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Caulk
Failures: Loss of caulk's initial adhesion and
flexibility, causing it to crack and/or pull away from the
surfaces to which it is applied.
Possible Causes:
Use of lower quality caulk.
Use of wrong type of caulk for particular application
(e.g., using latex or vinyl caulk in areas where there is
prolonged contact with water or considerable movement of
the caulked surfaces).
Solution:
Use a top quality water-based all-acrylic or siliconized
acrylic caulk if prolonged contact with water is not
anticipated. These caulks are flexible enough to adapt to
minor fluctuations in the substrate, stretching in gaps
that widen slightly over time. They also adhere to a wide
range of interior building materials, including wood,
ceramic tile, concrete, glass, plaster, bare aluminum,
brick and plastic — even in areas where moisture is
present. Note: Silicone caulk should not be painted.
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