How do I handle Big Stretch shrinkage
I am siding my house with Hardiplank and Miratec trim. I’m using Big Stretch to caulk between the siding and trim. I find that the caulk has considerable shrinkage leaving a significant concave joint. I have searched the archives and web with no success. I did find one sentence alluding to latex caulk naturally shrinking. I was wondering if I’m doing something wrong, if this is normal, and if it is normal, how do the “pro’s” handle it (e.g., multiple layers, leave it) Hmmmm.
Thanks!
Replies
allow for it when ya put it on, don't wipe the joint flush.
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Backing rod, it is your friend.
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http://www.sashcosealants.com/Home_Improvement/Caulking_101.aspx
If you had pictures of the problem area(s), maybe we can offer more helpful diagnoses. (Is that a word?)
How big is the gap you're filling?
There is a point of anality that surpasses reality, maybe this isn't worth worrying about?
I'm anal, but thinking this one is past the threshold.
Joe H
DON'T use Big Stretch. It never cures hard and it will wash away with water, or at least that was my experience. I will never use it again. Instead, put a piece of flashing or 30 lbs tar paper behind each joint and butt the two together over it. This will look the best but may void the warranty depending on the manufacturer. Where the siding butts against the corner board leave the gap but fill it with the best paintable clear silicone available. If you really want to go nuts and can match the color, look for DOW 795 caulking, that what we use for non-structural application for curtain wall, and it will last longer than most anything else.
Big stretch is not supposed to cure hard, nor is any caulk used for cement siding.If you had it wash away with water before skinning over, it had been thru too many freeze/thaw cycles.
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<I find that the caulk has considerable shrinkage leaving a significant concave joint. >
I don't use big stretch, but I do hit the joints twice. Once when the siding's going on and then again at the end of the day when the scaffolding's coming down from that face of the house. It's nice when you have to look hard to find a joint instead of having them stare you in the face.
j
I use Solar Seal , they have all of Hardie Board colors.
My Hardie supplier sends out Quad OSI caulking in the Hardie colors. I run a bead in the joint, tool it off with a soft-edge plastic spatula dipped in paint thinner, and then hit it again later in the day after it's shrunk down some. I used to butt corners and caulk but recently I've started routing a rabbet into the back side of PVC trim for the ends of the siding to tuck into. j
That is my preference.
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