How frequently do you inspect the structural integrity of your living space? Do you pay attention to the condition of your caulks?

Going green has become one of the most common trends among homeowners. Around 65% of your home’s energy bill goes into cooling and heating—half of it is wasted in the form of air leaks. You can use caulking for air sealing.

Caulking is a method to seal out the gaps, drafts, and leaks in toilets, bathtubs, windows, ceilings, basements, attics, and kitchens. It can help you save energy and money, while also facilitating you to do your part to improve the environment. Homeowners can save around 14% on cooling and heating costs with caulking. Usually, fresh caulks for a long time—around five years. However, there are several factors that decrease their lifespan. Until recently, traditional caulking was used commonly. However, it causes a lot of issues like the following.

Foul Odors

Do you think your bathroom has been plagued with a certain stench? Although fresh caulk is non-permeable, there are complaints that it absorbs smells from the surroundings. This is especially a major problem in bathrooms. Similarly, it also makes your kitchen vulnerable.

Bacteria

If there is an orange slimy substance in your shower, then it is likely to be Serratia marcescens—a type of bacteria, which is similar to mold. Although it does not cause any fatalities, it can lead you to contract diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and infections in the urinary tracts.

How Can Peel and Stick Caulk Make a Difference?

Do you struggle with the following issues?

• The corner seam of your wall becomes dirty over time due to dust accumulation.

• The seam paint on the bathroom sink and where the tub meets wall begins to peel off due to moisture.

• Kitchen fumes cause the walls around your kitchen countertop to become yellow. These fumes take a lot of time for cleaning.

You can address all of these issues with the self-adhesive caulk strip. It is used in a wide range of home projects from indoor decorating to outdoor maintenance. As the name suggests, it bonds quickly and easily to any surface. As a result, it is increasingly becoming the go-to option for homeowners.

Benefits of Caulk Strip Tape

Peel and stick caulk is made of silicone. It offers the following advantages to homeowners.

• It has stronger adhesion and stickiness when compared to other conventional options.

• Other sealing options don’t always resist mold. Mold is a dangerous substance that can harm the health of your family members. The presence of mold puts people with respiratory illnesses at risk. However, the caulk strip tape is highly resistant to caulk, shielding the structural integrity of your living spaces and protecting your family members.

• Other caulking solutions are not impervious to water. This means that in damp areas, like the bathroom and kitchen, your caulk cannot last for a long time. On the other hand, peel and stick caulk comes with the waterproofing advantage. It creates a barrier against any type of water infiltration, so you can use it any water-related space.

• Applying the flexible vinyl edge trim is quick and does not take much time. All you need to do is to peel the strip and press it against a surface for some time. This is the first of its kind caulking solution as it allows homeowners to perform major caulking projects around the home without facing the hassle that is synonymous with the traditional caulk. As a result, you don’t have to call an expert.

• You can use this strip in a wide range of living spaces including bathtub, sink, kitchen countertop, and stove for sealing gaps between the walls.

• It lasts for a long time. This is because it is made of high-quality PE (polyethylene) material, lending it enhanced durability against all types of rigors.

• It offers flexibility as it comes in both narrow and wide sizes. Thus, you can use it for sealing a wide range of gaps.

• It is non-toxic and environmental-friendly.

• Most importantly, the peel and stick caulk creates a straight line going all the way. Thus, it is a marked improvement over conventional options that are known for shoddy lines.

How to Use Peel and Stick Caulk

• At first, you need to remove the old caulk You can use an art knife to take out the existing sealant.
• However, if you are looking for a more efficient technique, then a caulk remover can work wonders.
• Use gasoline, rubber water, or any other organic solvents to clean the residue from the surface.
• Wait and check if the surface is completely dry.
• Apply the strip only when the temperature is 77°F or more. It does not install properly at lower temperatures. If you have no control over the temperature, then you can use a hairdryer to heat the gum for improved stickiness.
• Take out the plastic film on the back. Now, fold it by 90 degrees, and stick it on the wall, bathtub, or any other surface.
• If you are pasting at the 90° turn, cut the butt side into 45°.
• After installation, press the strip firmly and wait for 10 hours so it is solidified properly.

Final Thoughts

If you need a new caulk, avoid going for traditional and old methods. Instead, go for the peel and stick caulk, which not only brings more value to the table but also serves an affordable and environmentally-friendly solution.

Author Bio :- Greg Amundson is the founder and creator of InstaTrim & have been working in the home construction industry for 30+ years and have always had a passion to make DIYers’ life easier by developing products like white caulk strips, black peel and stick caulk tape, grey PVC corner trim, etc.