Preserve the Value of Your Home: Caulk!

Many years ago I worked with a home inspector whose advice to buyers going through home inspection was "caulk is your best friend." Through the years I have come to realize (my own home included) just how right he was. In a more challenging real estate market, I have seen a real difference in home condition and ultimate sale price where  owners have been pro-active with regular indoor and outdoor caulking maintenance.
 
The whole objective of caulking is to protect your home by keeping moisture out (can become a wood rot, mildew or mold) keep out insects (many love wood rot) and small animals looking for food and shelter.  Recently, I have heard that caulking may also help to keep the cold and heat at bay. 

While I'm no expert, I have frequently been told twice a year inspection is the norm. You may visually check more frequently especially if you note a problem beginning. Here are the usual outside and many indoor areas to check: window frames (tops, sides and bottom), corners and angles between exterior surfaces, skylights, chimneys , all around the door frames and thresholds (especially if there is no overhang or porch covering).  Do any of you check and caulk your basement windows? Don't forget bathtubs, showers, sinks and tile work where it meets another surface. Even gutter joints can be caulked with a gutter sealant.  What would you add to this list?
 
There are many different types of caulk on the market for different jobs and many websites that can instruct you how to caulk each area. It's to every home owners benefit to  invest the time and labor to make sure their home and it's value are protected.

Margot is a full time Realtor at RE/MAX 440 4092 Skippack Pike Skippack, PA

610-306-7939 cell 610-584-1160 office