Sealing cracks or gaps in concrete is necessary while maintaining your house. It prevents any bugs, water or air from entering your house. And in order to secure that you need the best concrete caulk. It will ensure the safe environment inside your home.
To get the best concrete caulk, you need- long lasting, water resisting, flexible and also paintable concrete caulk. It would not only ensure its functions, but also enhance your house from both inside and outside.
Are you curious about its features? No worries. We are going to talk about it now. Let’s dive in to look into the features.
So, without further delay, let’s get into the reviews…
DAP 37584 Liquid Cement – Best Cement Crack Filler
We’re starting off our list with the DAP 37584 Liquid Cement Crack Filler. If we didn’t know, DAP has been in the caulk industry for a long time. They’ve maintained an excellent reputation with their products.
Works fast and efficient:
The DAP 37584 Liquid Cement Crack Filler works quite fast. After you’ve applied the product, you only need to wait for 30 to 45 minutes.
Note that this is all the time it needs to dry out. After this period, it’s perfectly ready for foot traffic. If you give it a day or two, then it’ll even withstand a hammer.
Self leveling and matches color:
Self leveling is a vital factor for concrete caulks. Otherwise, it won’t have that perfect look most people expect.
However, DAP takes it one step further. The DAP 37584 Liquid Cement Crack Filler actually changes its color when it dries out.
We all know that most concrete walls are typically grey. So, they made some engineering to make the caulk grey when it’s completely dried. This way it matches with your walls seamlessly.
- The color changing feature makes a seamless fix
- Can be used for both interior and exterior
- Gets ready for foot traffic in 30 to 45 minutes
- Self leveling fills out the nicely
- Some people complain that the bottle is too thick
Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant
Next up, we have the Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant. Sikaflex makes premium grade polyurethane sealants that are perfect as concrete caulks.
No tools needed for leveling:
Leveling caulks can be a hard thing to do. But that’s not even the main problem. Without self leveling ability the caulk can’t fill in the gap properly.
The Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant does this job quite decently. You don’t need tools of any sort. After the application it’ll automatically fix itself.
Water and weather can’t do anything to it:
The Sikaflex Self-Leveling Sealant is water and water resistant. So, no matter how much water and weather abuse it suffers it still won’t budge.
Moreover, you can even immerse it in water. But it does need to be cured if it has to do that.
Can be painted over:
You can paint over this sealant if you’re worried about something like that. And as a bonus, you can sand or stain on it. How much more do you want from a concrete caulk?
- Protection from water and weather
- Can fill gaps up to 2 inches wide
- Flexibility allows gaps to be perfectly
- Can be immersed in water
- Takes some to cure
Red Devil 0405
Red devil is a American family owned business that’s been in this industry for quite some time. The thing we like about their product is, they provide great value for money.
Combined formula containing both silicone and acrylic:
The Red Devil 0405 did something smart with their product. They made a product that has the best properties of both silicone and acrylic.
The final result is a concrete caulk that’s perfect for almost any kind of job.
Flexibility and durability:
As this product has properties from both silicone and acrylic, it’s both flexible and durable.
The silicone provides excellent durability for the product. On the other hand, the acrylic jumps in with its adhesion capability. Together, they make a caulk that’s great in terms of quality.
Prevents mold and mildew:
After the caulk is properly cured, it acts as a mold and mildew preventer. Those things won’t even get near this caulk.
Other than that, the caulk gives out a satin look when it’s cured. Moreover, it’s waterproof. So, you don’t have to worry about water damage anymore.
- No caulking gun needed to operate.
- Prevents mold and mildew
- Water can’t do damage
- Provides excellent durability and adhesion
- Some people don’t like the tube shaped container
Dap Self-Leveling Concrete Sealant
Next up, we have the Dap 18370. If you know a thing or two about this industry, you know that that Dap makes great caulk sealants. So, what’s so good about the Dap 18370?
Equipped with Kwik Dry technology:
This is a special formula created by Dap itself. They integrated in this product to make it dry a lot faster. An advanced concrete caulk that dries in only 3 hours is just great.
Moreover, after it’s curing is over, it instantly becomes ready for foot and vehicle traffic.
Mold and mildew resistant:
The Dap 18370 is capable of preventing mold and mildew. Let’s say there was some moisture in the room that resulted in mold and mildew. So, will that affect the caulk sealant?
The short answer is no. No matter what happens mold and mildew won’t get near the Dap 18370.
