The various seals around your home are often hidden but they play a major role in protecting you and your home by keeping it warm and dry. Since seals are tucked away from sight, they’re one of those things that are easy to forget about until they run into problems and cause you grief. 

When your home, windows, wet areas or walls need resealing, it will usually be time to call in a caulking specialist to fix the issue. If you’re looking to hire a caulking expert for you home, or just want more information on the process before you find a tradie, read on for all the information you’ll need - including: 

• Why do you need caulk? 
• What is a caulking specialist?
• When should you hire a caulking service?
• How much do caulking services cost?
• Getting a quote for a caulking service

Why do you need caulk?

Caulking refers to any number of waterproofing products that are used to seal gaps, cracks and joints in buildings. Several different compounds are used in caulking products, including silicone, polyurethane, rubber and latex depending on the job that’s needed. It can help to maintain the energy efficiency of a building and ensure it is adequately insulated. 

In kitchens and wet rooms, where water and moisture are an issue, caulking can prevent leakage and water damage occurring around basins, piping and other plumbing fixtures.

What is a caulking specialist?

A caulking specialist is someone trained to apply the various types of caulk in your home. They have the experience and equipment to safely apply caulk to your home, choosing the correct caulk for the job and ensuring that the job gets done right.

They can help with a range of different seals in your home including:

• Windows and doors 
• Waterproofing wet areas 
• Reduce mould and mildew damage to your home 
• Seal the exterior of your home to prevent insects from entering
• Prevent the buildup of dust and allergens in your home
• Apply fire-resistant caulking to areas prone to fire damage and stop the spread of smoke

When should you hire a caulking service?

As with anything in your home, over time caulk will deteriorate and need to be replaced. There are several things you can look out for in your home which will help you gauge whether it’s time for you to hire a caulking service, and are listed below. 

Obvious cracks in your homes sealant

As the environment of the caulk changes temperature, the sealant will expand and contract over and over again. Eventually, this can cause cracks to form. The easiest way to tell if your caulk needs to be replaced is if you can see cracks in it. This is especially important in areas with a lot of moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. If left unattended, water damage can easily occur. 

Noticeable gaps between surfaces

A big part of caulk’s job is to seal the spaces between surfaces. Most notable around windows, doors, fixtures like pipes and where your floor joins with your walls. If you’re noticing any gaps in these spaces then it’s likely that your caulk has deteriorated and you need to call a caulking specialist. 

Discolouration or staining of your seals

Caulk only gets discoloured or stained when it’s no longer functioning properly. The colouring will often be mould, mildew or dust deposits that shouldn’t be there. If you notice this discolouration, then your caulking should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Caulk is peeling or flaking

If your caulk is peeling or flaking, it’s a sign that it needs to be replaced. Peeling and flaking can occur from poorly applied caulk or exposure to different conditions and it’s often seen in moist areas and around windows and doors. 

Drafts in your home

If you’re noticing a breeze in your home, particularly around doors and windows, it might be a sign that the seals aren’t working as they should. Check the seal around these areas for any of the above signs and you might find your seal is broken.

An increase in your energy bill

Likewise, if you notice a rise in your energy bills, it might be a sign that your air conditioner or heating systems are working to compensate for a broken seal. The culprit is usually the same as when you feel a draft so check the seals around the doors and windows to see if the seal is broken.

Water damage around fixtures

Stains, mould or discolouration around your fixtures like taps and drains can be a sign that the seal is broken. If left unattended, these can become bigger problems as the water damage spreads.

If you notice that some of your caulking is starting to degrade, it’s a good idea to check on your other seals to ensure that they aren’t on their way out as well. It’ll generally be cheaper to get a specialist in for your whole home than to do it piecemeal.

How much do caulking services cost?

Caulking costs will vary depending on the type of caulk you need applied, the size of your home and the specific job. On average, the cost of caulking can be roughly $4 - $7 per metre.

Some examples of caulking prices by job include:

• $500 - $700 to caulk concrete joints for a small to medium-sized house (like external joints) 
• $900 to caulk concrete joints for a larger house 
• $900 - $2,700 to caulk a medium-sized home 
• $150 - $300 to caulk a shower
• $320 to caulk a kitchen 
• $450 to caulk a balcony

Please note, these prices are estimates and they will vary depending on the specifics of your job. 

Getting a quote for caulking services

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a caulking specialist. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. Including:

• How much experience do you have with caulking?
• What services are included in your usual quote?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• Can you provide references?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What warranty does your caulking carry?