TYPE

Price

Installed Life (years)

Comments

Oil Based

Low

3 to 5

• Poor adhesion to wet surfaces.

• Considerable shrinkage

• Generally not recommended.

Butyl Rubber

Low / Medium

3 to 10

• Good adhesion to masonry and metal.

• Poor adhesion to wet surfaces.

• Stringy during application.

• Long curing time.

• Can be painted.

Acrylic Latex

Low / Medium

10 to 20

• One of the best all-purpose caulks.

• Can be painted.

• Easy to use.

• Clean up with water.

• Resilient and crack resistant.

• Bonds well to wood and other porous surfaces.

Silicone

High

20 to 50

• Excellent flexibility.

• Good adhesion to most materials.

• Effective over a wide range of temperatures.

• Easy application.

• Cannot be painted.

• Does not bond well to wood.

One-part Polyurethane

High

20 to 30

• Excellent adhesion to most surfaces.

• Very good performance.

• Can be painted.

• Difficult clean up.

Ethlene Copolymer

Medium

20

• Good adhesion to most materials.

• Good flexibility.

• Can be painted.

• Good general purpose caulk.

Polyurethane Foam Sealant

Medium

10 to 20

• Good for filling large cracks.

• Does not spread well.

• Not recommended for outdoors.

Solid Caulking (rope caulk)

Low

2 to 3

• Clay like material.

• Sold in solid lengths.

• Mostly used as a temporary seasonal sealant on window sashes and unused doors.