Caulking Price Guide

​​Without a doubt, one of the main elements to check when buying a home is its thermal design power. Besides ensuring optimal indoor temperatures, it minimizes heating and air conditioning needs and makes the house impervious to air and water seepage.

Caulking is an important final step that will maximize thermal design power. In Canada, this is a common practice that ensures proper sealing of door and window contours and the connection between the various sidings.

If air or water infiltration is a factor in your home, then it is likely that your current caulking is cracked or peeling.

Finding Air Leaks

Energy Transition Québec has two methods that allow for air leak detection. The first is relatively simple and is called the flicker test. This method consists of slowly moving a candle or a thin sheet of tissue paper strategically along interior walls. If the flame flickers or the paper shakes, air is seeping in.

There are also more advanced methods such as the blower door test. Using a specific device, this energy efficiency test allows one to check the air tightness of a house. The consultant responsible will go through all the rooms in the house to detect any air seepage. The blower door test takes 30 minutes, but the complete energy evaluation can take up to 2 to 3 hours.

Note that if you join the Rénoclimat program, you can benefit from a blower door test and a complete energy evaluation of your home.

Caulking: Cost-Effectiveness

Source: Energy Transition Québec

The Office of Energy Efficiency has estimated that scattered air leaks can account for 25% of heat loss in a home. This figure increases to as much as 40% with older homes, which directly impacts the cost of your heating bill.

Some studies suggest that additional energy costs are roughly $1 for each gap of about 5 cm in length. However, several factors can influence your heating energy expenses, such as poor insulation and the effects of thermal bridges. Also, note that inadequate airtightness will lead to moisture infiltration and risks damaging your home prematurely.

Cost of Caulking Your Home

Source: Canva

The cost of having your home professionally caulked can vary based on several factors such as the age and size of your home. Plan on spending anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 to caulk an average-sized home. The price range also depends on the degree of ease with which the joints can be removed and the gaps sealed. The cost will be higher if the gap is larger. Typically, it takes half a day to complete but can take up to two days for extensive caulking jobs.

Every company has its sealant. For example, some use a silicone-based sealant that is more eco-friendly than other caulking products. Note that caulking durability depends on the product warranty, which varies according to the quality of the sealant.

When to Caulk Your Windows and Doors

The ideal time to caulk your home will vary depending on the weather in your area. During winter weather, the product's effectiveness will most likely be affected by the cold. In addition, rain and humidity can make this task difficult, if not impossible. In Montréal, the period most suitable for exterior caulking work is between the beginning of April and the end of November.

When in doubt as to whether or not your caulking is effective, have an expert inspect it in the fall or spring. This will allow you to assess the progress of your caulking's wear and tear. You will notice that some sides of your façade may be more affected than others, depending on the direction they are facing.

How to Caulk Doors and Windows

Source: Canva

Hydro Québec advises caulking in dry weather and avoiding doing so when temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F) as this will cause the caulking paste to harden, rendering it difficult to spread. Here are the steps to apply caulking:

• Remove all the old caulking;

• Using a soft brush, dust the gaps;

• Use a rag to clean the caulking cavity;

• Fill any gaps that are too large with backer rods;

• Lastly, apply the sealant joints.

Whatever you do, do not apply a new sealant over the old one. However, should you make this mistake, you will soon find that the sealant will not hold, since the old sealant has degraded over time.

For a long-lasting sealant, remember to apply joint caulking to as many clean and well-prepped surfaces as possible. It is best to remove the paint, dust, and old caulking with a putty knife or screwdriver.

Different Types of Caulking Sealants

Whether you apply the caulking yourself or hire a professional to do so, note that there are different types of sealants. Prices vary depending on their composition and durability.

Thermoplastic sealant is a professional-grade product with an excellent shelf life. This versatile product has remarkable adhesion to many materials, including glass. Once applied, it quickly forms a dust-free film. The thermoplastic sealant contains no silicone and can stretch up to 1,400% without cracking. It can be purchased at hardware stores for about $8 for a 300 ml tube.

Polyurethane sealant is known for its superior resistance and durability. It has a pliable consistency and a high-level resistance to lacerations. It adheres to most materials and allows a 25% range of motion. This product is available in stores for $8.50 or more depending on the selected brand.

Latex sealant is an eco-friendly product as it contains less than 3% volatile organic compounds. It is ideal for exterior use, remains flexible, and is water-resistant. This sealant can be cleaned with soapy water and painted after about 2 hours. Expect to pay $2.75 for a tube of 300 ml.

Acoustical sealant is used for both acoustic and sealing purposes. Since it is made with synthetic polymer rubber, it will not harden or stain and is easily applied with a caulking gun. Its durability is roughly 20 years. The price for this type of sealant is about $5.50 for 300 ml.

Overview of Caulking Costs