Although caulk degrades as does any other substance, the degradation occurs gradually. Caulk is elastic enough to move along in accordance with the surfaces it bonds to without breaking or cracking its seal. Based on the environment in your home, you’ll have to renew the caulk on your baseboards at least every five years however the benefits far outweigh the effort.
Beautiful baseboards are among the many small details which give the rooms an elegant elegant appearance. By covering any unsightly gaps by smooth, uniform lines, caulk gives an elegant finish and increases the life span of your walls and baseboards. The final decision on the decision to caulk your baseboards is a matter for your personal preference, however there are some advantages to this simple home improvement task.
Make sure you protect your Baseboards for beauty and longevity
Caulking baseboards is the process of applying caulk to the edges of the bottom and top of the baseboards, to protect them from the possibility of damage and to give a completed look.
If your floor is wet from cleaning or spills it can allow the liquid to be absorbed into the baseboard and lead to rot and mold. Even worse, the damage could spread to the walls. The grime and dirt can build up within the space between the bottom of the baseboard. This can cause the floor to look dirty even after you scrub. Caulk in the lower part of the baseboard will reduce the chance of this occurring.
Cracks and gaps around baseboards allow insects an easy entry point into your walls , where they can build nests and eat at the structures of your home that are not visible. Caulk at both the bottom and top edges of your baseboards will close the gaps and keeps insects out. It’s more efficient, less expensive as well as safer than sprays and powders that protect your walls.
Aesthetics are a further reasons to use caulk. The baseboards that are painted without caulk usually have visible gaps that indicate an inept work ethic and leave the room appearing rough. Caulk helps smooth edges between baseboard’s and the surrounding surfaces to give a cleaner appearance.
Be sure to weigh both the Pros and Cons
Some installers don’t believe that caulking is an essential component of the baseboard installation. If they don’t, they will apply caulk on request, but for an additional charge. In certain cases the caulking process isn’t necessary. For instance, waxed or painted wood floorboards appear beautiful on their own. However, in a space with laminate or carpet flooring they aren’t in need of protection from water from mop.
Some contractors caulk the bottom edge of baseboards to prevent water damage, however, they consider that caulking on the top of the edge is an additional measure for the sake of appearance. Paint also provides an element of protection to the area. If you have children or pets that could spill liquids on your walls but caulking the edges on top of baseboards is worth the cost for the added security.
Others installers caulk the top of the wall, and not on the floor’s bottom to allow homeowners to replace the flooring later on. This is beneficial when you plan to replace the flooring within the near future however it will mean less protection for walls.
Others believe that so long as baseboards are fitted with a snug and gap-free fitting and there’s no need to caulk in the first place. It could be the case in principle, but flawless installations are hardly ever seen. There are a variety of inconsistencies on floors and walls like joint joints, protective plates and framing with uneven edges, indicate that gaps are virtually unavoidable.
Many homeowners view the caulk used to seal baseboards as waste time and money since the caulk is likely to wear out. The material used to build expands and contracts as a result of variations in humidity and temperature. In newly constructed homes, the floors and walls are prone to settling in the initial years. This slight movement could cause caulk cracks or separate from the wall, making it appear ugly.
Color change is another typical issue, but if the caulk has been properly applied it won’t be noticeable in hue. Start with a primer, and using a top coat can help.
If you’re building the baseboards yourself, it’s tempting to avoid caulking since poor caulk applications look more sloppy than a few small gaps. Don’t let doubts hinder you, however. Caulking is among the most basic home improvement skills to master simply by adhering to a few simple guidelines. Even if you’re left with some bumps you can smooth them out in the future.
Create a stunning look with a DIY
A waterproof, paintable latex caulk is great to seal gaps along the top of your baseboards. However, mixing acrylic with silicone could work as well. On the bottom an unpainted silicone caulk provides an excellent protection against moisture, however it’s not paintable.
Find a caulk that has an extremely low shrinkage rate, which is between 5 to 10 percent. If you’re planning to paint the caulk with a color, the color won’t need to be a factor, but if it isn’t choose an color that will blend well with the color you’ll use to paint the baseboard with. If the wall and baseboard are starkly different hues the caulk will be matched to either.
Preparing the baseboard involves getting rid of any old caulk, and then using painter’s adhesive to draw a line above and below the space that you intend to caulk. To get used to it, you can start caulking on a smaller area, like within the closet. In sections of about 12 inches each then apply a thin layer of caulk that is between 1/8 and 1/4 inch in width, depending upon the width of your gap. Smooth the caulk using the help of a gloved, wet finger or a damp sponge a rag. Once you’re finished, remove the painter’s tape , and allow the caulk to dry.
Although your home can survive without caulking baseboards however, the additional step of applying caulk elevates the aesthetics of your home to a higher quality and beauty. Since it protects your home from insect and rot damage, caulking your baseboards is worth the tiny expense and time that goes into it.