Water and weather protection:
Protecting from water and weather is no big deal to the Dap 18370. You can expect it to give the seal a lifetime protection from these two things.
To put a cherry on top, this caulk sealant actually uses a permanent seal for the gaps. So, no air or moisture can get in or out of there.
- Can handle foot and vehicle traffic after 3 hours
- Self levels itself
- Keeps mold and mildew away
- Creates permanent seal around
- Drying time can become inconvenient for some users
Sashco Slab Concrete Repair Review
From the glance of this product, you’ll know that it’s specifically made for concrete and masonry jobs. The packaging and marketing of this speaks for itself. But that’s not all.
Can fill gaps up to 3 inches wide:
The Sashco 16210 is capable of filling gaps up to 3 inches. Whereas most caulk sealants struggle to fill a 2 inch gap.
But how good is the seal? Well, it stretches with the gap creating a permanent and weatherproof seal. You see, the slab itself is extremely elastic. So, even if the concrete moves, the sealant will adjust with it.
Blends in with concrete:
The Sashco 16210 has a natural grey color. It was made to match with most concrete walls. After it’s been completely cured it becomes so seamless that you won’t even remember if there was a crack or not.
Specially formulated to last longer:
This product has a special formula for creating an unbreakable formula. It has a perfect balance of both elasticity and adhesion. In simpler terms, it’ll move better while maintaining a strong hold.
- Seamless connection with concrete walls
- Perfect balance between elasticity and adhesion
- Bends when there’s movement in the concrete
- Can fill 3 inch wide gaps
- The curing time could’ve been a bit less
Red Devil Masonry & Concrete Sealant Review
Next up, we have another product from Red Devil. It’s the Red Devil 0646. We already told you about the origin of Red Devil. So, did this manufacturer pull off this product?
Excellent blend with concrete walls:
Like many other products, the Red Devil 0646 also gives a grey texture when it’s completely dried out. But does it match seamlessly?
Because a lot of manufacturers claim that products blend seamlessly. But in reality, they give out a much lighter color that sticks out uncomfortably.
It’s good when you have brand new walls but what if it’s a year or two old? Well, Red Devil isn’t like that. You won’t even notice that there are sealants in the wall.
Performs great in outdoors:
This caulk sealant performs absolutely great when it’s outside. Concrete caulk sealants need to be waterproof and weather resistant. So, the Red Devil 0646 made a special formula to create the perfect seal around concrete walls.
- Smooth finish
- Seamlessly blends with concrete walls
- Waterproof and weather resistant
- Can hold on to bricks and mortar
- Some users complain that it flows even after releasing the trigger
General Electric Concrete & Masonry Silicone
General Electric took a risk with this product. They made it 100 percent silicone. So, how well does this product perform for concrete walls and such?
3 hours drying time:
The General Electric GE5020 is able to completely dry out in only 3 hours. And let us remind you that it can become rainproof in this period.
So, people who work only on the weekends, this is great news for you. Now you don’t have to postpone your projects just because of rainy weather. However, you still need to wait that 3 hours period.
Permanent waterproof seal:
This concrete caulk sealant uses 100 percent silicone. In simpler terms, that means it focuses mainly on the flexibility and sealing features.
The sealant moves whenever the concrete moves. So that the seal doesn’t break. Other than that, it creates a permanent seal. So, perfect and permanent waterproofing- check!
- Permanent 100 percent seal
- Rainproof in 3 hours
- Can be used for mortar and bricks, concrete, ceramic tiles, wood, etc
- Sun and freeze proof
- A little bit acrylic latex would’ve made the the hold stronger
DRYLOK Masonry Crack Filler Review
Do you ever wish for a product that you could paint immediately after the applying is over? Well, the DRYLOK 30507 does exactly that.
Combined silicone and acrylic latex formula:
The DRYLOK 30507 has a unique formula that uses the best properties of both silicone and acrylic latex.
Silicone helps in maintaining the adjustable flexibility. On the other hand, the acrylic latex is there to give it a firm structural integrity and strong hold.
These two compounds work side by side to make it one of the best products in the market.
Can be painted immediately:
Yes, you saw that right. Most products tell you that you can paint it after 3 to 5 hours. But DRYLOK took it a step further.
They made a product that you can paint right after you finished applying it. Although there’s something you know.
It won’t work for all paints. You can only use latex based paints if you want to use this feature. Otherwise, you have to wait that 3 hours period.
