Caulk

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Silicone-based caulk on this upturned bathroom sink will spread smoothly, sealing the gap, when the sink is turned over and installed. Caulking underneath bathroom sink.jpg
Silicone-based caulk on this upturned bathroom sink will spread smoothly, sealing the gap, when the sink is turned over and installed.

Caulk or caulking [1] is a material used to seal joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping.

Contents

The oldest form of caulk consisted of fibrous materials driven into the wedge-shaped seams between boards on wooden boats or ships. Cast iron sewerage pipes were formerly caulked in a similar way. Riveted seams in ships and boilers were formerly sealed by hammering the metal. [2]

Modern caulking compounds are flexible sealing compounds used to close up gaps in buildings and other structures against water, air, dust, insects, or as a component in firestopping. In the tunneling industry, caulking is the sealing of joints in segmental precast concrete tunnels, commonly by using concrete.

Historical uses

Wooden shipbuilding

Traditional caulking (also spelled calking) on wooden vessels uses fibers of cotton and oakum (hemp) soaked in pine tar. These fibers are driven into the wedge-shaped seam between planks, with a caulking mallet and a broad chisel-like tool called a caulking iron. The caulking is then covered over with a putty, in the case of hull seams, or else in deck seams with melted pine pitch, in a process referred to as paying, or "calefaction". Those who carried out this work were known as caulkers. In the Hebrew Bible, the prophet Ezekiel refers to the caulking of ships as a specialist skill. [3]

Iron or steel shipbuilding

In riveted steel or iron ship construction, caulking was a process of rendering seams watertight by driving a thick, blunt chisel-like tool into the plating adjacent to the seam. This had the effect of displacing the metal into a close fit with the adjoining piece. [4]

Boilermaking

Caulking of iron and steel, of the same type described above for ship's hulls, was also used by boilermakers in the era of riveted boilers to make the joints watertight and steamtight. [5]

Modern use in construction

Application

Man applying caulk to baseboard Caulking, USAF.jpg
Man applying caulk to baseboard

For bulk use, caulk is generally distributed in disposable cartridges, which are rigid cylindrical cardboard or plastic tubes with an applicator tip at one end, and a movable plunger at the far end. These are used in caulking guns, which typically have a trigger connected to a rod which pushes the plunger, and has a ratchet to prevent backlash. The push rod may also be actuated by a motor or by compressed air. Similar mechanisms are used for grease guns. [6]

For smaller applications, caulk may be distributed in squeeze tubes. [6]

Backer rod

Backer rod, also called backer material or back-up rod, is a flexible foam product used behind caulking to increase elasticity, reduce consumption, force the caulking into contact with the sides of the joint creating a better bond, determine the thickness of the caulking, and define the cross-section hour-glass shape of the caulk. The backer rod also acts as a bond breaker to keep the caulking from sticking to the bottom of the opening—called a three-sided bond—with the caulk only adhering to the sides of the opening in an hour-glass shape it can flex more easily and is less likely to tear. Backer rods can also be used to reduce consumption of the caulking by filling part of the joints.

Closed-cell foam does not absorb water and is impermeable. Closed-cell rods are less compressible and should not be compressed more than 25%. [7] Closed-cell rod will also lose firmness and out-gas if damaged during installation or overcompressed or at sharp bends. The gasses cannot pass through this backer rod and can deform, weaken, and even cause holes (leaks) in the caulk or sealant as it escapes.

Out-gassing is the reason that open-cell backer rod was developed. [7] Open-cell foam is porous so it will let gasses through which could otherwise cause blistering of the caulk or sealant. Additionally, open-cell backer rod allows air to get to the back side of the caulk or sealant which accelerates curing when used with air-cured sealants such as silicone. Open-cell rod is more compressible than closed-cell foam and should be compressed 25% to 75%. [7]

Energy efficiency

According to the Consumer Federation of America, sealing unwanted leaks around homes is an excellent way to cut home energy costs and decrease the household carbon footprint.

Also, sealing cracks and crevices around homes lessens the strain on home appliances and can save time, money and hassle by preventing major repairs.

