2. Can I still use Big Stretch if I leave it outside overnight in the cold?
Answer: Yes! Big Stretch is freeze - thaw stable through 10 cycles. So, you don't have to worry if you leave it in the cold overnight. It will still be good when it thaws out.

3. Can I clean up Big Stretch with water?
Answer: Yes! Big Stretch is a water-based caulk, and will cleanup easily with water and a damp rag.

4. Can I use any kind of brush to tool Big Stretch?
Answer: Yes! Big Stretch may be tooled in a unique way that keeps your fingers out of the mess! Use a wet foam sponge (or foam paint brush) to create a finished look in larger gaps.

5. Limited lifetime warranty. What does this mean?
Answer: "Limited" = product replacement or refund of purchase price. "Lifetime" = longer than any other acrylic latex on the market. Good success for 20-30 years. Lifetime expectancy can vary greatly with environmental/temperature extremes, bead size, size of joint, etc.

6. "only for homeowner use" on tube of Big Stretch. Why?
Answer: There is much more stress on commercial buildings, high-rises, etc. than on conventional homes. These kind of buildings need tougher sealants for higher stress, etc.

7. Can you use Big Stretch on driveways, sidewalks, to seal cracks or expansion joints at the foundation of a home?
Answer: In many cases, this application for Big Stretch would work - since it is largely away from foot traffic. However, in order for Big Stretch to have a decent chance at handling much expansion/contraction (which is often severe in these locations), it is critical to properly clean the surfaces and install backer rod before applying the sealant. If this joint will experience sustained submersion, then Big Stretch will likely fail. [NOTE: Most sealants will have a difficult time in this situation due to the typically large amounts of movement that occur. So, routine maintenance will be required.]

8. Can you use Big Stretch on a mobile home/RV?
Answer: Mobile home - yes. No substantial differences from conventional housing. RV / Motor homes - no. non-porous materials often used & these type of vehicles get much more direct movement and weather-exposure. Lexel or Through The Roof would be highly recommended rather than Big Stretch.

9. Can you use Big Stretch on log homes? If so, what is our warranty?
Answer: Can work well - better than most other products on the market - but we encourage use of log products which are specially formulated to withstand the very different and more extreme movement of logs as opposed to conventional substrates. Warranty will be honored on a case-by-case basis.

10. Can Big Stretch be used on roof applications?
Answer: NO! Too much direct and extreme weather exposure. We recommend Lexel or Through the Roof.

11. Can Big Stretch be used in the bathroom around a tub or sink?
Answer: No. Not scrubbable, etc. Also, too much moisture, humidity, and possibility of washout during early cure periods in shower or bathtub surround. We recommend Lexel.

12. Can Big Stretch be used around a hot tub or in a sauna / or greenhouse?
Answer: No. Too much humidity, heat, condensation, etc. Very unlikely to cure in a reasonable amount of time in those conditions.

13. What is the best way to remove Big Stretch? Cured? Uncured?
Answer: It is not always necessary to remove the product ... the surface can often be cleaned and the joint recaulked - especially true if cohesive failure has occurred. If adhesive failure has occurred or if there is a mildew problem, etc., cut away caulk with knife or razor and then recaulk. If caulk was applied to porous surface and there is mildew or other problem, use paint remover to clean that surface, allow to dry, then recaulk.

14. Can Big Stretch be used as a crack filler or nail hole filler?
Answer: Yes, but Big Stretch shrinks quite a bit and could result in a "concave" hole which would need to have more caulk applied. Putty or spackling paste would be more efficient.

15. What paint does Big Stretch work best with? Flat, semi-gloss, etc.
Answer: High-quality semi-gloss are almost always better than flats (higher polymer, lower fillers). Paint first or caulk first? Paint first - paint or stain acts as a primer.

16. Can Big Stretch be used as a glazing on windows?
Answer: Yes, but Big Stretch shrinks quite a bit resulting in concave appearance. DO NOT use as a back-bedding!! A soft, gooey "sticky" sealer such as a butyl caulk is needed for back bedding.