- Suitable for both indoors and outdoors
- Decreases the radon gas
- Instantly paintable
- Combined formula of both silicone and acrylic
- A bit pricier than other products
DAP Concrete Watertight Filler and Sealant
Another product from DAP, eh? We know what you’re thinking, is DAP paying us? No, they’re not. The DAPConcrete Watertight Filler and Sealant made it into our list because it’s that good.
Creates permanent waterproof seal:
The DAPConcrete Watertight Filler and Sealant manages to create a permanent seal in only 3 hours. After that, you can put it through any kind of water abuse you want, it still won’t move an inch.
Easy clean up with only water:
This caulk sealant doesn’t require any kind special chemical products for the clean up process. Simply take a rug and soak it with water.
Then, use that to remove the excess caulk. It should come out with a little pressure.
Extreme temperature tolerance:
The DAPConcrete Watertight Filler and Sealant can withstand any kind of extreme weather. Whether it’s the scorching hot sun or the freezing ice, it can handle all. It won’t break nor will it come off.
- Creates permanent waterproof seal
- Includes no toxic elements
- Highly durable while maintaining flexibility
- Can be cleaned with only water
- Some users complain that the product hardens after a few months
Loctite PL S40
Next up, we have the Loctite PL S40. It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t mention any products from Loctite as it’s one of the industry leaders. So, here it goes-
Matches with the walls:
The Loctite PL S40 shows a natural grey color when it completely dries out. Some sealants give a slightly lighter color but this does the opposite. So, when your walls get old, it becomes seamless with the sealant.
Protects from water and weather conditions:
This sealant is absolutely protected from water and other extreme weather conditions. Whether it’s the high temperature or the ice cool breeze, the Loctite PL S40 can handle all.
Moves with the surface:
Sometimes, concrete structures move a little bit. That’s when the caulk sealants come out. Well, Loctite thought about that.
So, they made a product that can up to 35 percent with the surface it’s placed on. This also makes a perfect seal that won’t break that easily.
- Formulation contains low VOC
- Can be painted over after 3 hours
- Flexibility allows movement up to 35 percent
- Grey color matches with the walls
- The product dries a bit too quickly
Loctite 1618522-12 PL
Guess what? You’ve managed to reach the final product on our list. And it’s the Loctite 1618522-12 PL.
No primer required for strong hold:
The Loctite 1618522-12 PL doesn’t need any kind of primer to ensure a strong hold. The chemical formulation of the product allows a texture that holds on to any surface quite well.
Elastic properties:
As we’ve already mentioned, concrete structures sometimes move a little bit. You can’t really notice it with bare eyes but they move.
That’s when the elastic properties of the Loctite 1618522-12 PL comes in handy. It can adjust with the movement as it’s quite flexible.
- Bonds concrete walls, bricks and mortars, wood, etc quite efficiently
- Doesn’t need a primer to ensure strong hold
- Formula contains low VOC
- Quite flexible
- A bit pricey
Best Concrete Caulk 2021 – Buyer’s Guide
So, that’s all we had to say about the products. Even though we showcased you the top products in the market, you still need to know how you can identify a good product.
And that’s why we decided to come up with a detailed buying guide. Let’s start-
What Is Concrete Caulk?
If your home has a concrete patio, driveway, steps, or sidewalk it’s good to have a concrete caulk. Concrete is extremely strong but weather and other conditions might cause a sudden damage, for such purposes concrete caulk is great tool.
Concrete caulk is a dry and less elastic adhesive that you fill in to the cracks or eroding to repair them. It keeps water out from any further damages. This one is the best repair solution for major or minor cracks.
What Do People Like About Concrete Caulk?
Concrete caulk is such an useful asset that people always store them. Certain features of this product must have impressed people.
Concrete caulk is super easy to use with only few tools. In a matter of few hours it builds a strong connection with the surface. You can paint on top of it if your desired color doesn’t show up.
Benefits of concrete caulk:
- Durable and Flexible: It maintains the stability and elasticity in both hot and cold temperatures. The perfect composition makes it extremely durable.
- Easy Application: It comes in easy applicators and saves your waiting time and you can get done with the work faster yet get good results.
- Paintable: If you don’t like the grayish color you can paint on it and get your desired color.
- Low Odor: It has minimum of odor for which passerby don’t get bothered and not difficult for applicators.
What Are Concrete Caulk Problems?
Despite being a great product it has few limitations of its own. But, the problems can be taken care of.
