Caulk and sealants come in cartridges or squeeze tubes. There are several types of caulk and sealants you can use inside and outside your home: latex caulk, silicone sealant, polyurethane foam, and specialty caulks like butyl-rubber caulk.
What is Caulk?
Generally, caulk describes any waterproof material that fills and seals joints between building materials. It is used for both new construction and repairs. Caulks are typically made from a flexible polymer such as latex or rubber because these materials are fully waterproof, can expand with temperature changes, and absorb vibrations well. Unlike mortar or grout, caulk usually won`t crack and can connect materials on two different planes. For example, grout can only connect tiles sitting flat next to each other, while caulk can connect tiles at a right angle.
What is the Difference Between Caulk and Sealant?
The terms "caulk and sealant" are often used interchangeably since both are used to fill joints and seams. The biggest difference between caulk and sealant is elasticity. Caulk is more rigid than sealants when dry. Sealants hold up better in spaces that are prone to a lot of expansion and contraction. For example, the best caulk for windows is usually a [sealant" instead of a true [caulk." When choosing caulk vs. sealant for your project, decide based on how much stress there might be on the sealed area.