help improve the look of your bathroom, but it will also help prevent water damage. Moisture and wetness can cause extensive loss and hiring a professional caulker will help your ensure that all areas are sealed tight from any potential damage.
However, a plaster filler like Polyfilla or a powder filler are probably the best options for filling plaster cracks, as alternatives such as caulk are best used for other purposes, like sealing gaps around pipes or tiles.