GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Proper Caulk to use for sealing wood to wood?

squarpeg | Posted in General Questions on

On my house the rafters sit on the top plate, and then there is blocking between each rafter. The blocking is not well sealed with the rafters and the roof sheathing.  I want to caulk that with something (not expanding foam) what is an appropriate wood to wood caulk for that application.
Thanks
Chris

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. Expert Member
    BILL WICHERS | | #1

    If this is a vented attic, there is no need to seal that blocking, since the air space in the attic should be open to the outdoors anyway. In a vented attic, you only need to seal the top plates to the drywall, and seal up any penetrations (wires, pipes, etc.) going through the top plates. I use a combination of canned foam for this (for big gaps and holes), and various caulks for this, usually white lightning caulk, a polyurethane sealant from Loctite's PL line, or sometimes Big Stretch caulk. I like to use white caulk, not clear, so that it's easier to see where I've already caulked in these hard to reach and fairly dark areas. All you need to caulk small gaps is a decent caulk that will adhere well and stay fairly stretchy to deal with expansion and contraction of the framing members you're sealing together.

    Bill

  2. squarpeg | | #2

    It is not a vented attic. Thanks for the suggestions.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |