“Winter Prep with Flex Caulk” was written by a member of the Flex Seal Editorial Team. All photos by Flex Seal Studios.
Winter in Canada can be brutal, with freezing temperatures, ice, and heavy snowfall putting your home’s exterior to the test. To help safeguard your space against these harsh elements, home winterization is a must. And that’s where Flex Caulk comes in. This high-performance caulk can help shield your home from cold windy gusts, water damage, heat loss, and more. And it’s so easy to use, with a Trigger Flow Nozzle that eliminates the need for a caulking gun and allows you to control the flow of caulk with pin-point precision.
Learn how Flex Caulk can help you winterize your home and why it should be an essential part of your winter preparation strategy.
Before applying Flex Caulk, it’s important to inspect your home’s exterior for potential areas of vulnerability. Here are some key spots to focus on:
These are the most common areas for air leaks. Check for gaps around the frames and sills where old caulking might be cracked or worn away. Feel for drafts around the edges of doors and windows to detect airflow.
Even small cracks in your foundation can become a significant issue when exposed to freezing and thawing cycles. If water gets into these cracks, it can freeze, expand, and widen the damage.
Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and inspect any seams or joints where caulking may be needed to prevent leaks. Also check roof joints and edges, as water or ice dams can build up along these areas.
Look for gaps in your siding, around vents, and where different materials meet, like between brick and wood or at corners and joints.
Flexpert Tip: Thoroughly inspecting these areas before application will ensure you don’t miss any vulnerable spots or waste any Flex Caulk.
Once you’ve located the areas that need to be sealed follow these steps to create long-lasting protection:
Remove any dirt, oil, or debris from the areas where you’ll be applying Flex Caulk. Use a caulk removal tool or razor blade to remove old caulk.
Remove the tab on the Trigger Flow Nozzle™ and adjust the flow setting to achieve your desired bead size.
Flexpert Tip: For first time use, hold down the trigger for a few seconds to dispense product.
Hold the nozzle at a 45° angle and move smoothly along the surface, applying an even bead of caulk. Make sure Flex Caulk fills the gaps completely for a consistent and strong seal. After application, smooth the caulk with a gloved finger or a caulking tool.
Flex Caulk forms a skin in about 10 minutes and fully cures within 24 hours.
Flexpert Tip: Flex Caulk provides a flexible, durable seal that is resistant to shrinking, cracking, and peeling, even when exposed to extreme cold. It can be applied at temperatures as low as 0 degrees and once cured, can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees.
Winter in Canada requires serious preparation. Sealing your home with Flex Caulk can help get your property ready for the snowy season, allowing you to weather winter with confidence.
By Paula Falcon
Paula is a Creative Copywriter at the Flex Seal Family of Products where she focuses on writing and editing marketing copy.