If you own any kind of commercial property, you know that consistent exterior maintenance is important. Neglect it, and the repercussions become costly, both for your wallet and for your comfort.
Read on to learn why routine caulking is important part of maintenance for your commercial building!
What is Caulking?
Many people use the words ‘caulk’ and ‘sealant’ interchangeably since they both fill gaps and cracks between building materials, but there are some differences.
Caulks become rigid when they dry, and they’re best for areas that don’t expand and contract, such as around doors and window frames. Sealants, on the other hand, are more elastic. They’re best for areas that experience more expansion and contraction.
Caulk is applied with a caulking gun. It has the ability to be wiped away with water before it dries, and acrylic caulks can be painted over. Applied professionally, it will completely blend into the area it’s applied.
Because there are so many different kinds of caulk, it can be used to seal gaps in almost any material.
Different Kinds of Caulk
Since caulk is one of the most versatile building materials, there are many different types of available. Here are some of the common types:
- Acrylic Latex/Painters Caulk – This is the most common acrylic latex caulk available, and one of the cheapest. It’s meant to cover small holes and cracks before it’s covered with paint.
- Vinyl Latex – This is much like acrylic latex, but it lasts longer and can be used outdoors.
- Acrylic Tile Sealant – This comes in small tubes and works with simple patches and repairs in wet locations.
- Pure Silicone – This can last for decades, and is mould and mildew resistant. This makes it the perfect kind of caulk to seal shower areas.
Hiring professionals with experience takes the guesswork out of deciding which caulk is the best to use.
Sealing Gaps
If your building isn’t watertight and airtight, over time water leaks and damage can threaten its structural ability. This is the main reason why you need to have your commercial building inspected at least once a year for any gaps and cracks.
Saving Money
When you’re routinely caulking your building, you’re saving money for the longterm. Water damage isn’t something to be taken lightly.
Not only is the structure of your building damaged, but office equipment such as furniture, computers and paper records can be irreparably damaged as well. If you don’t have adequate insurance coverage, you’ll need to cover the costs of replacing damaged items, water extraction, water cleanup and renovation of the building.
There are also health consequences to water damage. It causes the potential of affecting air quality through mould growth. This increases the chance of your employees developing respiratory problems, such as wheezing and adult-onset asthma. This means less productive workers and more sick days.
Saving Energy
Reducing the amount of air going in and out of your building is going to save you money, improve your comfort and create a healthier indoor environment.
Poor or non-existant sealing permits heat to escape your building during cold or windy days, and heat to enter when it is hot outside. This means your air conditioning and heating systems will be working harder to keep the temperature comfortable inside.
Improving Value
Keeping your building free of water damage and air leakage is a longterm investment. If you own the building and are planning on expanding to a different location, a building that has intact structural integrity is far more valuable.
Of course, this makes your building more attractive to buyers. No one wants to deal with the constant repairs and maintenance services needed for a building that wasn’t caulked routinely and affected by water damage.
Preventing Insects
Gaps in walls and the floor will provide insects easy access to the inside. There are many locations in the walls and foundations that need to be caulked, such as:
- Voids around electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, vents, phone lines, cabling and air conditioning lines
- Gaps around windows, entry doors and garage doors
- Cracks in plaster, bricks, stonework and mortar joints
Professional Finish
Because caulk has the ability to blend in with its surroundings, it provides a professional finish. For instance, nails and metal materials that aren’t caulked will rust when they’re exposed to the elements. Caulk closes gaps and smoothes transitions.
If you’re getting the exterior of your building repainted, caulk is a necessary part of the process. Not only does it fill gaps that can be painted over, but it also provides a smooth surface to paint on, which improves the texture and quality.
The appearance of your commercial building directly affects your business’s reputation, so the cosmetic benefits shouldn’t be ignored.
Caulking for Proper Exterior Maintenance
Caulking is a key component to keeping your building stable, comfortable and safe. From preventing insects to saving you energy, this small component can save you thousands of dollars in repair bills, so it shouldn’t be ignored!
Now that you know the numerous benefits of including regular caulking in your exterior maintenance plan, it’s time to get professionals involved.
Epic Rope Access can work in any remote area of a site safely and efficiently. If you have a large commercial building, our certified tradespeople are highly experienced at accessing those hard to reach areas while still providing exemplary service.
If you want instant peace of mind, contact us today to consult with our experts.