Professional Ottawa Exterior Caulking
Protect Your Building Envelope
Defend your home against Ottawa's harsh freeze-thaw cycles with industrial-grade exterior sealing. From siding and brick to control joints, we seal the gaps that matter.
Request an Exterior InspectionComplete Exterior Caulking Solutions in Ottawa
When it comes to maintaining a property in the National Capital Region, Ottawa exterior caulking is your first line of defense against the elements. While many homeowners focus on windows, the true integrity of your home relies on a completely sealed building envelope. This includes the junctions between siding and trim, masonry expansion joints, door frames, and service penetrations (vents, pipes).
At Caulking Ottawa, we go beyond simple aesthetics. We understand that Ottawa's climate—ranging from humid summers to freezing winters—creates massive thermal stress on building materials. Vinyl siding expands in July; brick mortar contracts in January. Without professional-grade exterior sealants applied with precision, these movements tear average caulk apart, leading to water intrusion, rot, and energy loss.
The "Freeze-Thaw" Threat to Your Home
Ottawa experiences over 80 freeze-thaw cycles per year. This is where water seeps into a small crack during the day, freezes at night, and expands by 9%, forcing the crack wider.
- Structural Damage: Water entering behind siding or brick veneers can rot wood sheathing and rust structural ties.
- Insect Infestation: Unsealed gaps in soffits and foundations are primary entry points for ants, wasps, and mice seeking warmth.
- Energy Efficiency: Uncontrolled air leakage (drafts) through exterior gaps forces your HVAC system to work overtime, inflating utility bills.
Our comprehensive window and exterior caulking services are designed to break this cycle, creating a flexible, durable barrier that moves with your home, not against it.
Exterior Areas We Protect
Brick & Masonry
Masonry is porous and requires specialized sealants. We seal expansion joints and control joints in brickwork using high-performance polyurethane that adheres to stone and concrete without bleeding or staining.
Siding & Trim
We expertly seal the transitions between J-channels, corner posts, and window frames. Our techniques accommodate the high expansion rate of vinyl and aluminum siding to prevent buckling and gaps.
Commercial Control Joints
For large buildings and commercial properties, we replace failing control joint sealants. This structural maintenance is vital for preventing water ingress in tilt-up concrete and precast panels.
The Professional Exterior Application Process
Effective Ottawa exterior caulking requires more than a caulking gun; it requires a disciplined methodology. We follow a strict 7-step protocol to ensure adhesion that lasts 15-20 years:
- Mechanical Removal (Cut-Out) We use electric oscillating tools and razors to remove 99% of the old, failed sealant. New sealant cannot chemically bond to old, oxidized silicone.
- Substrate Grind & Clean For masonry and concrete, we may lightly grind the joint faces to expose fresh aggregate. We then brush and air-blast the joints to remove dust.
- Solvent Dewaxing We wipe non-porous surfaces (aluminum, vinyl, glass) with industrial solvents (IPA or Xylene) to remove microscopic oils and pollutants.
- Backer Rod Installation A crucial step often missed by amateurs. We insert a foam backer rod into deep joints to control sealant depth and shape (creating an hourglass profile) which allows the caulk to stretch.
- Primer Application (If Required) On porous surfaces like limestone or aged wood, we apply a specific primer to promote chemical adhesion and prevent "sealant roll-back."
- Sealant Application & Tooling We apply the sealant in a continuous bead and immediately "tool" it with a spatula. This forces the material into the pores of the substrate and ensures a watertight seal.
- Curing & Inspection We perform a final check for pinholes or air pockets. We also advise on curing times (typically 24-48 hours) before the area can be cleaned or painted.
Substrate Compatibility: Using the Right Material
One major reason for caulking failure is material incompatibility. A sealant that works on glass may fail on brick. We select materials based on chemical compatibility and movement capability.
| Exterior Surface | Recommended Sealant | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Brick & Concrete | Textured Polyurethane | Excellent adhesion to porous surfaces; resists abrasion; paintable to match mortar. |
| Vinyl Siding | High-Modulus Silicone / Hybrid | Highly flexible (Class 50) to accommodate rapid thermal expansion/contraction of vinyl. |
| Aluminum/Metal Trim | Neutral Cure Silicone | Bonds chemically to metal without causing oxidation or corrosion; UV stable. |
| Wood / Cedar | Paintable Hybrid Polymer | Allows for wood breathing; can be stained or painted to blend seamlessly with the home. |
*Note: Our technicians carry multiple industrial-grade sealant types to every job site to ensure the correct match for every interface.
Why Trust Caulking Ottawa?
Specialized Crews
We are not general handymen. Our crews are trained specifically in waterproofing and exterior sealant application, certified for working at heights and dealing with hazardous materials.
Aesthetic Excellence
We pride ourselves on clean, straight lines. We offer a vast array of colors to match your soffit, fascia, brick, or stucco, ensuring the caulking blends in or stands out exactly as intended.
Long-Term Warranty
We use materials rated for 20+ years of life and back our labor with a comprehensive warranty. If the seal fails due to workmanship, we fix it. Period.
FAQs: Exterior Caulking Ottawa
In Ottawa's climate, builder-grade caulking typically lasts 5-7 years. However, high-quality industrial silicone or polyurethane installed by professionals can last 15-20 years. We recommend a visual inspection of your home's exterior every year.
Key areas include window and door perimeters, corner boards, where siding meets the trim, around vents/pipes/faucets, skylights, and expansion joints in brick or concrete walls. We also seal gaps where the foundation meets the siding (sill plate) to prevent pest entry.
Absolutely. This is the most critical step. We perform a "deep cut-out" to remove old material. Applying new caulk over old caulk (cap beading) is a shortcut that traps moisture and fails quickly. We do not recommend or practice it.
While possible with specialized low-temperature sealants, the ideal season is when temperatures are consistently above 5°C and the surfaces are dry (Spring through Autumn). Emergency seals can be done in winter, but a full exterior re-caulk is best scheduled for warmer months.
About Caulking Ottawa
Caulking Ottawa is a locally owned and operated business dedicated to preserving the longevity of Ottawa's homes and buildings. We combine expert caulking services with superior customer care. From Orleans to Kanata, and Barrhaven to Gatineau, we have successfully sealed thousands of properties.
Don't let water damage compromise your investment. Trust the experts who understand the science of the building envelope.
