Two Easy Ways Of Removing Caulk From Vinyl Siding
The caulk is a type of sealant that is used for filling in cracks around your windows and the door frames because the caulk will seal & protects your house from the elements and also averts pests from coming inside. As the year's pass, the applied caulk becomes less effective and lets in the moisture & drafts, and then it is important to check caulk seals each year and replace it if needed. To do this, you will first need to remove the old caulking. Here are the two easy ways to remove the caulk:
Way 1: Softening Caulk For Removal
- The fresh, wet caulk is easier to remove than dry caulk. If you drip caulk on the vinyl siding then you need to wipe it with your damp sponge before the caulk has time to harden. Removing the old caulk from your vinyl siding will take more time & care. Because the caulk is enough hard & set in, you will need to soften it first for removal.
- Silicone caulk is softer & also very easier to remove than the latex caulk, which becomes hard enough and difficult to remove after it dries. If possible then you need to use a putty knife to loosen the silicone caulk enough to peel it off. If the silicone is not soft enough to peel away then you need to apply heat. The heat will soften the silicone so it's easy to peel away with the help of a putty knife.
- You can also use wet heat such as a wet, hot cloth, or a dry heat from your hairdryer. When the silicone caulk is soft then you should be able to pry it up by using your putty knife and then simply pull it off by using your fingers.
- The latex caulk is a little more stubborn for removing from the vinyl siding. Soaking the latex caulk in mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol will help. As the latex caulk loosens, you can easily pry it off with the help of a putty knife or you can also use a utility knife but be careful not to damage your vinyl siding. If the latex caulk isn't coming off then you may need to soften it for one more time or you can also use a chemical caulk remover.
Way 2: Using Caulk Removers
- Most home improvement and hardware stores are selling the caulk removers. You need to read the label guidance before buying just to make sure that a caulk remover is appropriate for use on the vinyl siding.
- If you're not sure that your product works for your needs then you need to ask a home improvement professional at your nearby store. Once you're home, test your product on a hidden area of your vinyl siding to make sure that it won't cause any discoloration.
- When you are ready to get started, you need to apply your caulk remover and wait the nominate amount of time (it will say on the label that how much time this will take). After your waiting period, you now need to take your putty knife and then you need to pry up the loose caulk. It will be soft enough to come right off from your vinyl.
- If it doesn't then you need to apply more of your product. After your caulk is gone, next you need to use a toothbrush or putty knife to scrape away any remnants & then simply wipe with your clean & damp cloth.