How to caulk board and Batten siding?
If you're on a budget and live in a rustic area, board and batten is a good choice.It usually consists of vertical boards installed side-by-side with strips of lumber covering the gaps between them.The process of installing it can be more labor intensive than installing similar wooden sidings, so it's important to seal the battens with caulk.The caulk should be paintable if you finish the siding.It should be flexible enough to deal with wood movements.
If you're on a budget and live in a rustic area, board and batten is a good choice.It usually consists of vertical boards installed side-by-side with strips of lumber covering the gaps between them.The process of installing it can be more labor intensive than installing similar wooden sidings, so it's important to seal the battens with caulk.The caulk should be paintable if you finish the siding.It should be flexible enough to deal with wood movements.
The choice is between a synthetic rubber caulk or an exterior-grade acrylic latex.Both latex and rubber caulks can be used.
When you don't expect rain, begin caulking on a dry day.The board and siding should be dry.
The tip of the caulk tube can be cut using a utility knife.The cut should produce a quarter-inch opening.Remove the seal with a nail.
The caulk will come out from the tip of the tube when the gun is pumped a few times.The flow of caulk can be stopped by pressing the pressure-relief knob.
Hold the gun at a 45 degree angle relative to the siding and place the tip in contact with the top of the joint.
The gun needs to be squeezed.The tip should be moved downward to the bottom of the batten when caulk emerges.This is done in a single motion.If you're on a ladder, caulk down as far as you can safely reach, then change positions and continue.
Run your finger along the bead.The caulk is pushed farther into the gap to create a better seal.