While do-it-yourselfers are very choosy when it comes to paint, tile or wallpaper, few give the same thought to the caulk they buy.

Yet purchasing the right caulk is one of the most important investments a homeowner can make. Properly applied, this simple-looking product helps protect the entire home from moisture damage, all the while increasing its energy efficiency.

The basic purpose of every caulk or sealant is the same: to provide a watertight and airtight seal. But when it comes to fulfilling this promise, not all caulks are created equal.

To be effective, a caulk must have excellent adhesion characteristics, enabling it to stick to a variety of building materials, including wood, ceramic tile, concrete, glass, plaster, aluminum, brick and plastic, even under wet conditions.

For superior adhesion to the widest range of surfaces, nothing beats a water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk, according to the experts at the Paint Quality Institute, who have been testing caulks for more than 30 years. Moreover, these types of caulks have better adhesion to wet surfaces than do latex or vinyl caulks.

To maintain a watertight and airtight seal over time, caulk must also be flexible, so that it can act like a "shock absorber" to accommodate the movement of building materials as they expand and contract with temperature changes. This, too, is an attribute of water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulks.

But it's not enough for a caulk to have good initial adhesion and flexibility. It must maintain these qualities over time, or the caulk could crack and pull away from the surfaces to which it is applied. Again, tests show that water-based all-acrylic and siliconized acrylic caulks excel in terms of long-term durability, which makes them a great investment in terms of cost-per-year-of-service.

Then there is the question of appearance.

Few homeowners ever notice their caulk until it becomes soiled or full of mildew. When it does, they realize how caulk can make or break the aesthetics of a bath, kitchen, family room, or the exterior of their house.

Top quality all-acrylic and siliconized acrylic caulks are specially formulated to maintain an attractive appearance even after years of service. They are resistant to dirt and mildew. They are bright white or clear and remain so over time. And, unlike silicone caulks, they can be painted with all types of paint.

So, the next time you go out to buy caulk, remember that all caulks are not created equal. According to the experts, your best overall value is a water-based all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk. It may cost only slightly more, but it will perform like a million bucks! 

For more information on top-quality all-acrylic or siliconized acrylic sealants, the Paint Quality Institute suggests that you ask for help at your local home center, hardware store, paint store or Decorating center.

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