Is it necessary to caulk between windows and the adjacent stucco exterior?
Question:I am purchasing a home that is 5 years old. When originally made, none of the extensions (e.g. electrical outlets, pipes, etc.) that protrude from the home were sealed where these emerge from the stucco exterior. The areas around the windows were also not caulked. We have been advised that this is not necessary and may promote mildew and wood rot, not to mention unsightliness when the caulk becomes old. Conversely, we have also been told that these small "cracks" may allow water intrusion. Any thoughts on this?
Answers:
yes the will plz clauck them and it will help you energy bill also
May be its a new thing, but we always seal everything. What if the wind driven rain gets inside the wall and damages the Sheetrock, or causes mold inside the walls?
IF water gets in the cracks it might get as far as the tar paper and then is stopped and travels straight down due to gravity. and come out on the bottom. No biggy.
Houses are not normally sealed up tight as it is the moisture from inside the house that comes from living that is the concern for wood rot and mildew. Breathing pushes out a lot of moisture. Cooking does too, so does indoor plants, bathing, laundry. The house is not a boat in that you need to have it sealed tight. Too tight causes rot.
Yes, where unlike surfaces meet, caulk should be applied. Around the windows is not the proper place to be concerned with ventilation. Proper vents are made for roofs, eaves, soffitts, and even foundations. Caulk areas exposed to rain.
Yes, they should all be caulked except against vinyl siding. If you wanna wait, just hang out for a good storm or the right wind direction and the rain will come pouring in. It shouldn't look awful in time if it is done right, it should have been done when the home was just built.
YES! My father is a contractor and I am in the middle of following his foot steps and yes it is necessary to do the outside as well as the inside.
YES! seal it. my preference is acrylic latex with silicone. good brands will last 20 years or more.
think about silicone sealer
you should always caulk around any fixtures going to the outside,around doors windows,this will keep bugs out,water and cold from coming into the house,and no it does not cause moisture,it prevents moisture.
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