Waterproof sealant: Tips for proper application

Keep water and moisture damage at bay with the best waterproof sealant as your weapon. Read on to find out more about proper application.

• Waterproof sealant: What to look for 
• Steps to applying waterproof silicone sealant 
• How to select the right waterproof sealant for the job

Waterproof sealant: What to look for 

To preserve the value of your home, keeping it safe from moisture is key. Damage from leaks and flooding is always present, but with the right waterproof sealant you can prevent water from entering your house in the first place. Apply the best waterproof caulk to the following areas:

• windows
  
• doors 
• pipes and gutters
• vents
• roof flashings
• acks and holes

Steps to applying waterproof silicone sealant 

The best product for keeping water out is a waterproof silicone sealant. The silicone improves the quality of your sealant by upping both the flexibility and adhesion. 

There are a few steps to follow in order to properly apply waterproof silicone caulk: 

1. Remove any old caulk from the area with a putty knife or a sharp tool. For extra stubborn caulk, apply a removal gel.
2. Clean the area of any residue. If you’ve used a removal gel, use a household cleaner or alcohol to get rid of the excess. 
3. Make sure you have a good-quality caulking gun for optimal application.
4. If the gap you have is too big for the sealant to fill (about ½ inch or bigger), place a backing rod in the area first, followed by the sealer. 
5. To finish up neatly, run a finishing tool along the bead.

How to select the right waterproof sealant for the job

If you keep up on home maintenance, performing a quick check around your house will allow you to fix any jobs that might have come up throughout the year. For a fast, efficient touch-up to your outdoor fixtures, pick up a bottle of Loctite Stik’N’Seal Outdoor Adhesive. Its tight waterproof bond makes it ideal for plumbing repairs, for instance. 

For the big jobs, primarily outdoors, reach for Loctite 100% Silicone sealant. This premium caulk withstands temperature of -65°F to 300°F, making it a great choice for sealing heating and cooling components. It is also highly resistant to ultraviolet light and other environmental elements, making it the ideal choice for exterior applications. It forms a weatherproof bond to materials like glass, ceramics, aluminum, primed steel, and some plastics. It’s also ideal for HVAC projects, as it is highly resistant to UV light and other environmental elements.

If you need to work on a bathroom project, there is Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk. Its special Seal & Bond technology gives you a watertight and long-lasting seal which is also mold and mildew resistant. You can choose between two sizes, depending on the scope of your project.