New build shrinkage

Luke1988 · 6 Dec 2020

Hi,

We purchased a new build around 12 months ago. House is about 18 months old now

How long would expect to keep seeing shrinkage?

I’ve re caulked out front door 3 times now and it keeps cracking.

I’ve used shrink resistant caulks etc

foxhole · 6 Dec 2020

The doors cracking?

Luke1988 · 6 Dec 2020

foxhole said:
The doors cracking?

The caulking around the door is

foxhole · 7 Dec 2020

You mean around the frame ? How big are gaps.

Luke1988 · 7 Dec 2020

foxhole said:
You mean around the frame ? How big are gaps.

Couple of mill, one gap at the top between the windowsill wall and foot is a bit bigger

foxhole · 7 Dec 2020

At a couple of mm you can’t fill it .

diy_fun_uk · 7 Dec 2020

What type of caulking are you using? Some of it is pants in terms of flexibility, UV resistance etc. Not saying you should mask a problem, however if it's just natural settlement try a better sealant.

Luke1988 · 7 Dec 2020

diy_fun_uk said:
What type of caulking are you using? Some of it is pants in terms of flexibility, UV resistance etc. Not saying you should mask a problem, however if it's just natural settlement try a better sealant.

I’ve used Geocell and Everbuild Caulk Once

phatboy · 7 Dec 2020

You need to use CT1, it is very flexible, and paintable. Also get a can of the solvent, helps to spread it well.

I had some doors that kept cracking where the plasterboard met the frame, but 3 years after using CT1, it's still looking good.