Understanding the importance of maintaining the exterior caulk and paint of your home.
Exterior caulking is a crucial part of home maintenance because it acts as a protective sealant that helps prevent water, air, and pests from entering the home through gaps and joints in the exterior. Applied around windows, doors, siding seams, and other openings, caulking helps maintain the structural integrity of the building by minimizing moisture intrusion, which can lead to growth, rot, and long-term damage to both the exterior and interior components of the home. Additionally, effective caulking enhances energy efficiency by sealing drafts, which reduces heating and cooling costs. Over time, caulking can dry out or crack, so regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure continued protection and performance.
Warranty Expectations
Caulking & Seals
What’s Covered: Gaps in caulking around exterior walls, doors, and windows that allow water infiltration within the first year after settlement.
What to Expect: Caulking helps seal joints and prevent moisture intrusion. Over time, it may shrink or crack slightly, which is a normal part of aging.
How We’ll Help: We’ll reapply caulking one time within the first year where needed to meet performance standards.
How You Can Help: Inspect caulking annually and reapply as necessary to prevent drafts and moisture issues. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home sealed and protected.
Exterior Caulking Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist during your annual inspection:
- Windows & Doors
- Check for gaps or cracking around frames. [Link to Windows Article][Link to Exterior Doors Article]
- Use exterior-grade caulk and replace worn weatherstripping.
- Siding Joints
- Look where siding pieces meet, especially near windows and doors.
- Caulk visible seams to keep out water.
- Pipes, Outlets & Fixtures
- Seal around vents, exhaust fans, and utility connections.
- These are common air and moisture entry points.
- Corners & Trim
- Inspect trim boards and siding edges for hairline cracks. [Link to Exterior Trim Article]
- Use paintable caulk for a clean finish.
- Roof-to-Wall Junctions
- Look where walls meet the roofline, especially around dormers and flashing.
- Vents & Chimneys
- Caulk gaps around these areas, but don’t block ventilation.
- Foundation Gaps
- Use caulk for small cracks; larger gaps may need professional repair.
- Decks & Patios
- Seal where the deck or patio touches the home to prevent water intrusion.
- Eaves & Fascia Boards
- Inspect for openings under eaves and around fascia.
- Sealing gaps helps prevent rot and pests.
How to Caulk
Follow these tips for a successful application:
DO:
- Use exterior-grade silicone or siliconized acrylic latex caulk.
- Clean and dry all surfaces thoroughly.
- Remove old, cracked caulk before applying new material.
- Smooth caulk with a caulking tool or wet finger.
- Apply when temperatures are above 40°F and dry.
DON'T:
- Don’t apply caulk when it’s raining or freezing.
- Don’t seal weep holes or vents, they allow drainage and ventilation.
- Don’t use interior caulk for exterior jobs.
- Don’t overload the area, a smooth, small bead is best.
Exterior Paint & Stains
What’s Covered: Peeling or deteriorating paint or stain caused by a defect in materials or workmanship within the first year after settlement.
What to Expect: Exterior paint and stain should hold up under normal conditions. Some natural fading may occur over time, especially in areas with prolonged sun exposure.
How We’ll Help: We’ll refinish areas where paint or stain is peeling due to material or application defects.
How You Can Help: Keep an eye on high-exposure areas and touch up paint as needed to maintain a fresh look. Regularly cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces will also help extend the life of the finish. [Link to Van Metre Life]