Tips for using a Caulk Gun

Caulking gun resting on your shelf or hanging from a nail in the shop is the most affordable and easiest home fixes one can own. Just by inserting a tube of waterproof filler in the caulk gun, unwanted cracks in bathtubs and windows can be sealed, prevent further damage, and home invasions of bugs and mold. This affordable and life-saving tool can also prevent the air from passing through the cracks and crevices around doors and windows and cuts down on energy cost. Now you know why your room doesnt get cool enough by AC even after closing the doors and windows. You need to have patience and good aim to use a caulk gun. 

A caulk gun is also known as a silicone gun or a sealant gun. There are many uses for a caulk gun. In this article, we will show you how to use a caulk gun and its types?

Different jobs that can be done using a caulk gun

Any material that comes in the size of a tube can be used with a caulk gun-like adhesive, caulk, epoxy, silicone, and also cementitious materials. The main job of a caulk gun is to dispense the product.

• Caulk around doors and windows
• Viscuous sealants like epoxies for concrete
• Silicone sealant around tubs and showers in the bathrooms
• Caulk in cracks and areas that permit airflow to the inside.
• Construction adhesive for extra attachment of drywall to studs

• Caulk in cracks to make the room soundproof
• Exterior-grade caulk used around outlets, outdoor lights, and other points that allow penetration in the siding.
• Landscape adhesive to attach caps for retaining wall blocks
• Paintable caulk used along the tops of baseboards

Where to Avoid Using a Caulk Gun

Caulk gun works best when used for thin and long gaps. Caulk guns are very easy to use, and people can sometimes use them for the wrong task. You should not use a caulk gun for the following tasks:

• Filling screw or nail holes
• Smoothing out depressions in surface and other defects
• Filling butt joints 
• Expansion joints between pavers and concrete slabs
• Tuckpointing brick
• Fixing leakage under sink P-traps
• Sealing around shower drains and tub

Types of Caulk Guns

Manual Caulk Guns

Manual guns are made to rely on the man’s hand force for the grip on the large handle of the gun, advancing a rod at the end with a disc. The disc neatly fits into the back of the tube and provides a flat surface. Manual guns are usually either dripless or regular. Regular caulk guns have a rod that is etched with very small notches that helps in moving the rod forward and stay in a place like a car jack ratchets.

One major downside of the manual caulk guns us that they ooze the caulk slowly after finishing the task. Professionals know how to tackle this problem and how to place the caulk gun on a cardboard piece to use the excess.

Then we also have dripless caulk guns, working with them is quite convenient. Dripless guns have smooth rods instead of ratcheted rods. After finishing the pass, the internal pressure of the caulk tube pushes back on the rod. The rod is smooth, and it slides nack freely.

Powered Caulk Guns

Powered caulk guns were earlier used by tradespeople and contractors, and now they have found a way into the homeowner’s toolbox as well.

Manual caulk guns work great for small projects. If the person tries to work at other places than doors, windows, this gun can tire the wrist and hand.

You don’t need to squeeze the handles in electric powered caulk guns. This will not tire hand, and you can caulk more in less time.

Powered caulk guns used by the consumer are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are strong and can last for 200 tubes of caulk. A powdered caulk gun will be worth your investment in case some large home remodel or building project is coming up ahead of you.

How to Use a Caulk Gun

Warm the Caulk Tube

Adhesive and caulk tend to flow properly in temperature of more than 40 degrees F. let the caulk tune rest in a warm environment for up to 2 hours.

Clean the Area

Remember to clean the area nicely, and it should be dust-free, oil and grease-free before you start to caulk.

Sever the Nozzle of the Caulk Tube

Get rid of the cap from the end of the tube. Cut the nozzle end with a utility knife or the cutter that comes with a caulk gun.

Puncture the Tube

A device for puncture is located on the gun. It is similar to a blunt nail. You can swing a puncture device upward. Then fit this device into the cut part of the nozzle. Puncture many times.

how to load a caulk gun?

You need to pull the rod of the caulk all the way till back. Insert the tube into the caulk gun. Then gently push the rod by hand a little forward to fit the metal disc at the back of the caulk tube.

Tension up the Caulk Gun

Move the rod forward by advancing the trigger of the caulk gun until the caulk gun begins to ooze the gum from the nozzle.

Dispense the Caulk

Evenly move the caulk in a smooth manner along the gaps that need to be filled. Push caulk ahead the nozzle. You can work the caulk with the hand for at least 10 minutes and can be cured fully in two hours.