Let’s Talk Caulk: Costs to Caulk Windows, Bathtubs, and More
Normal range: $105 - $290
Caulking costs an average of $200 when hiring a pro, but budget between $105 and $290. The cost to caulk depends where on your home you're caulking; you can save money by caulking on your own.
There comes a time in every homeowner’s journey where they need to caulk—whether it’s to seal the crevices around the bathtub, fix a window leak, or take on other essential home repairs. Luckily, it’s a relatively budget-friendly project, with small jobs costing as low as $105, to whole-home perimeters reaching upwards of $290. Either way, the cost of not doing it (and dealing with mold, mildew, or higher energy bills) is usually far higher.
- Average
- $200
- Low end
- $50
- high end
- $500
How Much Does It Cost to Caulk?
| Caulking Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bathtub/shower | $65 – $300 |
| Windows | $50 – $70 per window |
| Walls | $3 – $12 (DIY) |
| Home perimeter | $200 – $500 |
Bathtub/Shower
Caulking a shower or bathtub professionally can be anywhere between $65 and $300. Most pros will charge by the hour, so the size of the shower or tub, as well as the amount of old caulking to remove, will both play a key role in your bill.
Windows
Pros typically charge $50 to $70 per window to caulk. Again, the size of the window and the amount of old caulk to remove are the main cost factors. This initial investment can help save you big on your energy bills, keep you warm during colder nights, and protect your window frames from warping and other moisture damage.
Walls
Paintable caulk is a very budget-friendly way to mend cracks and chips in your walls, coming in at around $3 to $12 per tube. From there, all you need is your finger to smooth over the flaws you’re looking to fix. No pro, no problem.
Home Perimeter
Caulking around the perimeter of your home typically costs anywhere from $200 to $500. This includes sealing cracks and openings, gaps where joints meet, around the roof, and wherever window or door frames meet siding. Although it’s a higher price, it can lead to significant energy savings in addition to offering a highly effective moisture barrier.
How Much Does It Cost to Caulk per Linear Foot?
Most caulking jobs cost between $1.25 to $4 per linear foot. You’ll pay more if there is old caulking to remove versus caulking a space for the first time.
Caulking Cost Breakdown
You’re mostly paying for your pro’s time during a caulking project. The size of your home, as well as how much old caulking there is to remove, is what makes up the vast majority of your bill.
Materials
Materials make up a negligible portion of your professional caulking cost. Caulk itself is very inexpensive—what you’re mostly paying for is your pro’s time to remove and re-apply.
Labor
Hiring a handyperson typically costs $60 to $125 per hour, making up the bulk of your caulking cost. While it’s a significant expense, you’ll ensure that the job is as long-lasting as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Cost to Caulk Yourself
Caulking your shower or bathtub is an especially DIY-friendly project, but handy homeowners can caulk their own windows or take on any caulking job for about $0.05 to $0.20 per linear foot. Factor in an additional $10 to $30 for supplies, including a caulk gun, putty or utility knife, and painter’s tape to achieve a crisp line. Best of all, if it comes out sloppier than you wanted, you can always scrape it off and caulk anew.
Cost to DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Professional caulking typically goes for $1.25 to $4 per linear foot, while DIY-ing will cost $0.05 to $0.20 per linear foot, plus an additional $10 to $30 for supplies.
Overall, hiring a local handyperson costs roughly five times what it would cost to do it on your own, but that extra expense guarantees a neat, consistent, and effective caulking barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should re-caulk your bathtub and/or shower at least once a year to prevent moisture from seeping in between the crevices. Keep an eye on your caulking throughout the year and re-apply sooner if you spot any wear.
Most window caulking lasts around five years. However, it’s still important to check up on your windows regularly and re-caulk as needed.
One tube of caulk covers roughly 55 to 60 linear feet.
Most caulk takes roughly 24 hours to dry completely.