The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

Caulking compound is best forced into a crack with a large syringe, called a caulking gun, having a nozzle of a size to match the width of the crack.

There are two types of guns. One consists of a cylinder which is filled with the caulking compound. The compound is kept under pressure by a plunger extending from the rear of the cylinder. Squeezing a trigger on the pistol-type handle forces the compound from the nozzle.

The other type of gun is more practical for the home owner, since it requires less cleaning after use, and the compound will not dry up in the cylinder. This gun is a hollow frame with handle, trigger, plunger or a winding key, and a nozzle. A special cartridge or tube of caulking compound is put into the hollow space with the tip inserted into the back of the nozzle, and pressure on the trigger compresses the end of the tube to force out the compound. After use the tube may be removed, and all that remains to be cleaned with solvent is the nozzle itself.

Before filling cracks, they must be inspected for moisture. Caulking will not adhere to a wet or damp surface. All dirt and dust must be cleaned out of the hole. Where wood or metal is being caulked, it is best to give a priming coat to the area before applying the compound. This will prevent metal surfaces from rusting and will keep the porous wood from pulling the oil from the compound. Any crack wider than a pencil should be filled with tow or oakum as described above.

Whether a gun is used or the compound is applied with a putty knife and the hands, it should be forced into the crack, not just laid over the top. The compound will not adhere to the putty knife if it has been wiped with a light film of Unseed oil. Too much oil will make the compound gummy. When the compound begins sticking to the knife, it should be cleaned and lightly oiled again. A 1/2-inch wooden paddle soaked in Unseed oil may be used to force compound applied with a gun into the cracks. Such a paddle is also handy for smoothing the surface and removing occasional excess. A small tuck-pointing trowel may be used for forcing compound into masonry cracks.

Carpenters, roofers, and other house mechanics can be engaged to caulk window and other joints at so much per window or by the complete job.

The tight caulking of joints is well worthwhile, not only for economy in fuel through closing air leaks, but to prevent water leakage that will stain inside walls and cause rotting of wood.