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Painting Contractor Opinions

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John Lewis

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Apr 22, 2003, 3:49:33 PM4/22/03
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We are getting estimates to paint our house exterior. Part of the house is an
addition, and when the original contractor painted it, he first caulked the
space between all of the clapboard siding. This was about ten years ago. The
caulk has been failing on the weather side, but seems okay on the protected
side.

The first contractor was adamant that the caulking was a mistake and the caulk
must be removed. For this reason, his bid includes extra labor for the removal
of the caulk.

The second contractor says the caulking was done for appearance. He said he
would leave the good caulk, and recaulk where it is failing. His bid does not
include extra labor for the removal of caulk.

Meanwhile, we are confused. Can anyone shed some light on this?


peter

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Apr 23, 2003, 12:05:28 AM4/23/03
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Differences of opinion.

If it were my house, I would go to a place where the caulk is
not failing and see if I could remove it. If it comes out easily, it
all needs to be taken out and replaced with better caulk by someone
who knows how it do it.

Caulk should not fail. It should last 40 years. So the
contractor who built your addition failed you. He didn't install it
right or used the wrong caulk. The caulk didn't fail you.

Caulk usually serves a purpose. It is not put in for
appearance. It needs replacing by someone who can do it right.

Whoever you hire, get references at least five years old
(older if possible) and go look at the house. If caulk is failing
there or if it job looks shabby, hire someone else.

Good luck.

Peter

jeffc

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Apr 23, 2003, 10:24:54 AM4/23/03
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"peter" <pete...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:7r3cav8ku020fp0lf...@4ax.com...

>
> Caulk usually serves a purpose. It is not put in for
> appearance. It needs replacing by someone who can do it right.

But sometimes the purpose *is* for appearance.


Tom Gauldin

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Apr 23, 2003, 6:04:06 PM4/23/03
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The horizontal joint of lap siding is usually not caulked. This way,
moisture that might get behind the siding can escape. Vapor from the house
also can escape more readily, reducing blistering.

Caulk for siding is usually done on the vertical seams where the siding is
butted against itself or the trim pieces. There, a good acrylic or
paintable silicone is best.

--

Tom Gauldin, Las Vegas NV
NEW EMAIL tgau...@lvcm.com
NEW PHONE (702) 263-8804 voice/fax


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