• A properly executed caulking job can conserve energy and protect your home.glazier image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Caulk helps keep heat from escaping from your home and prevents water from ruining your home. According to the Ask The Builder website, there are many varieties of caulk; you should read the label on a tube of caulk before buying it to make sure you are getting the right kind of caulk for the job. There are some basic caulking techniques that will ensure you do a professional-looking job each time.
  
  

Clean the Area

• Whether you are replacing old caulk or applying it for the first time, make sure the area is clean. According to the Natural Handyman website, denatured alcohol will clean any debris from the work area after you have removed the old caulk or before you apply the new caulk. Wipe the area dry with a clean towel before you begin caulking.
  
  

Weight in the Tub

• According to the Natural Handyman, help your caulk installation job by putting a little weight in the tub. When you caulk around an empty tub, you run the risk of having the caulk crack or separate from the surface when someone steps into the tub. While it's not common, putting weight in the tub when installing the caulk will not cause any harm. Fill the tub halfway with water and reach over the tub to install the caulk, or stand in the tub while applying the caulk.
  
  

Caulk Gun

• When you are using a caulk gun, the This Old House website advises applying even pressure to the gun trigger. If your hand cramps up, stop caulking rather than continuing with less pressure. Another tip from the website is to keep the gun moving at a constant pace to ensure an even bead.
  
  

Wide Gaps

• According to the Natural Handyman, the most common gap between a wall and the surface being caulked is 1/4 inch. If you need to cover a gap wider than the standard distance, the best approach is to lay down a line of caulk, allow the caulk to dry overnight and then apply a second bead to cover the rest of the gap.