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WILL1E
Moderator
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 11:18am
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I'll be heading up this weekend to finish installing insulation and poly vapor barriers. Was curious what sort of caulk/sealant i should use to seal the vapor barrier edges to the studs? Online searches suggest an "acoustical" sealant, but i'm not seeing that as an option at local box stores. So is it just a certain type (silicone, polyurethane, etc.) of caulk?
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BRADISH
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 12:51pm - Edited by: BRADISH
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While gathering supplies I actually ran into the same problem, until I looked again.
My online search of Home Depot yielded no returns, but they definitely had it in store.
My understanding is this is THE stuff to get, because it never truly hardens. As you can imagine you don't want a fat hardened bead of silicone/glue right on the edge of your sheetrock.
I would encourage you to go back and look in person for this particular brand/product. Like myself, you may be surprised to find it everywhere when you know what you're looking for.
I actually ended up finding 3 cases (only need 1/2 case mind you) for half off because it was "expired" - which I think is stupid since it never truly hardens. Bought it anyways.
Here's a picture of the stand/product in my local HomeDepot once I finally found it. No idea why it wouldn't show up in the app.
Edit: picture kinda sucks apparently. If you can't read it, the brand is TREMCO. Product is "Acoustical/curtain wall sealant".
Good luck!
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WILL1E
Moderator
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:18pm
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Thanks! What department/area of the store did you find it?
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BRADISH
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:30pm
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Quoting: WILL1E Thanks! What department/area of the store did you find it?
Paint! Right next to all the other silicone/caulk/glue tubes.
I also found it at a local hardware store the same day (Which made me realize I probably just didn't know what to look for). Probably should have sent my wife in  She always seems to know right where whatever I need is when im at home!
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:44pm
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Does the bead spread like caulk with a finger or damp tool?
Is it paintable?
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BRADISH
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:49pm
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Quoting: gcrank1 Does the bead spread like caulk with a finger or damp tool? Is it paintable?
My understanding is that you don't want to touch this stuff if you can help it whatsoever. Messy nasty stuff that doesn't ever disappear - only jumps from one place to the next! (Like anti-seize!) So just apply a continuous bead, and then apply vapor barrier over the top to squish it for good connection. Staple VB in place over the top.
You would not paint this because it is applied to your top plate and sill plate, then sandwiched between your vapor barrier. It purposely never dries or tacks up, in order to do its job properly.
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WILL1E
Moderator
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 03:18pm
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So what do guys put between the subfloor and the bottom plate, just regular caulk ?
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BRADISH
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 03:23pm - Edited by: BRADISH
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Quoting: WILL1E So what do guys put between the subfloor and the bottom plate, just regular caulk ?
I have a buddy who uses 'Sika Flex'. Personally I'm installing the 'Sill Seal' (pink 1/4" foam roll) as I am building and standing the walls. I think a lot of different options would work here.
If I was applying a tubed product myself I would just look for something that was rated for wood attachment and had a high flexibility option - which is going to be most products in that range.
I would NOT use the acoustical seal on the subfloor/sill joint as it will undoubtedly get on your flooring/anything that remotely comes close to it as it never actually hardens.
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2022 07:19pm
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Quoting: WILL1E So what do guys put between the subfloor and the bottom plate, just regular caulk ?
Many builders around here use the same "accoustical sealant" for that purpose. Since it never hardens, it not only creates a seal, but prevents insect intrusion.
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Nate R
Member
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2022 08:18am
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Quoting: WILL1E So what do guys put between the subfloor and the bottom plate, just regular caulk ?
I used a few different things, but I'm doing concrete to wood there..for wood to wood, like sealing between top plates, I came across a few mentions of Loctite PL Premium.....it dries fairly hard, but seems to do the job well.
https://www.menards.com/main/paint/adhesives-glue-tape/adhesive/construction-adhesive s/loctite-reg-pl-premium-reg-3x-polyurethane-construction-adhesive/1390595/p-14444323 02579-c-7921.htm?tid=6075625310517085628&ipos=21
If you want something that has more stretch...I tried this stuff in some spots, and so far, so good...
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Aklogcabin
Member
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2022 10:32am
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Acoustical s nicknamed black death. It never goes away. I use it because it works great. I use it below the bottom plate .
Generally put thr visqueen up. Do not staple near the bottom or top seams. Stay a foot away .It's easier to lift the plastic a big and put a bead down right along the bottom of the plate and push the vapor barrier into it.
It can be messy and you will ruen your caulk gun. But this stuff sticks and stays pliable. I use it between the logs on our log cabin also.
I like comparing it to anti sieze also ( gookumpucky around here). As it can almost magically just jump right on you
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2022 02:45pm
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Quoting: Aklogcabin As it can almost magically just jump right on you
I was told you can get a dirty ear by just ordering it over the phone! 
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