Caulking holes in vertical surfaces?

[Camper_bob]

So let's say I'm inspecting the caulk around the various plugs, vents, etc. in the walls. Say I find a spot that looks somewhat suspect. Should I just clean the spot and put caulk over top of the original caulk, or should I remove the existing caulk and start fresh?

My instinct says to remove the old stuff, but I've never done anything like this before...

[Rustic Eagle]

I've done it both ways...., for me it depends on the location, and then there's the "cosmetic" value.

Bob

[havnfun]

I agree with Eagle. Done it both ways but it does feel more "complete" when I remove the old caulk first. That way I know what's underneath is corrected.

[DocBrown]

x3. For cosmetic reasons I usually remove the old caulk. Caulking over old caulk, well, it looks like you caulked over the old stuff!

[clutch]

X4 I always try and remove as much of the old caulk as I can.