Blocking small draughts with silicone sealant?

[lateintheday]

Hiya, I've lived in this one bedroom maisonette for 5 months now and with Winter fast approaching I'm looking to block out every small draught places as the walls have no cavity insulation.

Thinking of using this to fill around the following areas that have small gaps in the rooms (is the anti-mould sealant JUST for bathrooms?)...

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-All-Purpose-Silicone-Sealant-White-310ml/p/240702


- In each room where the radiator pipes go into the roof there is gaps around it.

- The cupboard/porch downstairs wooden door frame has gaps around it.

- The same cupboard/porch's plasterboard roof is loose fitted and gaps around every edge.

Pics...










Thanks!

 

[ntb]

You'd probably be better off with flexible decorators caulk. Most silicone is non overpaintable.

 

[xr4x4]

Ditto caulk, it's water based, so with a damp cloth you can mould it better.

 

[lateintheday]

Ah I'm glad I posted this topic now! I'd never heard of caulk and it looks like a much better solution!

Looks very cheap to buy too. But reading some reviews a few people moan that it cracks? I was looking for something flexible that would slightly move with the pipes heating up and the door frame shrinking?

Should I ignore these reviews?

 

[Bosswhite]

Yes .

 

[Dextraneous]

Agree. Ignore the reviews. Caulk is easy and less messy, plus topping it up is easy enough if needs be.

 

[terrypin]

Splash out and use the caulk around the non-expanding joints and silicone around the pipes and all for less than £10.

 

[lateintheday]

So this caulk - Does it go rock hard like plaster filler and can be sanded and painted after? Or does it stay squishy like silicone? Can you tell I'm confused lol.

 

[AronSearle]

With no cavity insulation, you will find draught proofing will increase the likelyhood of condensation and mould.

Get cavity insulation, make sure the roof is also up to spec, there are still various grants available to get it cheap.

 

[xr4x4]

So this caulk - Does it go rock hard like plaster filler and can be sanded and painted after? Or does it stay squishy like silicone? Can you tell I'm confused lol.

No it can't be sanded. It drys like rubber.