Does caulk get too old to use?

AprilSun

Senior Member
I have a wood porch column with the flat square that it sits on is separating at one of the corners. I found some White Lightning 3006 All Purpose Adhesive caulk downstairs but I don’t know how old it is. It hasn’t been opened. Would it be safe to open it and use it on this column? How long should you keep caulk even when it hasn’t been opened? I can't find a date on it so I am hoping someone here can advise me as to what to do.
 

If it hasn’t been opened, it should be good. With a good seal, it should last for years.
It hasn't and I can squeeze it so it hasn't dried out if old caulking does dry out. As you can see, my husband used to take care of this type of repairs and I know nothing about it. I hate to hire a repairman just to come and caulk something. Any advise is appreciated.
 

It hasn't and I can squeeze it so it hasn't dried out if old caulking does dry out. As you can see, my husband used to take care of this type of repairs and I know nothing about it. I hate to hire a repairman just to come and caulk something. Any advise is appreciated.
If you can squeeze it then it’s good. Your husband took good care of it. We do handywork ourselves also. What are you using it for? Make sure area is clean and dry before using.
 
If you can squeeze it then it’s good. Your husband took good care of it. We do handywork ourselves also. What are you using it for? Make sure area is clean and dry before using.
I have a porch column that the flat wood base that it sits on, the back corner is separating at the seam. Every time it rains, it is wet all around it and I don't want it to rot. I thought I would do it myself if I can find the right caulking. Will this type of caulking work for it? I thought I needed it to dry out so I wanted to do my homework first while it dries.
 
I have a porch column that the flat wood base that it sits on, the back corner is separating at the seam. Every time it rains, it is wet all around it and I don't want it to rot. I thought I would do it myself if I can find the right caulking. Will this type of caulking work for it? I thought I needed it to dry out so I wanted to do my homework first while it dries.
Oh! Is this a leak ‘inside’ the house?
Porch column. . Maybe your have a roof leak.? Find the source of the leak first?

Wood columns separating isn’t something you use chalking for. You might want to consider hiring a contractor.
 
Find the source of the leak. Is the roof leaking perhaps? Can you take a picture and post it?
I'm sorry. I not explaining too good but it isn't a leak. It is the wood separating in the back corner of the base that my porch column sits on. It gets wet all around it when it rains. I can't take a picture of it. This is a column that hornets were in last summer and I got that repaired but now the flat part that the column sits on is separating at the back corner. The column itself isn't near where it is separating.
 
What type would that be?
I’d give it a shot. Make sure it’s completely dry first. Maybe even use a hair dryer.

There’s a product called Great Stuff . It’s a spray foam.

I’d personally call a hardware store and explain all this to one of them. They have a variety of products and can probably help you better than we can.
 
The caulk is not a bad idea, just make sure it's waterproof....not water-resistant; water proof.
What I found downstairs is White Lightning 3006 All Purpose Adhesive caulk. It says it is interior/exterior use. I searched it online and it says it can be used on wood, windows, etc.
 
I'd go with the waterproof caulking as long as the gap isn't more than a quarter inch wide

I'd also repaint the column with an enamel
Bare wood or old peeling paint on wood will cause the wood to swell and then contract when it dries
If it's old wood, it will rot, if not already rotten
 
I'd go with the waterproof caulking as long as the gap isn't more than a quarter inch wide

I'd also repaint the column with an enamel
Bare wood or old peeling paint on wood will cause the wood to swell and then contract when it dries
If it's old wood, it will rot, if not already rotten
If it's rotting, you can't tell it. I won't be able to do anything some time because it won't quit raining long enough for it to dry out. But thank you everyone for your help!
 

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