In Praise of the Lowly Caulking Gun

We've written extensively about the benefits of air-sealing: it's one of the least costly, easiest, and most effective ways to combat a leaky, energy-guzzling home. The ROI is strong.  And the perks go beyond energy savings to include healthier air and a healthier building. Played right, air sealing can be a fun do-it-yourself project for an adventurous family, or a great father-child bonding experience - especially in a recession.  So we encourage fun-lovers of all ages to turn off the violent video games and television shows, put down the toys and pick up the tools.

Specifically: pick up a good, sturdy, trusty caulking gun.  Sure, there are more advanced ways to go about air sealing... spray foam... rope caulk.  But tube caulk in an application gun is standard.  Like a Harley Davidson.  So start with the caulking gun.  And make it a good one, built to last, but still cheaper than a hamburger.  One with a built-in seal-puncturer, spout cutter, and ladder hook, with a 10-1 thrust ratio and a thumb-release.  Oh, and make it candy-apple red.  And when you're done, pass it on to your progeny, because air sealing saves money, and the virtue of thrift has always been at the bedrock of our national heritage. Let's keep it there. Sealed up. With a caulking gun.

At Energy Circle we aim not to get a foot stuck in the mire of debate surrounding gun control in the U.S., but we will say this: the caulking gun should always remain universally accessible to all - young and old, liberal and conservative, red state white state and blue state - permit or no permit.  The caulking gun is a rare example of sociopolitical ambidexterity: a unique symbol that lefties and righties can agree on.  It is and should remain, moreover, for all Americans, more than a privilege, more than a right, but a staple (not a staple gun though. A caulking gun).  And it should be used: in basements and attics, around windows and door-frames, all across this great land.

The caulking gun is, and shall be, an unimpeachable, immutable symbol of the irrepressible American virtue of thrift.  More than the gunslinger's six-shooter, more than the frontiersman's rifle, the caulking gun represents American values.  And we do, and we shall continue to, cling optimistically to caulking guns and spray-foam cans, knowing that to waste not is to want not.  And we will one day hand our Newborn Parallel Frame caulk gun to our children and our children's children, as we tell them that now is not the time for play.  Now is the time for work.