6 Places You Need Sealant to Prevent Leaks

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Your house is made up of a wide variety of different materials. A single type of material is usually very weather-resistant by itself, which is why most leaks are formed where two different types of material meet. That’s where sealant comes in. It fills in the small gaps to create a waterproof barrier.

Windows

Windows should have the sealant applied around their entire perimeter, inside and out. This will keep water from coming through the outside, and stop any that does get through before it gets all the way inside. If your window has trim, then the bottom of the trim shouldn’t be caulked. This gives moisture a way to travel down and out of your home.

Door Frames

Door frames are a common weak spot for moisture. Sealant should be applied everywhere the frame and the threshold of the door is flush. You should also apply sealant where the frame and the trim or siding meet. There are several different layers to door frames, and you want to hit all of them.

Soffits and Fascia Boards

Soffits are the underside of a roof’s overhang, and fascia is the front boards where a gutter is usually fastened. These spend a lot of time around moisture and need to be protected. Applying sealant behind the boards will help the fascias and soffits last longer.

Where Decks Meet the House

Do you have a deck that’s attached to your house? Whether it’s a roof deck or a self-supporting deck, all of the places where two materials meet can be prone to leaks. That includes where the railings are attached to the house.

Cracks and Gaps Along with Concrete or Masonry

Any cracks or gaps in masonry should be sealed with transparent caulk, while concrete can be filled with gray caulking that is specifically made for use on concrete. Pay special attention to places where the concrete or masonry hits other materials.

Wherever There’s Flashing

Flashing is there for a reason. It bridges any larger gaps where two materials meet, such as where the roof hits the chimney or the deck hits the house. That being said, the flashing has seams of its own where it hits different materials. Sealant should be applied to every single place where there’s flashing. It should also be checked regularly to see if it needs to be replaced.