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A Lexel case study-

Meet Cole.

He’s a law enforcement officer as well as a homesteader who lives in a small town outside of Des Moines, Iowa.

We found him on YouTube, invited ourselves to visit, and he graciously agreed. Cole took us around his homestead and showed us all of the places where he had applied Lexel to stop and prevent leaks.

When we arrived, we first checked out the barn where, in 2018, Cole constructed blocks out of white oak to support the door hinges and handles and to provide a nice aesthetic against the red metal barn. Cole told us that he knew he would need to somehow prevent water from penetrating the seams, but he still wanted it to be aesthetically pleasing.  So, he was after a clear sealant that would allow his careful craftsmanship to show through. At the local hardware store employee’s recommendation, he purchased Lexel and applied it where the white oak wood blocks met the metal barn. During our visit, we were able to touch, see and feel the 4-year-old Lexel and could see and feel the moisture barrier it created. The blocks of wood where the Lexel was applied were still intact and showed no signs of weathering, thanks to the Lexel’s weather-resistant properties.

Not all seams on the oak blocks looked the same, though. Some of these things were definitely not like the others! Cole explained that during application, he ran out of Lexel, and in a pinch, he decided to use a different clear sealant that he had on hand to finish the job. Cole showed us where he had applied this other clear sealant. While it may have worked short-term in a time crunch, this difference over time between the two products’ durability was obvious. Here, a picture is worth a thousand words: 

Lexel vs Competitor:

Lexel

Competitive Product

Next, Cole took us to the roof of his barn and showed us where he had sealed some skylights with clear Lexel. During installation, Cole bolted down the skylights, but also knew he wanted to seal them up tight for multiple reasons. First, he wanted to avoid water from seeping underneath the cracks where the skylight was bolted down, and second, he wanted to protect the interior of the barn from dust that gets stirred up by significant south winds which are common in Iowa. Cole showed us how the Lexel prevented any rain that hit the roof from seeping through cracks between the bolts. As we stood on his barn roof (on a non-windy day, of course), Cole physically pressed down with his fingers onto the skylight to also demonstrate where the dust would have entered the barn underneath the skylight seal had he not ensured a continuous seal using Lexel. He also noted, as he pressed with his finger, that even years after application the seal remained pliable and elastomeric underneath. He pointed and had us look closely as he showed us that we could quite literally see where the dust had blown up against the Lexel seal and stopped before getting under the window and into the barn. Pride of ownership was very apparent as Cole explained that sweeping out a dusty barn prevents him from doing other more important things on his busy homestead. 

It was such a privilege to visit Cole’s homestead and see a few of the application spots where he had used Sashco products to ensure superior waterproofing and air-sealing. Not everyone is as gracious when guests invite themselves to visit, but Cole was very welcoming, and we are humbled by his hospitality.   

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A Lexel case study-

A Love Story.

Lexel is for lovers, and we have a story to prove it.

It’s important for the lifespan of your RVs and campers to preventively seal any potential moisture entry points before taking them out on trips. While we always recommend inspecting and locating potential entry points before your trip to the lake, sometimes you just don’t notice a leak until it is quite literally dripping on your head (or in this case, on your card game). Sashco’s Through the Roof and Lexel are heroes in this scenario. Both of these solvent-based sealants can be applied to an active leak and won’t wash away in the rain. Their superior adhesion qualities ensure that they stick the first time to your camper or RV and don’t require frequent re-application.  

This brings us to the time that we took a little trip to Iowa to visit one of our true Lexel Junkies that we stumbled upon while scanning YouTube one day.  We spent a day on Cole’s homestead where he showed us multiple scenarios in which he had used Sashco products to maintain his home and vehicles. He then told us a story about a time that he and his fiancé were on a weekend date/getaway in their camper. During the trip, they were inside playing a game of cards when the weather took a turn for the worse and a torrential downpour began. Water started seeping and dripping from the windows on their old camper. Cole, a natural storyteller, smiled and said,” I’ll never forget it. I come out here in the pouring rain and Nicole just watching from the inside of this window making fun of me”. He went on to explain that he sealed the active leak during the rainstorm- thanks to having a cartridge of Lexel in the truck.  Although he didn’t have a caulking gun handy, he grabbed a nearby stick and used it to push the plunger to get the Lexel out. Like a true hero, he saved the game of cards from becoming a soggy mess, while his fiancé chuckled and watched the fiasco in real-time from inside the camper. Cole also said that the rain actually may have helped him more easily tool the Lexel. We can’t help but wonder if Cole’s ingenuity and quick-thinking helped assure Nicole that she had chosen the right man and help seal the marriage deal (you never know, right?). The two are now happily married and Cole still has not had to re-apply the stick-applied Lexel after all these years. We think the big lesson here is to keep Lexel and a caulking gun in your camper, just in case (although Cole is living proof that where there’s a will, there’s a way).

