While latex caulk is less expensive and easier to work with, silicone is more durable under extreme weather conditions, and can be used as a binder as well.
Certain places on the exterior of the home should not be caulked, since they'll cut off openings needed for air circulation or drainage. Elegant Painting says these spaces include the gap created when trim boards sit atop the siding, any wood to metal joints, weep holes on windows, and garage door panels.
Silicone and Caulk are both commonly used as sealants, but they are not the same thing. Caulk is composed of silicone components but the difference lies in elasticity. Using silicone as a sealant will provide objects with more flexibility; the ability to expand and contract freely.
While caulk is long-lasting on solid, unmoving surfaces, silicone sealant's flexibility means it lasts longer in areas with higher moisture. Using silicone sealant in a bathroom for sealing cracks in the tub and shower will create a more durable seal without needing to frequently re-apply.
Silicone caulk is excellent at water sealing and flexibility so it has its place in construction. There are two main places it never should be installed, wood or any painted surface.
Water gets stagnant in the gaps and leads to mold development. You will find mold and mildew on caulk and on the corners often due to this dampness. Mold and mildew when left ignored lead to respiratory and eye problems along with reeking a foul odor.
What kind of caulk do you use in the bathroom? The best caulks for tubs, sinks, or shower stalls come in tubes labeled “Tub and Tile” or “Kitchen and Bath.” These are either acrylic latex or silicone compounds that have been chemically tweaked to resist mildew and to stick to smooth, nonporous surfaces.
The key distinction between caulk and sealant? Elasticity. Caulk is typically made from a mixture of latex and acrylic materials, which make it more rigid and prone to shrinking when cured. A sealant offers superior elasticity and water resistance because it primarily contains silicone.
Silicone caulk is the go-to option for sealing around plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and faucets, and for any caulk joints on the tile in wet areas.
This can be due to a number of reasons such as the age of the caulking, poor surface preparation, or even an imbalance in the bathroom surfaces. In order to fix this problem, you may need to use a different type of caulk or even just apply a wider bead of caulk.
It's great for filling in cracks around doors and windows and useful on non-pours surfaces, including metal and plastic. Silicone caulk can withstand extreme temperatures and temperature changes, so it rarely cracks or breaks. Cons: Silicone caulk can be difficult to apply and does have an offensive odor.
Silicone also adheres well to various surfaces, performing best on metal, tile and glass. However, it is ineffective on wood because of its long curing time. Another disadvantage of silicone is that it has a low resistance to tear and abrasion. This means it won't do well on high-contact or high-traffic surfaces.
Fast drying time can be particularly useful if a few substantial gaps require a second application or if the baseboard and caulk will be painted. If the area needs to be used as quickly as possible, latex caulk is the optimal choice. Pure silicone generally takes longer to cure.
Acrylic Latex Caulk *Plus Silicone - In my opinion this is the minimum standard of sealant that should be used for interior painting project applications such as the joints where baseboards, door & window casings, and crown moldings meet the walls.
In general, sealant is the prefered sealing solution for bathtubs and showers, as it is more water resistant than traditional caulk. Silicone sealant forms a watertight seal that is resistant to heavy temperature changes.
If the shower has a glass door that needs to be caulked, you'll want a clear formula. White caulk on any glass fixtures can look out of place and disrupt the flow of the room. Additionally, clear caulk can look very nice on shower fixtures and back plates, especially if they're made from metal.
It is recommended to replace the caulk in your bathroom every 5 years, even if it isn't showing signs of wear and tear. By maintaining and replacing your caulking regularly, you prevent damage that may be caused by peeling, cracking, mold or mildew. Fortunately, replacing caulk can be a quick and easy job!
It is important to cover the whole seam because water can leak through even the smallest gap. Shower and tub trim parts you should caulk include: Tub spout. Faucet handle escutcheons.
The most suitable caulk for a bath or shower area is silicone. This sealant is waterproof – essential for a showering area – but that also means that when applying it the surface must be completely dry or the silicone won't stick.
You'll hear many conflicting pieces of advice on this; we recommend only sealing a cubicle with silicone on the outside. If applied to the inside, water may leak through the profiles causing a damp patch. And if sealed on both the inside and outside, trapped moisture will stagnate within.
However, that is just dry to the touch. You should always wait at least 24 hours before attempting to shower after a caulk installation.
Let the shower sit for a full 24 hours to properly dry and set. Wetting the area before it is fully dried will ruin all of your hard work. So be patient and let it dry as long as you can.