Chances
are if it's time to repaint, it's time to re-seal too. Sealants
seal areas where there are gaps in materials or where there
were openings made in exterior walls for pipes, wires and
light fixtures. Sealant keeps out the elements and insects
and gives the house a neat finished look. Inspect sealant
around your house and remove any that is old, cracked, or
pulling away from the surface. Scrape the area and dust
before priming, if the area is to be painted. Apply fresh
sealant to all cracks and openings up to 12mm wide. Acrylic
or siliconised acrylic sealants are appropriate for exterior
use. Silicone types of sealant are durable and suited to
exterior use as well, but they should not be painted. For
areas where building materials meet that are not going to
be painted use a clear acrylic sealant for cosmetic purposes.
Allow all sealant to dry overnight and re-apply as needed.