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Learn why one veteran contractor says “If you can only have one tool in your toolbox, make it Lexel.”

Nate discussing the importance of using high-performance products with Fine Homebuilding at IBS 2023.

Out of all the spaces in your home, the bathroom is one that is most likely to be a breeding ground for mold. Even if you keep your bathroom clean, the moisture in the environment makes it fairly easy for mold to grow. Using mold-proof caulk when renovating your bathroom can help prevent mold from growing in joints or crevices. 

Whether you’re a DIYer renovating your own bathroom or a general contractor who wants to provide superior performance for your clients, Sashco’s mold-proof caulks are the smart choice for any bathroom space. Here are three reasons why you should use mold-proof caulk in your bathroom.

What is Mold-Proof Caulk? 

Sashco’s CleanSeal mold-proof caulk is designed specifically for use in moist environments, such as the bathroom and the kitchen. This caulk is water-resistant, and it also uses active enzymes to prevent mold from growing over time. 

Bathroom surfaces are consistently wet and create the perfect environment for mold to grow. If you use a caulk that isn’t water-resistant, water could seep into the caulk and actually cause mold to grow underneath the surface. Since you can’t see this type of mold, it is difficult to clean and can go undetected for a long time. 

Additionally, CleanSeal contains environmentally friendly enzymes that prevent natural oils from building up on the caulk and feeding into mold. These enzymes are designed to keep working for a long period of time and continuously keep your caulking mold-free. While there are other sealants on the market that claim to be mold resistant, they typically use mildewcides, which can lose their effectiveness over time. Many mildewcides are also harmful for the environment, whereas CleanSeal’s bio-friendly enzymes are much safer.

3 Reasons to Use Mold-Proof Caulk

Enhanced Flexibility

Over time, it’s normal for your house to move and settle. You may not notice it happening, but these shifts could actually cause your caulking to crack if you’re not using the right products. When your caulking cracks, it’s much easier for water to seep in and mold to start building up. 

While other caulks are rigid and can break when your house moves, CleanSeal is highly elastic and actually stretches with the building. This is because of its co-polymer construction, which keeps it flexible.

Proven Technology

CleanSeal uses proven anti-mold technology to keep your bathroom fresh and free of mold and mildew. This is because we use unique anti-mold enzymes, which you can’t find in any other caulking product. Instead of killing the mold after it grows, these enzymes actually prevent the mold from growing in the first place. The enzymes ‘eat’ the natural oils that feed the mold. 

Additionally, these enzymes are environmentally friendly and safe to use indoors. They stay active over time, so they will continue to prevent mold from growing years after application. This superior performance makes CleanSeal a great product for contractors. However, CleanSeal is also very easy to apply and clean up, so it’s equally good for DIYers who want to renovate their bathroom on a budget.

Superior Adhesiveness

Finally, CleanSeal mold-proof caulk is highly adhesive. This means that it creates a fully waterproof seal on any surface that you apply it to, which can prevent mold from growing inside. Additionally, this caulk won’t peel off over time, even with the consistent wear and tear that the bathroom gets. Since CleanSeal is so adhesive, you can scrub away at the tiles to get them clean without worrying about the caulking peeling off.

Choosing Your Mold-Proof Caulk

While there are many caulking products that claim to be mold-resistant, Sashco’s CleanSeal is a superior option because of its unique mold prevention technology. Not only can it prevent mold from growing in the years to come, but it provides superior adhesiveness and elasticity. It’s also very easy to apply and smooth out for a clean finish. 

