Sherwin-Williams is an industry-leading paints and coatings company, manufacturing a wide range of products for home and commercial use. Their products include a robust line of exterior caulk suitable for a wide variety of applications. At Liberty Painting, we frequently use Sherwin-Williams exterior caulk to complete exterior painting projects around the Houston, TX, area. We use these products because they are good exterior caulks that provide both durability and value for our customers.
Let’s explore some of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular exterior caulks and explain just what makes them good exterior caulks for use in your painting or renovation project.
The Importance of Good Exterior Caulk
It can be easy to overlook the caulking process and the importance of using a good exterior caulk. Choosing caulk just isn’t as exciting as other parts of the painting process, such as paint color selection. But the importance of using a good exterior caulk from a trusted brand like Sherwin-Williams cannot be overstated.
Exterior caulk is essential for sealing gaps and joints in buildings. Proper product selection and application are vital for protecting your home against water, pests, and even structural damage.
Caulking plays a critical role in the success of exterior painting projects:
- Water insulation
- Pest repellent
- Energy efficiency
- Appearance
Get in touch with us to discuss your needs! We can help you determine where treatment and repairs are necessary and apply the right products.
Climate Counts
Here in Houston, weather conditions like extreme heat and humidity can wreak havoc on the condition of exterior caulk. Sherwin-Williams exterior caulk has proven its ability to withstand our Texas climate. What’s more, the good exterior caulks manufactured by Sherwin-Williams all have different characteristics, making them uniquely suited for various applications in the Houston area.
| Climate Factor | Why It Matters for Caulking |
|---|---|
| Avg Rainfall: ~50″/year | Must resist moisture intrusion. Weak caulks = mildew & leaks. |
| Humidity: 70–90% avg | Slows curing. Need fast-dry options or delay painting. |
| Freeze-Thaw: <10/year | Still needs flexibility, especially in exterior siding joints. |
| High UV Exposure | Causes caulk to dry, crack, and pull away unless UV-stabilized. |
“For Gulf Coast climates like Houston, you want a urethanized or siliconized caulk that won’t shrink or crack with high humidity swings.”
— Local Sherwin-Williams Sales Rep, 2024
_______________________________________________________________
Sherwin-Williams PowerHouse™ Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk
Sherwin-Williams PowerHouse™ Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk is just as it sounds—a powerhouse of a caulking material that combines versatility, high-performance, and value. Its siliconized acrylic latex composition provides the workability of latex with the water resistance of silicone. It provides exceptional adhesion to many different materials, including wood, metal, brick, and vinyl. This hardy caulk is paintable within two hours, making it a great choice for fast-moving jobs.
When it comes to managing the weather elements of Houston, Sherwin-Williams PowerHouse™ Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk continues to shine. It holds up well to rain and sun exposure, and its flexibility allows for expansion and contraction without breaking down.
At Liberty Painting, PowerHouse™ is our go-to for expansion joints. Cheaper caulks just don’t last in this humidity.
High-expansion areas, like siding gaps and material-to-material transitions, can pose a challenge for low-elasticity caulks. PowerHouse™ not only beats out the competition on flexibility but also boasts a resistance to mildew.
If you are looking for a good exterior caulk for your Houston home, this product is an excellent choice.
Sherwin-Williams 950A Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk
The Sherwin-Williams 950A Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk is a contractor-grade caulk that is used in some of the biggest construction projects around the Houston area. It offers superior adhesion and water-resistance, providing peace of mind for builders and clients who demand the highest quality. Sherwin-Williams produces this exterior caulk with the goal of providing a strong material that is perfect for joints exposed to moderate levels of wear and movement.
Just two hours after application, the Sherwin-Williams 950A Caulk can be painted any color. The siliconized acrylic latex composition allows the 950A caulk to withstand Houston weather like sun and moisture that can break down caulking materials. Sherwin-Williams 950A caulk is a good exterior caulk for both homes and commercial properties in Houston.
Sherwin-Williams SherMax™ Urethanized Elastomeric Caulking
Sherwin-Williams SherMax™ Urethanized Elastomeric Caulking is another exterior caulk trusted by professionals to finish many different jobs. It is a urethane-modified elastomeric sealant, meaning it can contract and restrict without breaking down. This flexibility makes this versatile product a good exterior caulk for applications that see frequent exposure to the outside elements.