17. Difference between cohesive / adhesive failure and why is this important?
Answer: Cohesive failure - bead cracks or tears down the center. Possible causes: (1) 3-point adhesion - bead adheres to back of joint which prevents good flexibility and elasticity between the joint substrates. Solution: Recaulk over existing bead (2) Oils, etc. in a paint or stain causes bead to "dry" and "crack" - product incompatibility. Solution: use a product that is compatible with the caulk.
Adhesive failure - caulk bead does not adhere to one or both of the substrates to which it is applied. This is a more difficult problem to solve. Possible causes: (1) product incompatibility with a paint, stain or previous caulking (silicone) which has already been applied, (2) incompatibility with the substrate itself (some rubbers, polypropylenes, polyethylene's, neoprene, some oily woods, teflon, waxy surfaces, etc.), or (3) application error (not enough product applied to withstand joint movement, poor tooling, etc.). Solution: Caulking bead usually needs to be removed (see question #13), the substrates cleaned and primed properly if possible and the caulk bead reapplied.

1. Can I use Lexel on the molding around my wood floors?
Answer: Yes! Clear Lexel may be used where you desire the surfaces to show through. This is especially helpful when natural woods are sealed, such as around molding or wood floors.

2. Will Lexel stay clear looking?
Answer: Yes! Lexel seals beautifully while resisting mildew and dust collection. Once cured, it also withstands scrubbing with abrasive household cleaners.

3. Can I use Lexel to help with wallpapering?
Answer: Yes! Lexel used over wallpaper edges prevents curling and is an excellent use of its ultra-clean formula?

4. Will Lexel help prevent air leaks in my home?
Answer: Yes! Lexel keeps the weather outside. It seals thresholds, sills, siding, vents, pipes and air conditioners. Lexel is also good for leaky air ducts which can heat up your walls instead of your living area. Use Lexel to permanently seal all connections.

5.Can Lexel be used in a non-fish aquarium for animals such as lizards, gerbils, etc.?
Answer: No! Lexel can be toxic to animals of any kind because of the solvents in it.

6. What at if Lexel has cured for 30 days, can it be used in a water-filled aquarium?
Answer: No. We recommend silicone.
What about an outdoor fish pond?
Answer: Yes (allow to fully cure before putting in fish or other animals.) This is okay because there is more "space" and larger volume of water into which the solvents can dissipate.

7. Does Lexel have FDA approval? USDA?
Answer: No. It has never been sought. Recommend neutral cure silicone applications in applications where FAD or USDA approval might be needed (food preparation or storage, etc.)

8. Is Lexel fire proof rated?
Answer: No! It will burn - cured or uncured!

9. Can I use Lexel in my hot tub or pool?
Answer: Not recommended because of water pressure, surface preparation needs, etc. Recommend a poly-sulfide or urethane.

10. Can I use Lexel to adhere a mirror to a wall?
Answer: Not recommended because the backing materials on mirrors are not always adequate for good adhesion (backing will pull or tear away from the glass and stick to the wall.) "Palmer's Mirror Mastik" or a similar product is recommended.

11. Can I use Lexel on my boat?
Answer: Yes. Below water line at your own risk since we haven't done the testing. We've had some very good feedback from customers on boats and kayaks, both above and below the waterline. No significant difference between salt water and freshwater.

12. Can I use Lexel on my camper / RV?
Answer: Yes! Highly recommended for most surfaces on RV's / Campers. Some RV's / Campers do have polyethylenes and polypropylenes which would not work with Lexel.

13. Can I use Lexel to fill cracks in my driveway?
Answer: Emergency use only.

14. Can I paint Lexel and how long after it is applied?
Answer: Yes - with Latex after at least 24 hours (for best results 7 days), with oil-based paints after full cure of 30 days. (Not giving enough cure time may result in cracking and peeling of paint because of caulk shrinkage and prolonged tackiness, etc.)

15. Is Lexel toxic after cure?
Answer: No.

16. What is the application temperature range for Lexel?
Answer: -30 degrees to +120 degrees. Cold surfaces should be free of frost and bubbling can occur in a caulk bead applied to surfaces over 90 degrees (For best results apply at 40 - 90 degrees).

17. What is the service range for Lexel?
Answer: -30 degrees to +120 degrees (some life expectancy will be lost at high temperature ranges)

18. Can I use Lexel in my bathroom?
Answer: Yes! Lexel is ideal for this application! Practice tooling bead before applying since it skins over quickly - use a finger dipped in soapy water or the back of a spoon with a little dish soap on it and "float" lightly over the top of the bead to smooth it. Keep beads short (no more than 3 feet long) to prevent quick skinning.

