How long does interior caulking last?

You can expect interior caulk to last 7 to 15 years, based on using acrylic latex or latex/silicone caulk with a coat of paint over it.  

    Like any average, the life of caulk if affecting by variables like:

•• Rate of movement - Caulk spans between surfaces, and how much the surfaces move and flex with changing temperature and moisture will affect its life. 

•• Surface prep - Removing old caulk and cleaning any dust/dirt from the surface is necessary for good caulk adhesion and life.

    Diligent caulking around windows and doors has the added benefit of increasing the energy efficiency of your home by reducing air leakage. Go to our blog post How can I improve the energy efficiency of my older home? for more on this, plus notes on how to caulk like a pro.

    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?  

Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about LIFE EXPECTANCY:

• How does the number of people living in a house affect its durability and life expectancy?

• What is the average life expectancy of ABS pipe? 

• What is the average lifespan of an air conditioner?

• What is the average lifespan of an architectural (dimensional) shingle roof?

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof?

• What is the average lifespan of a built-up and gravel roof?

• What is the average life expectancy of cast iron pipe? 

• What is the average lifespan of a concrete tile roof?

• What is the average life expectancy of copper pipe?

• What is the average life expectancy of CPVC pipe? 

• What is the average life expectancy of a ductless (mini-split) heat pump or air conditioner?

• What is the life expectancy of electrical wiring in a house? 

• What is the average lifespan of a house foundation? 

• What is the average life expectancy of galvanized steel pipe?

• What is the average life expectancy of a whole-house standby emergency generator?

• What is the average life expectancy of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle?

• What is the average life expectancy of a heat pump?

• What is the average life expectancy of a house? 

• What is the average life expectancy of kitchen cabinets?

• What is the life expectancy of a mobile home? 

• What is the life expectancy of a modular home?

• What is the average lifespan of a modified bitumen roof?

• What is the average life expectancy of Orangeburg (bituminous fiber) pipe?

• What is the average life expectancy of a package unit heat pump or air conditioner? 

• What is the average life expectancy of paint on a house?

• What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house?

• What is the average life expectancy of PEX pipe? 

• What is the average life expectancy of plywood siding?

     Visit our LIFE EXPECTANCY page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.