3 Signs It's Time to Re-Caulk
A Small Step to Prevent Damage
Caulk is one of the most important elements in your bathroom or kitchen. It prevents water from ending up where it shouldn’t be. Often, though, caulk is one of those things we set and forget. Here are a few ways to know when it’s time to replace your caulk.
If There’s Peeling, Cracking and Missing Pieces
A
common sign of worn caulk is that it will begin cracking or peeling away from the wall, sink or tub. This is a sure-fire way to know it’s time to replace your caulk. Peeling and cracking allows moisture to get trapped underneath the caulking
and potentially cause mold or water damage to the area. This could also be a sign that the current caulk was not the right kind for the job. For kitchens and bathrooms, it’s important to make sure you are using a watertight caulk.
If You See Mold and Mildew
Mold causes all sorts of problems – it can flare up allergies, cause damage to your home and it just looks gross. Unfortunately, bathrooms and kitchens are perfect environments for mold to grow, since it likes damp areas. If you notice mold or mildew in your bathroom, you may want to take a look at your caulk. One of its jobs is to prevent mold from being able to get between the tub, sink or shower and the wall or floor. Even if it seems like the tub and wall have a snug fit, without the protective seal of waterproof caulk, moisture can get in-between surfaces and allow mold to flourish.
If it’s 5 Years or Older
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! McCoy’s carries many affordable tools to simplify it further. Our stripping and finishing tool allows you to easily remove old caulk and smooth out the new caulk to ensure it has a proper seal. Our caulk guns help provide a consistent amount of pressure as you are applying the new caulk so that your lines stay clean and look polished. Your home is a huge investment and maintaining the caulking in the kitchen and bathroom can go a long way into protecting it from water damage and unhealthy mold.
