Quarterly inspections are an essential part of protecting multi-unit properties from costly damages. Silicone sealant, in particular, plays a critical role in keeping moisture out, reducing drafts, and maintaining energy efficiency. By including sealant checks in your regular property maintenance routine, you can prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs and keep your tenants happier in the process.

Not all gaps and cracks are created equal. Some parts of a property take more abuse than others. Start your quarterly property inspections outside by checking windows and doors, especially along exterior joints where siding meets trim or masonry, since these transitions often shift with temperature changes.

Why sealant checks should be a part of every landlord’s maintenance checklist

Sealant is something renters and property owners alike tend not to notice until it fails. Sealants block drafts and moisture until they wear out, and suddenly you’re left dealing with leaks, mold, or unhappy tenants. Because silicone sealant takes the brunt of seasonal temperature swings, humidity, and daily wear, it has a limited lifecycle. Cracks, gaps, or peeling might start small, but left unchecked, they can lead to water damage, higher energy bills, and repairs, more costly by far more than a tube of sealant. 

By adding sealant checks to your landlord maintenance checklist, you can catch these issues before they spiral. A quick look at windows, doors, and bathrooms each quarter helps extend the life of your property’s finishes and avoids tenant complaints about drafts or damp spots. In short, sealant inspections take little time and effort but pay off in substantial savings and greater peace of mind.

Key areas to check quarterly

Not all gaps are created equal, and some parts of a property take more abuse than others. Start outside by checking windows and doors, where silicone sealant keeps rain and drafts from sneaking in. Look closely at exterior joints where siding meets trim or masonry, since those transitions often shift with temperature changes. 

Indoors, bathrooms and kitchens deserve extra attention because constant moisture can cause sealant to peel or grow mildew. Around tubs, showers, sinks, and backsplashes, even small cracks can quickly turn into water damage. Don’t forget laundry rooms, where humidity and appliance vibrations can break down seals. 

Finally, head to basements and attics, where penetrations for pipes, vents, or wiring are common culprits for leaks and energy loss. Adding these areas to your quarterly property inspection ensures that no draft, drip, or hidden gap goes unnoticed, helping you stay ahead of maintenance issues year-round.

Exterior inspections: windows, doors, and joints

Exterior sealant takes the hardest beating from weather, so it should be one of the first stops on your quarterly inspection. Start with windows and doors, since these are high-traffic areas exposed to sun, rain, and temperature swings. Look for sealant that is cracked, brittle, or pulling away from the frame. 

Next, check joints where siding meets trim or masonry. Pay close attention to the south- and west-facing sides of the building, which usually wear out faster due to heavier sun exposure. When resealing is required, choose a high-performance exterior product like GE Pro Seal Max Window & Door, which offers unrivaled durability, flexibility, and weather resistance. 

Interior inspections: bathrooms, kitchens, and trim

Interior spaces may be sheltered from the weather, but they still put sealant to the test every day. Bathrooms are the first place to look, since tubs, showers, and sinks are constantly exposed to water. Cracked or peeling sealant here can quickly lead to mold growth or hidden leaks behind tile and fixtures. 

In kitchens, check along backsplashes, countertops, and sinks for gaps where moisture and food particles can collect. Sealant in these areas should be intact, flexible, and free from stains. Interior trim around windows and doors also deserves attention, because even small gaps here can create drafts that drive up energy costs and result in tenant complaints. When resealing indoors, a dependable product like GE Advanced Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant is a smart choice. Available in three shades, it blends with many trim styles while delivering long-lasting flexibility and mold resistance.

Property maintenance tips: how to evaluate existing silicone sealant

When inspecting silicone sealant, the first step is to recognize the warning signs of failing sealant. Look for cracks, gaps, or shrinking, which indicate the bead has lost flexibility. Sealant pulling away from the surface or no longer fully bonded to trim or tile is another red flag. Discoloration, staining, or visible mold and mildew growth also suggest your sealant is no longer providing an effective barrier. 

In bathrooms or kitchens, run a fingertip along the bead. If it feels brittle or crumbles, you should replace it. Around windows and doors, check for drafts by holding your hand near the edges or using a simple smoke test with incense. Any sign of air or moisture intrusion means replacement is needed. Consistently checking for these indicators during quarterly inspections will help you catch issues early and plan timely resealing projects.

Tools for inspecting and resealing

Having the right tools on hand will make your quarterly property inspections easier and your resealing work look more professional. With a flashlight, you can spot small cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and joints. A moisture meter can help identify hidden leaks behind walls or trim. 

When it comes to removing failed sealant, the GE Sealant Remover Tool allows maintenance teams to scrape away old material cleanly without damaging surrounding surfaces. For applying new beads, a quality caulk gun provides steady pressure, while the GE Sealant Smoothing Tool helps shape a neat, continuous line for a professional finish. Keep painter’s tape and rags nearby for quick cleanups. Stocking these inspection and application tools ensures property managers can handle sealant repairs quickly and maintain tenant comfort with minimal disruption.

To get GE Sealants’ products for your home improvement project, visit these fine retailers in the U.S. or Canada.