How much does Caulking cost?

Caulk is a flexible sealant that’s applied where two surfaces or materials meet—between windows and siding, or a bathtub and walls, for example. It can be used to seal showers, toilets, home siding, even the perimeter of a home’s foundation.

A good caulking job will help prevent water damage in walls or floors, or seal up air leaks for better energy efficiency. About 25–30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy is lost through windows, according to the US Department of Energy—and properly applied caulk can help prevent that.

This cost guide will discuss the price of hiring an expert to do professional caulking at your home. 

Caulking compound comes in cylindrical tubes with a pointed nozzle. These tubes are inserted into a caulking gun—a metal mechanism that forces caulk out through the nozzle when you squeeze the handle. Some types of caulk, such as bathtub caulk, are also sold in toothpaste-like squeeze tubes. Once applied and exposed to air, the compound will begin to dry and set.

There are multiple types of caulk, which are used for different purposes—the most common being thick polymers, such as acrylic latex caulk, vinyl caulk, and silicone. Silicone caulk is a common choice for windows, kitchens, gutters, and bathrooms, while latex does well with more porous surfaces, such as wood, drywall, and masonry. 

Caulking compound works effectively on openings of various sizes. One line—or “bead”—of caulk generally fills spaces that are about ¼-inch wide; multiple beads can be used for wider gaps. Caulk can also be used to seal cracks and holes in walls and other surfaces prior to painting.

Caulking materials can be found at home-improvement centers, but applying them effectively, safely, and neatly only comes with experience. For most projects, your best bet is to hire a knowledgeable handyperson. For larger caulking jobs—such as resealing a foundation perimeter—homeowners might want to hire a waterproofing expert or weatherstripping pro. 

Whether the professional is applying caulk for the first time, or removing and replacing existing caulk, this is a fairly simple project. When hiring a handyperson, you can expect an hourly rate of $40–80 for labor, plus cost of materials. Some weatherstripping contractors will give you a quote for the whole project, based on job size. They’ll look at your home and gauge the amount of time, materials, and work it will take.

For indoor jobs, such as sealing around a bathtub or shower, the national average cost is $110–280. Exterior caulking the perimeter of a 2,000-square-foot house can cost $750–2,000, or about $2–4.50 per linear foot. 

The time required to complete a caulking job usually depends on the area that needs sealing. It might take a 2-person crew a full day to seal the outer perimeter of a 1,500–2,000-square-foot house (about 200–240 linear feet). But caulking around a bathtub or shower can usually be done by 1 person in a couple of hours.

To learn more about home-sealing prices, read How much does waterproofing cost? and How much does weatherstripping cost?

These additional elements can affect the cost of a caulking job: 

If you’re on a budget, here are some ways to reduce your caulking expenses:

How much does caulking cost?

The main cost component for professional caulking jobs is the amount of time and labor they require. The average price for caulking 6 double-hung windows ranges from $150–350. Sealing a house’s perimeter will usually cost $2–4.50 per linear foot.

How much does it cost to re-caulk a window?

The total cost to remove old caulk and apply new window seals will vary, depending on size, configuration, and location. Average prices for professional caulking range from $40–100 per window. 

How often should caulking be replaced?

Depending on the product and where it’s installed, caulking generally lasts 3–5 years. In areas that take more abuse than others—such as around windows—you might need to replace the seals every 2–3 years, depending on severity of weather where you live.

Find a caulking services professional in your area.