Preventing infestation

Sealing cracks and crevices prevents ingress by rodents. [8]

Types

Acrylic latex

The most common type of caulk is acrylic latex, for general-purpose use. [9] Not only is acrylic latex inexpensive, but it is also the easiest type to apply smoothly and later paint if needed. [10] [11]

Acrylic tile sealant

Acrylic tile sealant usually comes in small tubes and is commonly used for wet applications. [11]

Polyurethane

Polyurethane caulk is very durable and professional grade.[ citation needed ]

Silicone

Silicone caulking extruded from a caulking gun Caulking.jpg
Silicone caulking extruded from a caulking gun

Silicone caulk or sealant is water-, mold-, and mildew-resistant. [9] [11] Technically, when a joint material is silicone-based, it is considered a sealant rather than caulk. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silicone</span> Family of polymers of the repeating form [R2Si–O–SiR2]

In organosilicon and polymer chemistry, a silicone or polysiloxane is a polymer composed of repeating units of siloxane. They are typically colorless oils or rubber-like substances. Silicones are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, cooking utensils, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation. Some common forms include silicone oil, grease, rubber, resin, and caulk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetsuit</span> Garment for thermal insulation from water

A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports and other activities in or on water. Its purpose is to provide thermal insulation and protection from abrasion, ultraviolet exposure, and stings from marine organisms. It also contributes extra buoyancy. The insulation properties of neoprene foam depend mainly on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dry suit</span> Watertight clothing that seals the wearer from cold and hazardous liquids

A dry suit or drysuit provides the wearer with environmental protection by way of thermal insulation and exclusion of water, and is worn by divers, boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and others who work or play in or near cold or contaminated water. A dry suit normally protects the whole body except the head, hands, and possibly the feet. In hazmat configurations, however, all of these are covered as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gasket</span> Type of mechanical seal

A gasket is a mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. It is a deformable material that is used to create a static seal and maintain that seal under various operating conditions in a mechanical assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oakum</span> Tarred fiber

Oakum is a preparation of tarred fibre used to seal gaps. Its main traditional applications were in shipbuilding, for caulking or packing the joints of timbers in wooden vessels and the deck planking of iron and steel ships; in plumbing, for sealing joints in cast iron pipe; and in log cabins for chinking. In ship caulking, it was forced into the seams using a hammer and a caulking iron, then sealed into place with hot pitch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plastic welding</span> Welding of semi-finished plastic materials

Plastic welding is welding for semi-finished plastic materials, and is described in ISO 472 as a process of uniting softened surfaces of materials, generally with the aid of heat. Welding of thermoplastics is accomplished in three sequential stages, namely surface preparation, application of heat and pressure, and cooling. Numerous welding methods have been developed for the joining of semi-finished plastic materials. Based on the mechanism of heat generation at the welding interface, welding methods for thermoplastics can be classified as external and internal heating methods, as shown in Fig 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuel tank</span> Safe container for flammable fluids, e.g., for a vehicle or oil heater

A fuel tank is a safe container for flammable fluids, often gasoline or diesel fuel. Though any storage tank for fuel may be so called, the term is typically applied to part of an engine system in which the fuel is stored and propelled or released into an engine. Fuel tanks range in size and complexity from the small plastic tank of a butane lighter to the multi-chambered cryogenic Space Shuttle external tank.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butyl rubber</span> Synthetic rubber; a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene

Butyl rubber, sometimes just called "butyl", is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber. Polyisobutylene, also known as "PIB" or polyisobutene, (C4H8)n, is the homopolymer of isobutylene, or 2-methyl-1-propene, on which butyl rubber is based. Butyl rubber is produced by polymerization of about 98% of isobutylene with about 2% of isoprene. Structurally, polyisobutylene resembles polypropylene, but has two methyl groups substituted on every other carbon atom, rather than one. Polyisobutylene is a colorless to light yellow viscoelastic material. It is generally odorless and tasteless, though it may exhibit a slight characteristic odor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silicone rubber</span> Elastomer

Silicone rubber is an elastomer composed of silicone—itself a polymer—containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry, and there are multiple formulations. Silicone rubbers are often one- or two-part polymers, and may contain fillers to improve properties or reduce cost. Silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures from −55 to 300 °C while still maintaining its useful properties. Due to these properties and its ease of manufacturing and shaping, silicone rubber can be found in a wide variety of products, including voltage line insulators; automotive applications; cooking, baking, and food storage products; apparel such as undergarments, sportswear, and footwear; electronics; medical devices and implants; and in home repair and hardware, in products such as silicone sealants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pipe (fluid conveyance)</span> Tubular section or hollow cylinder