The Sherwin-Williams SherMax™ Urethanized Elastomeric Caulking is so flexible that it can withstand up to 70% in joint movement. Its uncompromising flexibility makes it a popular caulking choice for high-stress areas like door frames and siding joints. While still paintable, the robust construction and abilities of this Sherwin-Williams caulk means it takes between 4 and 5 hours before it is safe to paint.
The Liberty Painting team switched to SherMax™ after too many callbacks resulting from cracked caulk. It holds up better under the brutal Houston sun.
Direct exposure from the sun can cause cracking, shrinking, and yellowing of caulk over time, and high humidity can affect drying and adhesion. SherMax™ has a quick dry time and can withstand temperature fluctuations and UV exposure better than most standard acrylics.
Sherwin-Williams MAXFLEX Elastomeric Acrylic Urethane Caulking
Sherwin-Williams MAXFLEX Elastomeric Acrylic Urethane Caulking is a good exterior caulk for getting the best results when working with materials like stucco and brick. It is specially designed to bridge larger gaps and provide superior flexibility, making it a popular material choice for exterior projects in the Houston area. Many higher-end homes are constructed with Sherwin-Williams MAXFLEX due to its durable and flawless finish.
While many Sherwin-Williams exterior caulks can be used for stucco and masonry, Sherwin-Williams MAXFLEX Elastomeric Caulking is a very popular choice due to its excellent elongation and memory. Like nearly all Sherwin-Williams exterior caulks, this product is very paintable and provides a beautiful finished appearance.
How to Choose the Right Exterior Caulk
Sherwin-Williams provides ample options when it comes to selecting a good exterior caulk for your home. Different products are better suited for different applications, making the selection process a vital part of ensuring the success of the project. When you work with an experienced and helpful team like Liberty Painting, you can rest assured that we will help you choose the right products and materials for your project.
For homes with stucco and masonry exteriors, we might recommend Sherwin-Williams MAXFLEX Elastomeric Acrylic Urethane Caulking for its superior bonding ability with these materials. If your home is susceptible to frequent movements, Sherwin-Williams SherMax™ Urethanized Elastomeric Caulk is a good exterior caulk for high-stress applications. Customers seeking a mix of value and performance might be recommended Sherwin-Williams PowerHouse™ Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk or Sherwin-Williams 950A Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk.
We tackle a lot of exterior projects in Houston, so we have a good idea of what works best for different applications. We developed this handy chart so you can compare the features of our top 3 Sherwin-Williams caulks.
| Product Name | Flexibility | Paintability | Mildew Resistance | Joint Movement | Dry Time | Lifespan | Notes from Installers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SherMax™ Urethanized | High | Excellent | Good | ±25% | 1 hr | 30+ yrs | “Paint-ready in 1 hour is a game changer during summer rains.” |
| PowerHouse™ Siliconized | Very High | Good | Excellent | ±35% | 2–4 hrs | 50 yrs | “Great for large gaps and expansion joints on hot brick.” |
| Quick Dry Siliconized Acrylic Latex | Moderate | Excellent | Fair | ±12.5% | 30 min | 10–15 yrs | “Good for fast turnarounds on interiors or sheltered areas.” |
While it may seem like a minor detail, the quality and suitability of your exterior caulking plays a vital role in exterior painting projects. Choosing a good exterior caulk from Sherwin-Williams can make all the difference. For small DIY jobs, try quick-drying 950a caulk. For professionals, we recommend SherMax™ or PowerHouse™.
| Product | Cost (per tube) | Value |
|---|---|---|
| SherMax™ | ~$6 | Worth the cost for longevity and avoiding painting delays |
| PowerHouse | ~$7.50 | Longest life & best for large joints |
| 950a | ~$4 | Budget-friendly for non-exposed areas |
The pros at Liberty Painting can walk you through the exterior caulk selection process and provide skilled prep, sealing, and painting services from start to finish.
___________________________________________________________________
Liberty Painting: Your Exterior Caulking and Painting Experts in Houston
Liberty Painting is proud to serve the Houston area, including the communities of The Woodlands, Downtown, Bellaire, Brookhaven, and beyond. From cabinet refinishing to interior house painting, garage painting, wrought iron fence painting, and more, you can depend on our experienced team to complete your project with precision and careful attention to detail. We value strong communication, quality workmanship, and earning complete customer satisfaction. For superior results (including a 3-year Happiness Guarantee!) and honest, transparent pricing, look no further than Liberty Painting!
Ready to get started on your next exterior caulking and painting project? Schedule your free consultation with Liberty Painting!
