 | | December 6, 2025 |  |
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| There's one simple yearly habit that can protect your home from a surprisingly expensive problem: rot. The good news is, it doesn't involve climbing on your roof or crawling under your house — just a walk around the exterior with a sharp eye and a tube of caulk. |
 | | Credit: Yori Meirizan/ iStock |
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| Meet the "caulk audit." Once a year, usually in the spring or fall, take a slow lap around your home and inspect any place where two materials meet, such as around windows and doors, along siding seams, and where exterior trim meets masonry. Over time, caulking can crack, shrink, or pull away from surfaces, especially after a year of sun, rain, and temperature swings. When that happens, even a tiny gap can invite moisture inside your walls. |
| And moisture is the enemy. Left unchecked, water can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and damage that spreads until it's suddenly a major repair job. A five-minute fix today could save you thousands later. |
| Here's how to do your caulk audit like a pro: |
| Closely inspect all joints and seams, paying special attention to areas under eaves, around vent pipes, and along window and door frames. Use a flashlight to help spot any hairline cracks. |
| If you notice gaps, if the caulk looks dried out, or if it crumbles when pressed, consider that a red flag indicating the seal has failed. |
| 3. Clean Before Resealing |
| Remove old, flaking caulk with a scraper or utility knife, then wipe the area clean of any dirt, dust, or mildew. |
| 4. Choose the Right Caulk |
| For most exterior applications, a high-quality polyurethane or silicone-based caulk works best. The product should be labeled "exterior" and "paintable." |
| Apply the caulk in a smooth, continuous line. Then, immediately run a damp finger or a specialized tool along the bead to create a neat finish. |
| It's not glamorous, but a caulk audit is an essential homeowner ritual that pays off big time. It keeps your home dry, protects your paint job, and prevents your siding from quietly decaying. |
| So before you hang those holiday lights or fire up the grill this year, grab your caulk gun and take a lap. Your future self — and your home — will thank you for it. |
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| *This content is brought to you by our sponsor which helps keep our content free. |
 | | ZlumberLock Secure Sheet Holder | | If your bedsheets are always slipping off the mattress corners, the Zlumber Lock system will help keep them in place. All you have to do is install the Zlumber Locks on each corner, slipping them partially under the mattress. Next, put on the fitted sheet (as well as the top sheet if you like yours tucked in) and locate the grooves in the Zlumber Locks. Slide the clear strips into the grooves to secure your sheets. Never again will you wake up to find that you've been drooling on the bare mattress. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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| Jill Layton started writing professionally when she realized her emails and texts were kinda funny. She's an affiliate shopping writer and lifestyle contributor for Scary Mommy, Bustle, Mic, and Best Products. She's the mom of two alarmingly witty kids and the world's most perfect dog. |
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