A pipe is a tubular section or hollow cylinder, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow — liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders and masses of small solids. It can also be used for structural applications; hollow pipe is far stiffer per unit weight than solid members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Countertop</span> Horizontal work surface

A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop or kitchen bench, bunker is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface. They are built for work in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. The surface is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets, positioned at an ergonomic height for the user and the particular task for which it is designed. A countertop may be constructed of various materials with different attributes of functionality, durability and aesthetics, and may have built-in appliances, or accessory items relative to the intended application.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sealant</span> Substance used to block the passage of fluids through openings

Sealant is a substance used to block the passage of fluids through openings in materials, a type of mechanical seal. In building construction sealant is sometimes synonymous with caulk and also serve the purposes of blocking dust, sound and heat transmission. Sealants may be weak or strong, flexible or rigid, permanent or temporary. Sealants are not adhesives but some have adhesive qualities and are called adhesive-sealants or structural sealants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Expansion joint</span> Construction assembly for absorbing thermally-induced volume changes

A expansion joint, or movement joint, is an assembly designed to hold parts together while safely absorbing temperature-induced expansion and contraction of building materials. They are commonly found between sections of buildings, bridges, sidewalks, railway tracks, piping systems, ships, and other structures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duct (flow)</span> Conduit used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Ducts are conduits or passages used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to deliver and remove air. The needed airflows include, for example, supply air, return air, and exhaust air. Ducts commonly also deliver ventilation air as part of the supply air. As such, air ducts are one method of ensuring acceptable indoor air quality as well as thermal comfort.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Packing (firestopping)</span>

Packing is the process and/or the materials used in filling both service penetrations and building joints with backer materials as approved components within a firestop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DAP Products</span>

DAP Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of latex caulks, silicone sealants, adhesives, insulating foams, and patch & repair products. DAP has been made in the USA since 1864 and headquartered in Baltimore, MD since 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MÁV Class 601</span> Class of Hungarian Mallet-type locomotives

The MÁV class 601 is a class of Hungarian four cylinder Mallet -type locomotives, which was designed to haul long and very heavy cargo on very steep railway tracks. With their 22.5 meter length and 2200 KW power, they were the largest and most powerful steam locomotives which have ever built before the First World War in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colonel Plug</span> American river pirate

Colonel Plug, also known as Colonel Fluger and "The Last of the Boat-Wreckers", who existed sometime between the 1790s and 1820, was the legendary river pirate who ran a criminal gang on the Ohio River in a cypress swamp near the mouth of the Cache River. The outlaw camp of Colonel Plug was supposedly below the river pirate hideout of Cave-In-Rock and the U.S. Army post at Fort Massac, which monitored and policed frontier river traffic just above the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jointed-boiler locomotive</span>

A jointed-boiler locomotive was a variant of the Mallet articulated locomotive, in which a flexible coupling was introduced midway along the length of the boiler casing, which allowed the boiler to bend laterally when the locomotive was on curved track.

References

  1. "Caulk". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  2. Hutton, Walter S. (1898). Steam-Boiler Construction. p. 230.
  3. Ezekiel 27:9
  4. "Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC): USCG" (PDF). USCG.mil.
  5. Colvin, Fred H. (1906). The Railroad Pocket-Book: A Quick Reference Cyclopedia of Railroad Information. New York, Derry-Collard; London, Locomotive Publishing Company (US-UK co-edition). p. C‑9. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  6. 1 2 McClintock, Mike (February 15, 2011). "Squeezing the Best Results out of Caulking Projects". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 Gibb, J. F. (March 1980). "Hidden, but Essential: A Technical Review of Backer Rods" (PDF). The Construction Specifier. p. 41.
  8. "Seal Up!". CDC.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Dale, Timothy (February 21, 2023). Epstein, Richard (ed.). "How to Choose Caulk and Sealant for Every Home Project". The Spruce. Dotdash Meredith . Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  10. Petersen, Mark (August 28, 2021). "Expert Guide for Choosing the Right Caulk for Any Job". Family Handyman. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  11. 1 2 3 Josh (October 2, 2019). "Exterior Maintenance Plan: Why Routine Caulking is Needed on Commercial Buildings". Epic Rope Access. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  12. "How to Choose the Right Caulk or Sealant for Your Next Plumbing Project". Oatey. Retrieved March 26, 2023.