CAULK THIS WAY

Reprinted from Pool Lifestyle Magazine, Summer 2002

A guide to a simple, cost-effective procedure that could save you thousands in the long run. All commercial and residential construction uses some type of caulk or sealant.

Your swimming pool and its surrounding masonry are no exception - at least they shouldn't be. Masonry that is properly caulked will save money by reducing moisture damage caused from rain and debris that penetrate small gaps and cracks, helping to head off costly repairs in the future. In addition, properly sealing masonry, especially a pool's coping, can greatly improve its appearance. Choosing the right caulk or sealant can be a simple and rewarding experience. Below are some basic guidelines to help you seal your masonry in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

How do I know if my masonry needs caulk?
First of all, let's state the obvious. If existing expansion joints around the pool or patio are currently not sealed, you need to caulk them. If existing caulk is split, cracking or pulling away, it is time to replace it. Be sure to check not just the expansion joint around you pool, but also cracks in brick, mortar joints, driveways, steps, patios and porches that may need repair due to settling or age.

Polyurethane Sealants
These types of sealants are used in various masonry and wood joints. They are considered multi-purpose and are "moisture cure" products. This simply means their respective cure rates can vary depending on the temperature outside when applied. These are paintable sealants and some can even be used for underwater applications. They can be found in many colors, so finding a color to complement your surrounding pool/patio area should not be a problem. These are the most long lasting materials available.

Precautions to Take Before Applying
As always, be sure to read the label before using any product, paying particular attention to caution statements listed on the label. If working inside, be sure to open doors and windows to provide adequate ventilation, as some silicones can emit vapors during the application process that could potentially irritate the eyes and nose. If desired, wear a painter's mask while applying these products - they are very affordable, and could help reduce irritation. Because many of these sealants are made of urethane, they are difficult to remove from surfaces. So when applying be very careful - or better yet hire a professional.

Preparing the Surface
This is by far and away the most critical step - if not prepared properly, caulk will not bond with the masonry, thus defeating the entire purpose. First off, clear the joint, gap or crack of dirt, moisture and old caulk that might interfere with bonding. Check the container for any special cleaning instructions, or scrub the joint with a detergent solution to remove any stains and bits of old caulk. Rinse the area, and allow ample drying time. A properly prepared surface will make the job a lot easier, and the outcome will be most effective.

Drying Time
Many factors effect how fast (or slow) caulk will dry or cure. These include, but are not limited to, the following: humidity, temperature and bead size. It is the moisture in the air that causes polyurethane sealants to cure. Most products on the market will skin over in 24-48 hours and cure completely within 3-7 days. Be sure to check the label however, as drying time varies from product to product.

Tools Needed
While there are many professionals out there who can handle this type of job in an efficient and cost-effective manner, you brave souls who are self-proclaimed "do it yourselfers" will find the following tools helpful in caulking your masonry.

• Caulk or sealant standard cartridge caulking gun (check size of tube)
• Putty knife or tooling tool (may also use a spatula)
• Knife or razor blades
• Masking tape, wire brush, dry cloth
• Backer rod or sand (to lay/pour in clean joint before applying sealant)

Make sure that all masonry is caulked properly, and be sure to replace existing caulk every few years. In the climate of the Northeast, freeze-thaw cycles can do serious damage to masonry that is not properly sealed. Whether you plan to hire someone to do it or plan to do this job yourself, you will certainly be extending the life of your masonry and avoiding long-term problems that will be a lot more costly than a simple caulk job. Contact your local pool service company to get an estimate.

The company I recomend is PoolSeal, they specialize in doing this and have a few thousand jobs under their belt (215-340-9247).

Remember: a little caulk goes a long way.