Buy a good quality caulking gun that easily fits your hand to avoid strain. The gun should have a pressure

Choose the right sealant for the job. People often have a bad experience when they first try caulking because they purchase a low quality or inappropriate caulk and/or caulking gun. Choose premium caulks for durability. Practice running and smoothing beads before starting on the actual job.release lever. A thumb release is convenient since it permits one-hand operation, as are a nozzle cutter and tube piercer.

See Air barrier materials, for a guide to the different types of caulking.

• Use wide sheets to minimize seams.
• Overlap all seams and edges over a solid backing such as a stud.
• Run a bead of non-hardening acoustical sealant between the overlapped sheets over the support.
• Staple through the sheets and the bead of sealant. Avoid or minimize the use of all other staples.
• The finish (e.g. drywall) acts as an anchor, securing the seam. If the polyethylene is recessed in the wall, a batten nailed over the seam can provide mechanical support.
• Seal all penetrations. Where possible, penetrate at a solid backing such as plywood or drill through a single or double stud.

SAFETY WARNING:

Use non-combustible caulking around heat sources (chimney, light fixtures, fan motors, etc.). Silicone or polysulphide sealants usually work well. Special high-temperature silicones are available for flue pipes. Check the product labels.