Do cracks 1/16" or less in old caulking need to be recaulked?
We have our house up for sale. We have redwood siding. It was painted just 3 years ago and I have recaulked anywhere the cracks in the caulking are over 1/16", but do I need to crack those small ones? They just come back each year as the seasons change (We live by the water in a very humid climate), but I don’t want to get dinged by a house inspection. Would water really get in those small cracks and do any damage?
6 Responses
Les the painter
05 Sep 2011
stevetower
05 Sep 2011
A house inspection should not be a problem. But for your own sake you should know that when caulking is not sealed, it is letting in water where you don’t want it. Sounds like you need better caulk. If you have a tough environment, next time you might want to remove the old caulk and put on 100% silicon exterior caulk. Costs more but lasts a long time and keeps a seal unless things move a great deal.
monteakin
05 Sep 2011
I would caulk every crack or hole that I see.
matcoach2382
05 Sep 2011
the 1st answer you received was a good one, the only thing i can really add is, Les the painter is mostly right, most 100% silicone caulks will not be paintable, but xst made by GE is a silicone that is paintable. it’s in a black tube with yellow lettering. tremendous product that will allow you to paint the caulk with the silicone protection. it’s available at your local Lowe’s.
Frank G
05 Sep 2011
yes it needs to be fix
go to home depot talk a rep
rockinchiclkn4gd
05 Sep 2011
Yes. Water can get into those cracks and seep into the walls. There are special caulk products available that will actually flow with the changes in weather. Your local home improvement store will most likely carry a brand specifically designed for this purpose. Good Luck Selling Your Home.
DO NOT use 100% silicone on any surface that’s going to be painted because it will repel your paint, use Latex Siloconized caulk it’s paintable, just read the tube and it will say if it’s paintable, as far as a hair line crack I doubt very much if it’s all the way through, Good luck Les the painter