caulking corner and butt joints on cedar lap siding

[Jesse 15]

How many of you caulk all of the corner and butt joints on old cedar lap siding?

I currently caulk all windows and doors using NP1 medium bronze urethane sealant....but have not been caulking the corner or butt joints.

Most of the homes that I bid have never had the joints sealed. The ones that have been sealed are deteriorated and falling out and homeowners will not pay to have them replaced.

This is from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association web sight.

Caulking

Thorough caulking of all joints is recommended including butt joints and where siding contacts openings or trim. Use only non-hardening caulks such as polyurethane, polysulfide or latex-silicone. Pure silicon caulks do not work well on cedar and are not recommended.

I just wanted to hear others opinions

Thanks

Jesse

[Jesse 15]

It seems like with all the expanding and contracting of the siding that the caulking of the butt joints would never last.

What do you think Everret? How about you Beth and Rod? Should I keep doing it the way I am or should I insist on caulking everything?

Thanks for your advice

Jesse

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

I use DAP Dynaflec 230 Elastomeric Latex sealant.

Its easy to work with and holds really well.

It expands and contracts well.

As with other caulks, it needs to be tooled or 'finger it' if you will.

It helps to set the contact zones and ensures good adhesion.

Rod~

[Jesse 15]

I use DAP Dynaflec 230 Elastomeric Latex sealant.

Its easy to work with and holds really well.

It expands and contracts well.

As with other caulks, it needs to be tooled or 'finger it' if you will.

It helps to set the contact zones and ensures good adhesion.

Rod~

Hey Rod,

Do you do all the butt and corner joints on every job or just around doors and windows?

There is not much room at the butt joint for the kind of bead that I like to lay when caulking with NP1. Normally I like a minimum of 1/4 of an inch between surfaces for good adhesion. Corners are no problem, but they do eat up a lot of sealant and add alot to the job cost.

Thanks

Jesse