Caulk is a widely used material for sealing holes and leaks in furniture and parts of buildings.
And while it breaks down over time, just like other materials, you could consider using it around your baseboard heaters.
They need to be secured from heat loss and potential damage.
So, Can You Put Caulk Around The Baseboard Heaters?
Yes. Caulk can do a pretty nice job on your baseboards and help keep the house warmer by preventing heat loss. The best part is that caulk adheres very well with the surfaces where they are applied without breaking or cracking. The benefits of caulking around baseboards are immense.
We will cover them exhaustively in this article. We have also included a step-by-step guide on effectively getting the job done. Find out…
5 Reasons Why It Is Important to Caulk Around Baseboard Heaters
As we mentioned, caulking is an important material for sealing parts of the building from air, water, and heat leakage.
In this case, you are using caulk to prevent heat from escaping out of the building while securing it from damage by water, molds, and pests. Here are five benefits of caulking baseboard:
1. To Guarantee Durability
Baseboards do crack and break at the edges.
Caulking these parts helps to fasten them in place and prevent cracks.
Though they may start small, cracks can become expensive with time because of changing temperatures in the room, contraction, and expansion.
This uneven temperature can later become extensive and damage your baseboards.
Having caulk on these parts can help hold them in place and therefore increase the durability of your baseboards.
2. Lower Energy Costs
Needless to mention, baseboards that are not caulked would allow heat to escape from the building.
Baseboards are designed to warm the house; if there is any leak in the heat, you will be required to heat the house more.
Consequently, you will incur more heating costs, translating to an upsurge in energy costs.
3. Watertight Seal
Caulking around certain joints and fixtures creates a watertight seal that helps prevent water inflow into the building.
Your baseboard heaters should be secured from potential water damage.
Occasionally, water can find its way between the baseboard heaters and the floor.
The ramifications of water on baseboard heaters can be adverse. First, it will begin to rot and can potentially harbor destructive mold.
Again, water can freeze in this space and potentially damage your home’s floor and walls.
As you can see, you need to caulk it to ward off spilled water from getting between the baseboards and the floor.
It is equally important to wipe the floor whenever water is spilled on these parts.
4. Protection from Pest’s Infestation
Any crack on the baseboard heaters can become a potential hiding point for pests.
Cockroaches, spiders, and even ants, just to name a few, can find a hiding place between the baseboard heaters and pose harm to the occupants of the room.
Pests like ants can eat up the baseboard and destroy it completely.
Other pests like bed bugs like hiding in these spots. They then use them as breeding and hiding grounds where they launch attacks on the room’s occupants.
The surest way to deter them from finding hiding places in your home is to caulk the baseboard heaters.
Caulk will help you seal off all these cracks and make it impossible for pests to hide in your home.
5. Protection from Molds Damage
Mold loves breeding where there is moisture. Mold will, therefore, develop in the baseboard heaters due to water seeping into them.
Molds are as destructive. Besides, they pose other risks, such as respiratory problems and allergic ailments, to the occupants of the room.
Caulking your baseboard heaters helps prevent mold development as water will not find its way into them.
Where and How to Apply Caulk On Baseboard Heaters
1. At The Bottom of the Baseboard
Apply a relatively thick layer of caulk along the floor line. This is the point where the baseboards come in contact with the floor.
It must be water and airtight. Even though the bottom of the baseboards may seem tight after installation, they will eventually start developing gaps.
It is no issue to worry you. It happens because of the usual expansion that occurs in every matter. Caulking this part is critical to ensure that it does not get wet.
2. At The Top of the Baseboard
Apply a layer of caulk on the top part of the baseboard where it comes in contact with the wall.
This part is susceptible to pests and water damage, and, as it turns out, most people often overlook it.
Caulking the top of the baseboard is important to bar moisture and invasion by pests and fasten it onto the wall. Besides, caulking this pat is usually done for cosmetic reasons.
It helps to conceal the sometimes inevitable gaps between the baseboard and the wall. It gives it an appealing finish.
3. Seal Any Other Entry That Might Allow Pests and Moisture In
If you find any gaps or crevices alongside your baseboards, ensure they are equally caulked to stop the entry of pests and moisture.
It proves more efficient than applying powders and sprays. Besides, caulking is only done once compared to the occasional pests’ sprays.
4 Things to Keep in Mind When Caulking Baseboard Heaters
1. Prepare The Working Area
This includes cleaning the baseboards in advance.
The floor near the baseboard and the walls should equally be prepared for caulking by cleaning them. Dust weakens the adherence strength of the caulk.
Greasy stains should be rid of these parts as they, like dust, affect the adhering strength of the caulk.
2. Use The Appropriate Caulk
Caulk is available in a broad spectrum of types depending on the materials used to make them. They equally vary in strength and weakness.
Latex caulk, for instance, dies faster than other types and fills the cracks by expanding.
It is preferred for indoor caulking owing to its low odor. It is also very easy to clean, making it one of the most suitable caulking materials.
3. Do Not Combine the Different Types of Caulk
Contrary to what most people think, caulk should not be mixed.
This is because each type is designed from different materials.
Combining them means one thing- the strength of the materials will be weakened.
4. Use A Wet Rag
Use a damp cloth over the surface.
Smoothening of caulk should be done immediately.
Any delays can render it lumpy, and they will begin to skin over in no time. Once they get lumpy, it will be difficult for you to manipulate them.
Final Words
Caulking baseboards is a very important step in ensuring that they stay in good working conditions for a long time.
Getting materials for caulking is one thing and the other to get work done.
Make sure you choose the ideal caulk for your baseboards and follow the right procedures when executing this task.
Your aim should be to end up with a properly fastened and protected baseboard.