Silicone -lasts 12-30 years -best adhesion -use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4" -good for all surfaces -may not take paint

Butyl -lasts 8-10 years -some shrinkage -use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4" -available in many colors

Acrylic Latex Silicone -lasts 12-20 years -easiest application -use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4" -may not take paint

Acrylic -lasts 8-10 years -water clean-up -use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4" -no odor

Latex -lasts 2-10 years -water clean-up -use in seams, cracks, gaps up to 1/4" -most are paintable -available in many colors

Oil Base Asphalt -lasts 1-4 years -soft and tar-like -use in seams and gaps on roof around chimneys, stacks and pipes to 1/4" -hardens rapidly -cracks

Caulking Cord -lasts 1-2 years -peel from roll then push in place -temporary filler around storms, air conditioner -comes in rolls, unused portion can be stored for years

Oakum -twisted hemp treated with tar -cut to needed length then push in place -stuff large gaps then caulk over the oakum

Glazing Compound -lasts indefinitely -application requires some practice with a putty knife -use as a seal between window glass and frame -often overlooked as an area needing repair.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan Extension bulletin Caulking and Weatherstripping.



MSU 2003