
Here at BoatLIFE®, we know a thing or two about boat caulk and boat caulking. In fact, our company was founded in 1959 with our signature Life-Calk® polysulfide sealant. Over the next ten years, other boat sealant products and marine-grade silicone sealants were added to our portfolio. If you are curious as to what sealant to use for any boat caulking job, refer to our updated Sealant Chart and read our blogs on polysulfide vs polyurethane and silicone and silicone hybrid sealants. As manufacturers of high-quality boat sealants, we get asked if sealants can be used in the colder months. The answer is yes, you can use boat caulk in the winter.
Read on to find out how.
Using Boat Caulk in the Winter
External temperatures and the temperature of the boat caulk play big factors in using boat caulk in the winter. Humidity along with temperature are the two most common factors in product cure times. That said, be sure to consult the boat caulk manufacturer’s spec sheet to review suggested cure times and temperature ranges for product use. Be advised that product cure times may lengthen in colder temperatures.
To successfully use boat caulk in the winter, the product’s internal temperature should be at the suggested manufacturer’s range. It should never be kept outside or in a garage that is not heated or subjected to the winter elements. It should also never be allowed to freeze. Application should be done in a temperature-controlled environment whenever possible, especially during winter. It is advised that boat caulk not be applied to surfaces that have frost on them.
Suggestion to Properly Use Boat Caulk in the Winter
Once you have the ideal temperature (if possible) for your boat caulking job, you may want to warm the boat caulk tubes ever so slightly. Before you begin, ensure that the surface is free of dirt, grime, and debris. It is not advised to use boat caulk over frost, as previously stated. If it is available to caulk in an enclosed area, this is preferred to minimize contact with snow, ice, freezing rain, or other elements. It will also shorten the curing process. Lastly, be sure to do your homework first before embarking on any boat caulking job. Yes, you can use boat caulk in the winter; by using the above measures, you can guarantee that your boat caulking job will be a success, no matter what the season.
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. Last year marked the company’s 65th anniversary.