We’ve tracked down a more efficient caulking compound — one that does not contain toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as toluene and hexane. These are present in conventional caulk because they are cheap to produce. One company, AFMSafeCoat, produces a caulking compound that is a water-resistant, flexible sealant with excellent adhesion.
This caulk will not dry out or crack, and it does not release any solvents. It can be used in sinks, showers, around pipes, and between walls and woodwork. It’s available from the Environmental Home Center for $6.50 per tube.
Another company, Geocel, makes a similar non-toxic product, with very low levels of VOCs.
See also our previous post on AFM Paint.
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Eco friendly, Non-Toxic Caulk Substitutes
Conventional caulk are cheap to produce, containing toluene and hexane. Here is a more efficient caulking compound – the non-toxic ones. This one does not contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and hexane. AFMSafeCoat is the…
November 21, 2008
I do a lot of weatherstripping and sealing up of older homes and have been using an ideal caulking that I feel does a wonderful job; is inexpensive; and seems to be user and environmentally-friendly.
Best of all, properly applied, it will save untold heating/cooling energy costs which translates into a lot less CO2 being released into our environment.
The company that make it is DAP under the brand name of
Alex Plus Clear (not the Crystal Clear, White or Brilliant White compounds.
I have no connection to this company and my only motive is to pass along my experience with this product.
I like using it because it flows really well into cracks and crevices, even in cold weather.
Don’t let the thinness of the product bother you, you may use a little more than the thicker styles, but it’s this characteristic that makes it effective.
It’s water-based with silicone and cleans up readily with a wet cloth which you can easily rinse off in sink or an outdoor spigot..
It dries clear and blends in very well in most applications.
It has many other uses other than weatherstripping.
The cost per tube ranges from $2-3 per 10 oz tube and is applied with a standard caulking gun.
I’ve purchased cases of 12 for as little as $20. at Home Depot and
Wal Mart has it for about $2.50 a tube.
Feel free to email me if I can answer any questions.