Definition

Noun: 1. A waterproof filler and sealant: A material used in building and repair to fill gaps, cracks, or seams, making a structure watertight or airtight. It is typically a flexible, often paste-like substance that hardens after application.

Usage

Caulking is used to seal joints or seams in various structures against the passage of water, air, dust, or insects. It is commonly applied around windows, doors, bathtubs, sinks, and in exterior building joints.

Examples

• The contractor applied fresh caulking around the bathroom window to prevent leaks.
• Before painting, you should check and replace any old, cracked caulking.
• A good seal requires a smooth, continuous bead of caulking.

Advanced Usage

• "Backer rod": A foam rope often placed in deep gaps before applying caulking to control the depth of the sealant and ensure proper adhesion and flexibility.
• "Tooling the bead": The process of smoothing and shaping the applied line of caulking with a specialized tool or a wet finger to ensure a proper seal and a neat appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Caulk (verb): The act of applying caulking.
  • Example: I need to caulk the edges of the bathtub.
• Caulker (noun): A person who applies caulk, or a tool used for caulking.
• Sealant (noun): A broader term for any material used to block the passage of fluids; caulking is a type of sealant.

Synonyms

• Sealant
• Filler
• Mastic (specifically refers to a type of high-viscosity sealant)

Related Phrases

• "Apply caulking": To put the sealant material into a joint or gap.
• "Caulking gun": A hand-held tool designed to hold a tube of caulking and dispense it in a controlled manner when a trigger is pressed.

Noun

1. a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight