When Was the Last Time Your Building was Caulked?
As cooler weather approaches, Palatine-based Dakota Evans is encouraging building owners and property managers to determine when the last time the exterior of their property was caulked. Caulking is traditionally completed in the fall and winter, when masonry and joints contract due to cooler temperatures, which allows for easier and more successful application of the product.
Caulk that is properly applied to a structure will seal joints and cracks that reduce and/or eliminate the intrusion of air, dust, moisture, insects, pollutants and noise. Having a building that is properly caulked can additionally result in reduced heating and cooling costs, as well as a lower chance of water infiltration. The infiltration of water can ultimately lead to rust damage, further cracking, and leaks. Anchors that have incurred rust damage can also become unstable and, at times, fail - causing serious damage to structures, including a serious incident in 2015 where a 15,000-pound panel fell off a Northfield building. For more information regarding the incident, visit dakotaevans.com/dakota-evans-hired-to-fortify-building-where-15000-pound-panel-fell-in-northfield/.
"If you can't remember the last time your building was caulked, it's time to do it again," said Chuck McCrimmon, founder and president of Dakota Evans Restoration, Inc. "Being proactive can help reduce the chances of water infiltration, which can lead to costly repairs in the long run."
McCrimmon acknowledges that caulk is something that is not regularly considered, but is an important part of overall maintenance of a building. Due to expansion and contraction of joints, voids can occur on the sides of windows and other areas in a structure. Once water gets in and starts expanding, he warns that it is then too late to stop damage from occurring. An example of water infiltrating a structure can be viewed at youtu.be/BbLk8p5XIBg.
In order for caulk to serve its purpose, it must stay in place for an extended period of time. This can be achieved with proper caulk application, which then maintains proper adhesion to both sides of a joint. Another key factor is making sure caulk can have easy flex movement with the joint it is being adhered to. The ideal time to caulk is when temperatures are between 40 and 80 degrees, and the area is void of frost, dirt and debris.
By addressing exterior caulking projects during the fall and winter months, moisture is sealed out, causing the building or structure to be more effectively maintained. It is recommended that re-caulking takes place on the exterior of buildings every 8 to 10 years due to the heating and cooling cycles in the Midwest.
For more information, call Dakota Evans at 847-439-5367, or email inquiry@dakotaevans.com. Dakota Evans can be found online at dakotaevans.com.
ABOUT DAKOTA EVANS RESTORATION, INC.
Founded in 1997, Dakota Evans Restoration, Inc. serves clients in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. Projects include multi-family housing, hospitals, private universities and commercial buildings. Among the company specialties are tuck pointing, masonry repair, balcony repair and replacement, concrete repair, specialty coatings and commercial painting services.