Caulking the exterior of the home usually is performed just before painting. But it's a good idea to check the exterior of your home at least once a year to make sure that all the joints and connections are well sealed.

Once rain and snow begin, it will be too late because caulks and sealants just won't adhere to damp surfaces.

When shopping, you will probably discover that there are caulks made specifically for use with glass, wood, concrete or stone. Name the surface - there is a specialty caulk for it.

If you're unsure about which one to buy, try polyurethane caulk; it sticks to everything, remains soft and pliable and best of all can be painted.

Exterior latex caulk with silicone is also universal, but it isn't as durable or as flexible as polyurethane caulk.

Polyurethane costs more, but it lasts three to four times as long as latex.

The Associated Press