Caulk: Helping Keep Heating and Cooling in Your Cincinnati Home Year-Round

by Greg Leisgang on October 15, 2013

Posted in: Energy Savings

cincinnati heating and cooling, Cincinnati, OhioOne of the largest factors that negatively impacts efficient Cincinnati heating and cooling is a leaky home. Every home has an outer envelope comprised of the ceiling, floor, exterior walls, windows and doors. The points where these come together create the potential for leaks. Caulk is your best friend if your goal is to keep heated and cooled air inside year round.

What is Caulk?

This flexible material usually comes in a disposable cartridge that fits standard caulking guns. There are various types of caulk available that can seal air leaks all around your home and improve your Cincinnati heating and cooling efficiency. Make sure you read packaging carefully so you select the right type for the application you have in mind.

Where is Caulk Used?

This product seals small gaps between stationary building materials and thereby prevents drafts from drifting in. Examples include:

  • Openings around plumbing fixtures
  • Gaps between two different building materials
  • Interior and exterior cracks
  • Gaps around windows and doorframes

How to Apply Caulk

With the proper type selected, you must apply the caulk properly to see a difference in Cincinnati heating and cooling efficiency. Follow these tips for a job well done:

  • Clean away old caulk and chipping paint. Clean and dry the surface to ensure good adhesion.
  • Hold the caulking gun at a constant 45-degree angle to force the caulk deep into the crack.
  • Apply the caulk in one straight, continuous line. Avoid stops and starts so the finished product is smooth and unbroken.
  • Release the trigger before pulling the gun away to avoid applying too much product. A caulk gun with an automatic release makes this much easier to do.
  • Push oozing caulk back into place with a putty knife.
  • Apply another layer if the caulk shrinks and fails to seal the crack completely.
  • Smooth out the caulk with the back of a spoon or your moistened finger for a smooth finished product.

For more information about improving Cincinnati heating and cooling efficiency with caulk, please contact JonLe Heating & Cooling today. We have years of experience serving residents in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Image via Shutterstock.com

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