Five Disadvantages of Using Silicone Caulk
Application
One of the first disadvantages of using silicone caulk deals with its application. It is considerably more difficult to apply than latex caulk. Before you apply silicone caulk, you need to prepare the surface carefully. This type of caulk doesn’t bond well with dirty surfaces. It can also dry very quickly which will likely cause a big mess.
Paint
One of the next disadvantages of silicone caulk deals with painting it. Latex caulk comes in a wide variety of colors and can easily be painted. Silicone caulk doesn’t paint very well. Therefore, you will have to try to match the color of the caulk with the color of the surroundings.
Removal
While silicone caulk can be difficult to apply, it is also very difficult to remove. Latex is water-based so it can easily be removed whenever it needs to be replaced. Silicone caulk sticks very well to non-porous objects, so it is very difficult to remove. You should also try to avoid getting it on your hands because it will be hard to get it off.
Porosity
One of the next disadvantages of silicone caulk deals with surface porosity. Latex caulk can be used on surfaces that are either porous or non-porous. Silicone caulk only works well with surfaces that are non-porous. In addition to the limitation of surfaces that it is effective on, it also has more of an odor.
Odor
One of the final disadvantages of silicone caulk is its odor. Latex caulk doesn’t have such a strong odor. Silicone caulk, on the other hand, does have a strong odor. Therefore, you will need to have adequate ventilation whenever you are using this type of caulk.
These are some of the disadvantages of silicone caulk. It is considerably more difficult to apply than latex caulk. Silicone caulk will also be more difficult to remove whenever it needs to be replaced. This type of caulk also won’t take paint very well, so you will have to pick the caulk color carefully. You will also only be able to use this type of caulk on surfaces that are non-porous.
