Okay, so I'm finally tackling those pesky gaps between my siding and windows. Curious what you guys prefer—caulk, foam sealant, or something else entirely? Quick poll: what's your go-to fix for this kinda thing?
I've always leaned toward caulk myself, mostly because foam sealant can get a bit messy if you're not careful (and I'm definitely not the neatest DIYer around...). But now that you mention it, I've been wondering—does foam sealant hold up better over time in harsher climates? I mean, I've noticed my caulk jobs tend to crack or shrink after a couple of cold winters. Maybe it's just me applying it wrong, haha. Anyone here had better luck with foam in colder weather, or is there another option entirely that's more durable?
"I've noticed my caulk jobs tend to crack or shrink after a couple of cold winters."
Yeah, caulk can definitely struggle in harsher climates—especially if you're dealing with big temp swings. Foam sealant does hold up better in my experience, as long as you don't go crazy spraying it everywhere (been there, done that...). If you're worried about messiness, try the low-expansion foam; it's easier to control and less cleanup afterward. Another option is backer rod combined with high-quality flexible caulk—holds up surprisingly well through freezing winters.
I've had similar issues with caulk cracking after winters, even the supposedly "weatherproof" stuff. Foam sealant is decent, but personally, I've found the backer rod + flexible caulk combo to be the most reliable. The backer rod gives the caulk something stable to grip onto, so it doesn't shrink or pull away as easily. Also, prepping the surface properly—cleaning thoroughly and removing old caulk—makes a huge difference in how long it lasts. Have you tried that yet?