Caulking Stained Wood Siding

Silicone wood bad news.

Caulking stained wood siding.

The best option in the case of stained wood molding is to stain the caulk to match the wood. When used on bare wood silicone can be deadly and destructive. The best exterior caulk for roofing construction and repairs since it can withstand extreme temperatures and creates a strong insulating and water tight seal. Siding nails should not be caulked another item that needs room to play is siding boards themselves.

Placing caulk over large portions of wood siding prohibits the natural movement of the wooden panels and can cause extensive damage to the exterior. Also avoid caulking tongue and groove siding boards together. As homeowners with this kind of siding know wood naturally expands and contracts with fluctuations in temperature and precipitation. But if done incorrectly it can lend a sloppy amateurish look.

There are specific caulk types for bathrooms kitchens concrete gutters moulding roof windows plumbing interior and exterior jobs and more. Good for gutters siding and concrete. Best for use with aluminum metal concrete mortar plastics rubber stone vinyl and exterior wood. It is generally not a good idea to use caulking on wood siding.

Caulking windows to give them a finished look inside and out and seal out leaks and drafts is a fairly common diy task. Most lap siding has four to eight inches of board exposed with a smaller amount of exposed wood creating a more expensive look on the home. The nails holding up the siding should not be caulked. If your molding is stained white caulking would cheapen the finish and diminish the value of the work.

Metal flashing or any metal to wood joint should not be caulked another water exit pathway that should never be sealed. If your molding is painted white caulking with white caulk is all that s necessary for a perfect finish. Well just like everything silicone caulk has a lifespan. It grabs on tenaciously which you might think is a good thing right.