This past July has seen a lot more rain than usual in the Chicagoland area, with numerous thunderstorms and even flash flooding. That’s why now is a good time to review the importance of caulking – one of our most important value-added services when it comes to protecting your property from water damage.

Blocking out the water

The most obvious benefit of caulking is that it can prevent water and moisture from reaching through the space between bricks and other fixtures that make up the exterior of your property. These are especially vulnerable places to water damage because water that seeps through these spaces can then pool and fester, contributing to erosion of the masonry and even the growth of mold.

Water that accumulates on or near your masonry can be especially dangerous because your property is located in the Chicagoland area. When the seasons change, this water can freeze and expand – causing considerable damage to the nearby fixtures.

Types of caulk

We are experts at preventing unwanted leaks, and this extends to our ability to select the right type of caulk for the job.

Some common types of caulk we use include the following:

• Polyurethane – A very common and effective type of caulk, it can last up to 10 years on average and is better for low-light conditions because ultra-violet rays can deteriorate it.
• Silicone – This type of caulk is inorganic, which means it’s not vulnerable to the effects of the sun the way polyurethane is. It is also rated to last longer than polyurethane – up to 20 years or longer – but is more expensive.
• Butyl rubber – This is a highly flexible caulk that can withstand extreme weather. It’s best used on concrete and gutters, but may not be appropriate for general use as that would be cost-prohibitive.

Identifying vulnerabilities

You can typically tell where you need to apply caulk by eyeing your property’s exterior. However, there may be some stubborn leaks that can’t be detected quite so easily.

With our advanced leak detection services, we use infrared imagery to identify the most probably locations where leaks are occurring. Check out our page on leak detection on our website.

Make an appointment

Ready to get gaps and leaks caulked before the next rainstorm? Contact us by calling us at one of our phone numbers on our website. You can also get more information by emailing us at Arrow@Tuckpointing.com.