Caulking Basics
Easy DIY. Saves $300-500 in handyman.
When to caulk
- Old caulk cracking / pulling away.
- Mold/mildew on caulk.
- Water seeping behind tub.
- Drafts around windows.
- Yearly inspect.
- Replace every 5 years typical.
Right caulk for job
- Bathroom/kitchen — silicone (waterproof).
- Windows/doors — paintable acrylic latex.
- Outdoor — exterior silicone.
- Mold-resistant — for showers.
- $5-10 per tube.
- Get quality — cheap fails fast.
Senior tools needed
- Caulk gun ($10).
- Utility knife (cut tube tip).
- Painter's tape.
- Caulk smoothing tool ($5).
- Damp rag for cleanup.
- Old caulk remover tool.
Steps
- Remove old caulk completely.
- Clean + dry surface.
- Apply painter's tape both sides.
- Cut tube tip at 45° angle.
- Squeeze gun, move steady.
- Smooth with finger or tool.
- Remove tape immediately.
- Dry 24 hours before water exposure.
Common mistakes
- Skipping old caulk removal.
- Wrong type (acrylic in shower fails).
- Surface not dry.
- Bead too thick.
- Skipping painter's tape.
- Not cleaning excess immediately.
Save serious money
Handyman caulking visit = $200-400 minimum. DIY = $20 supplies + 2 hours. Senior YouTube tutorials excellent. One of easiest DIY senior tasks. Watch + practice somewhere unimportant first.