19. How can I remove Lexel?
Answer: Not easy! Cut bead out with razor blade or sharp knife. Clean residue with paint stripper (apply and let it work for a few minutes, then scrub out any residue left on surface.)

20. What is a copolymer rubber / benefits?
Answer: copolymer = a product containing 2 polymers (almost all caulks contain 2 polymers) Lexel is a synthetic rubber. Benefits? Depending on the type of polymers used, synthetic rubbers like Lexel are more durable, have high tensile strength and higher UV inhibitors. They also shrink more. The solvents in Lexel "clean" the surface for better adhesion and the plastics in it soften it and make it more flexible and elastic.

21. Can I use Lexel in my greenhouse or sauna (areas of high humidity / moisture)?
Answer: Yes. Don't know of any problems other than the smell of the solvents during early cure.

22. Can Lexel be used to seal drums with oil / gas / solvents inside?
Answer: No, not if they have any contact with the Lexel. Oil / gas / solvents will break down the plastisizers in Lexel.

2. Is Through The Roof Waterproof?
Answer: Yes! Through The Roof is waterproof - it repels water immediately after application and for years to come.

3. Can I apply Through The Roof to wet surfaces?
Answer: Yes! Through The Roof may be applied to wet surfaces, but for best results dry off substrate prior to application. Through The Roof may also be applied to frosty or icy surfaces. Frosty surfaces can be prepared by cleaning with alcohol.

4. Is Through The Roof easy to clean up?
Answer: Yes! Tools may be cleaned with mineral spirits or paint thinner. We recommend cleaning hands with a citrus-based or waterless hand cleaner.

5. What is the difference between Lexel and Through The Roof?
Answer: Through The Roof is almost identical to Lexel except that it has slightly more UV inhibitors and antioxidants and comes in a thinner brushable grade (cartridge grade is slightly thicker than Lexel to keep from "slumping" on hot roof)

6. What is the difference between open cell & closed cell backer rod and where is each most effective?
Answer: Open cell is softer and more "spongy" Advantages: it will fit into tight places and "cling" to the joint better. Disadvantages: if water does leak behind the caulking, the backer-rod will soak the moisture up like a sponge rather than helping to seal the joint off. Closed cell is firmer and not nearly as porous. Advantages: It helps seal the joint off better if water leaks through the caulking and remains firm even in contact with moisture. Disadvantages: It is harder to "stuff" into tight or uneven spots and get it to "cling" and conform to the space it is in.

7. On the average, what is the life expectancy of Through The Roof vs. asphalt?
Answer: Through The Roof - 5-10 yrs. (depending on environmental conditions). Asphalt - 1-3 yrs.

8. Can Through The Roof be used as a coating on a roof? A deck?
Answer: Probably would work well on a roof but we have not tested it. We are doing some testing now. Results as they become available. On a deck? No! Through The Roof stays tacky for a long time & softens some with heat.

9. Life expectancy of Lexel, Big Stretch, Through The Roof?
Answer: We do not give any of our products a specific life expectancy because it is so variable, dependent on weather, application, etc. Generally speaking, all of our products will last considerably longer than most other similar products on the market.

10. Is there higher UV protection in Through The Roof than Lexel?
Answer: Yes

2. Can Mor-Flexx be used on a pool deck to repair cracks?  Driveway?  Sidewalk?
Answer: No! Mor-Flexx is a water-based acrylic caulk and is not recommended for use on these horizontal surfaces. Caulk joints applied to pool decks, driveways, and sidewalks in particular are especially susceptible to such adverse conditions as prolonged water submersion, the abrasion and abuse of high foot-traffic, and chemical exposure, to name a few. As is the case with all water-based caulks, Mor-Flexx would be vulnerable in these areas.

3. Can Mor-Flexx be used on expansion joints at the foundation of a home?
In many cases, this application for Mor-Flexx would work - since it is largely away from foot traffic. However, in order for Mor-Flexx to have a decent chance at handling much expansion/contraction (which is often severe in these locations), it is critical to properly clean the surfaces and install backer rod before applying the sealant. If this joint will experience sustained submersion, then Mor-Flexx will likely fail. [NOTE: Most sealants will have a difficult time in this situation due to the typically large amounts of movement that occur. So, routine maintenance will be required.]