It's time to start making your home shipshape and watertight for the long winter months ahead. Usually folks check their home's exterior and caulk just before painting. But it should also be done every fall to make sure all joints and penetrations are well-sealed. Once the rain and snow begin, it's too late. Caulks and sealant won't stick to wet surfaces or won't work properly in cold, damp weather. When you shop, you'll find caulks and sealant for nearly everything from glass and wood to concrete, stone and metal. But all you really need is a polyurethane caulk. It sticks to everything, and stays soft and pliable -- and best of all, it can be painted. Exterior latex caulk with silicone is another good universal choice, but it isn't quite as durable or as flexible as polyurethane caulk. While polyurethane costs more, it also lasts three to four times longer than latex. So to get the most bang for the buck, choose one that does any job needed and lasts longest. You'll be watertight and shipshape this winter. And that's the On The House tip for today.