Concrete caulk is difficult to remove after application, so before applying finalize how you want it. It can be toxic to human skin so while applying you’ve to be careful.
How Long Concrete Caulk Lasts?
Everything has its lasting time. Even if anything lasts forever it requires some maintenance to do it’s job.
Concrete caulk comes with a warranty of 50 years. However, it needs some maintenance like re-touch when you see any changes. It might lose it’s color but still will do it’s job.
What’s Are Cement Caulking Products Made Of?
Caulking products are made with various kinds of materials. While all of them do the same job but they have different properties. So, it’s important that you know the type of materials.
The main reason is you should know what the drawbacks are of these various materials.
For example, silicone caulks are better than acrylic latex caulks in terms of flexibility. In contrast, acrylic latex caulks have a reputation of holding paint better.
The main 3 types of caulks in terms of material are- polyurethane caulk, acrylic latex caulk, and silicone caulk.
How Good Cement Caulking Against Water?
However you see it, water resistance is a vital factor for caulk products. If you caulk gets washed out by rainwater, there’s really no point in buying it, right?
On a different note, you should know that you can’t really paint on silicone caulks. But acrylic latex caulks are an absolute champ when it’s about holding on to paint.
Nonetheless, it’s always better to go for products that have a 100 percent waterproof rating.
How Flexible is Cement Caulk?
Here’s the thing about flexibility of cement caulks-
You can’t buy caulks that are too flexible. Because if it’s too flexible a lot of caulk will come out at once and eventually that goes to waste.
On the other hand, if it has too much viscosity, then it won’t even come out of the container.
However, both kinds are available and needed by people. If you need a caulk with more curing that goes for the one that’s flexible and vice versa.
Is Cement Caulk Easy to Clean?
This factor isn’t that important if we’re being honest. Some manufacturers include it, some don’t.
But if you’re a new user or say beginner, then it’s better to buy a caulk that has this feature. This way you’ll get at least 10 minutes for washing it off.
Although you should keep in mind that you can’t just wash it off with water. You need chemical products like rubbing alcohol to wash it.
Can You Paint Over Cement Caulk?
This is more of a personal matter. Some people like to paint over cement as well as the caulks used while others don’t. But if you are planning on painting over the caulks then check if the product has this feature or not.
However, silicone caulks can’t be painted over. But acrylic latex caulks are an absolute champ when it’s about holding on to paint.
Can it Keep Away Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are like a nightmare for any caulk products unless it can keep those away. If it can’t, it’ll deteriorate faster than you can imagine.
That’s why it’s important to get a product that can prevent these things.
Does Cement Caulk Have a Lot Of Odor?
Odors are quite common for these products. But some of them have horrible smells.
Nonetheless, you shouldn’t go for these products when you can caulks that have little to no odor.
How to Make Cement Caulk Last Longer
Concrete caulk has to handle a lot of things considering it’ll stay outdoors. Interior caulk doesn’t have that problem. So, how can you make caulk last longer?
Apply A Primer
A lot of times you’ll notice that the surface doesn’t have that much hold for caulk. In these situations, you can always use a primer to create a nice surface.
Then, you’ll apply the caulk. This way it’ll hold onto the surface a lot better.
Make Sure The Surface is Clean
At the end of the day, caulk itself is an adhesive. And as you know, adhesives can’t work well on a dirty surface.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that the surface you’ll be applying is clean. If there’s any kind of paint, debris, or dirt you should clean it out first.
Smoothen The Caulk
Smoothening the caulk can give the caulk a better look. Moreover, it’ll shape it in a better way, making sure it handles movement properly.
You can use anything you want to do the process. Most people tend to use their latex gloves for this purpose.
Hourglass Beads
Hourglass beads are a trick for tackling humidity and temperature. You see, these two factors are often responsible for narrowing and compression of gaps.
So, when you make hourglass beads, the edges stay thicker so that they can hold on to the surface properly. And the center stays thin so edges can stretch as much as they need to.
Backer Rod and Self Leveling Caulk
Backer rods are great for gaps that ¼ inches or wider. It’ll increase the lifetime of the caulk.
On the other hand, self leveling caulks help you in avoiding the extra tooling work. So, when buying caulks make sure it’s self leveling.
Wrapping UP
Congratulations! You’ve gone through our list of best concrete caulk products. We tried to include everything we can in the review and buying guide.
However, there might have been some things we missed. If you noticed anything, do let us know in the comment section.
Good luck!