If you need a mold-resistant caulk for other areas of your home, Sashco’s Lexel is another reliable option. Lexel is a rubber-based sealant that works on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It has a clear, paintable formula that looks great and blends in with many different surfaces. It can also be applied wet or dry. 

Whether you need to renovate your own bathroom or you want to provide superior performance for your clients, Sashco CleanSeal is a great caulking product. Using durable and mold-resistant caulk for your bathroom can help keep your bathroom clean and healthy for years to come.

Bathroom caulk or sealant is meant to last a long time, just like any brand will tell you right on the tube itself. So why is it that bathroom caulk needs to be repaired or completely reapplied so often? Whether you’re a homeowner tired of looking at peeling caulk or a contractor getting calls from customers to re-caulk their bathroom yet again, you’re most likely frustrated that things aren’t working as they should!

Just as with anything else around the house, the well-paved road to long-lasting bathroom sealant is regular maintenance. While caulk is meant to be a long-term solution, using the wrong caulking product or forgetting to clean the caulk regularly will just lead to leaks and problems with mildew. Let’s take a closer look at bathroom caulk to learn how to maintain it over time.

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Silicone gets a lot of talk. You’ll find contractors who either love it and use it religiously or hate it for its tricky application prep and cure time. While silicone can be stickier and tougher than traditionally-used latex products and is often considered the go-to for waterproof caulk, it can malfunction in a number of ways that have contractors everywhere scratching their heads–or expending hours of precious time during reapplication.

To help ease the challenges of finding the right sealant, we want to present some alternatives to the infamous silicone. This article will dive into a few reasons why silicone might not be your best bet and we will discuss a better waterproof caulk alternative for your next job.

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Finding the right caulk that checks off every box can be challenging. Painting caulk gets even more complicated. Before you buy, ready these six important things to know about painting over caulk.

To do an excellent job for your customer on a kitchen or bath job, you need a sealant that will last, hold up to moisture, and don’t take away from the aesthetic. Contractors are often forced to sacrifice when using a caulking product. Perhaps it has the waterproofing properties required for a job but can’t be painted to match its surroundings. So, what’s the solution? Can a paintable, water-resistant caulk with superior elasticity meet all your needs?

Typically, you’ll have to choose between latex, which is paintable and easy to tool, and silicone, which has good adhesion and water resistance. Neither of these covers all the bases, but we have good news for you. There are new technologies that offer a better way.

(more…)

Finding the right caulk that checks off every box can be challenging. Painting caulk gets even more complicated. Before you buy, ready these six important things to know about painting over caulk.

To do an excellent job for your customer on a kitchen or bath job, you need a sealant that will last, hold up to moisture, and don’t take away from the aesthetic. Contractors are often forced to sacrifice when using a caulking product. Perhaps it has the waterproofing properties required for a job but can’t be painted to match its surroundings. So, what’s the solution? Can a paintable, water-resistant caulk with superior elasticity meet all your needs?

Typically, you’ll have to choose between latex, which is paintable and easy to tool, and silicone, which has good adhesion and water resistance. Neither of these covers all the bases, but we have good news for you. There are new technologies that offer a better way.

(more…)

When you’re renovating a bathroom, aesthetics are often just as important as functionality. Many homeowners want to show off their beautiful tile, metal, or granite fixtures in the shower without visible caulk lines. However, they’ll still need caulking that will take the abuse of shower and tub environments. A high-performance clear shower sealant is a great solution to this problem.

Not just any clear caulk will work in the shower. Many caulks are advertised as being clear, but are foggy-translucent at best, often with a slight yellow or grey tinge. A caulk may even dry clear, but just is not up to the challenges of the bath. Ask yourself, “How can a truly water-clear sealant (when applied properly) change the game for me and my customer?”

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Knowing how to caulk a sink is essential for any kitchen remodel. Not just any caulk will do for this project – you’ll need a high-performance caulk or sealant that gives your customers long-lasting results. High-quality sealants are more durable and, for a contractor, that means fewer repairs for your team and less hassle for your customers. Read on to learn how to caulk a sink and why the type of caulk you use makes a difference.

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