Last Updated on January 19, 2023
There are a variety of caulking products on the market today, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. It can be difficult to decide which type of caulking is right for your commercial building. We’ve put together this guide to help you select the best commercial caulk for your project.
The first step in selecting the right caulk for your building is determining the application you need the product for. The following questions will help you identify the type and quality of caulk that you need for your project:
- Do you need to waterproof your building?
- Are you looking for a flexible or rigid material?
- Does the caulk need to last for many years or be easily replaced?
- Do you need a caulk that resists mold and mildew?
Waterpoofing Your Building
Waterproofing your building is a great way to protect your structure from water damage. Many commercial caulks are waterproof, but these products are usually designed for exterior use. If you are looking for caulk for interior use, you will need to choose a product specifically designed for interior applications.
Flexible or Rigid Material
Rigid caulk is great for sealing cracks and gaps between hard surfaces. It is easy to apply and will provide a strong, waterproof seal. Rigid caulk is most commonly used in new construction.
Flexible caulk provides a softer seal than rigid caulk. It is mainly used for sealing cracks and gaps between hard surfaces. Flexible caulk is most commonly used in renovation projects.
Does the Caulk Need to Last for Many Years or Be Easily Replaced?
Rigid caulk is more durable than flexible caulk. It will provide a strong, waterproof seal for many years. Flexible caulk needs to be reapplied more often because it will break down over time.
How Easy Is It to Apply?
Rigid caulk is easier to apply than flexible caulk. It does not require a special gun, and it is usually sold in squeeze tubes. Flexible caulk is more difficult to apply than rigid caulk. It is usually sold in cartridges and requires a caulking gun.
Does the Caulk Need to Be Flexible or Rigid?
Rigid caulk is more durable than flexible caulk. It will provide a strong, waterproof seal for many years. Flexible caulk needs to be reapplied more often because it will break down over time.
How Hard Is It to Clean?
Rigid caulk is easier to clean than flexible caulk. It does not need to be cleaned very often, and it will not leave any residue behind. Flexible caulk is more difficult to clean than rigid caulk. It may need to be cleaned more often than rigid caulk, and it may leave behind some residue.
How Durable Is It?
-Good: flexible materials bend when pressure is applied; good for many applications such as sealing around window and door frames or around sinks/toilets where flexibility is important.
-Poor: rigid materials do not bend; poor for many applications such as sealing around window and door frames or around sinks/toilets where flexibility is not important.
How Does It Feel on Skin?
-It feels sticky, not smooth or slick like latex paint or grease pencil. This stickiness makes it easier to apply and requires less force than other sealants.
How Difficult Is It to Apply?
-Hard: requires a lot of force and skill to apply.
-Easy: requires very little force and skill to apply.
How Hard Is It to Clean?
Good: easy to clean with soap and water; leaves no residue behind when it is removed.
Poor: difficult or messy to clean; leaves residue behind when it is removed.
-These caulks are waterproof and are good at blocking moisture and air infiltration. They resist cracking and chipping and can be easily repaired if damaged.
Northern Touch – Commercial Caulking Experts Toronto
For over 25 years, Northern Touch has been providing commercial caulking and sealant services in Toronto to commercial building owners across the GTA. The buildings and surfaces we’ve serviced include:
- High rises, including condominiums
- Mid rises
- Stadiums and domes
- Churches
- Hospitals
- Multi-family apartment complexes
- Hotels
- And more
We offer nearly 75 different services to our clients and are a leading expert in exterior building restoration and maintenance. We’re also the only commercial building restoration company in Toronto with its own line of products. Our highly-skilled technicians are trained to tackle even the most complex jobs, providing the commercial caulking and sealant services your building needs to keep moisture and air out of the exterior envelope and where it belongs.
