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Caulking is an important step in adding the finishing touches to your home. Caulking works both as a sealant, preventing water leaks and drafts, and as a finishing layer. Caulking around trim, windows and doors improves the overall appearance of your home. If the space that needs to be caulked is wider than 1/2 inch, you must take additional steps before applying the caulk.
Prepare the Surface
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Clean and prepare the surface before caulking it. Caulk adheres much better to a clean surface. You should scrape off the old caulking if the gap has been previously caulked. Clean the surface with a rag and rubbing alcohol to remove grease and grime.
Measure the Gap
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Using caulk alone to fill a wide gap is a bad idea. Wide gaps require a foam backing rod to fill the space. The rod provides a stable surface for the caulk. Measure the length and width of the gap, and purchase a foam backing rod that is slightly bigger than the actual size of the gap. Foam backing rods may be purchased at paint or hardware stores.
Insert the Backing Rod
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The foam backing rod can be trimmed to fit into the gap; however, the rod needs to fit in as tightly as possible. Once the rod is in place, apply a bead of caulk around the rod and the edges of the gap to secure it. Allow the caulk to cure and dry for 24 hours.
Caulk the Gap
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Once the backing rod is installed, you can apply caulking without worrying about it falling into the interior of the gap. Apply a normal bead of caulk to the gap at a 45-degree angle. Gently smooth the caulking with your finger. Wipe off excess caulk with a damp rag.
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