What You Should Know about Re-Caulking
Nothing last forever, not even the caulking in your bathroom. While it can certainly last for a while, it will eventually need to be replaced. There are some tell-tale signs that it’s time to re-caulk your bathroom, and these include the following:
- Mildew stains in the caulk
- Caulk discoloration
- Caulk that has shrunk
- Cracks in the caulk
Common Areas of Damage
Some of the most common places for caulk damage to occur in the bathroom include places that are often wet, including the corners, edges, and bases of bathtubs and showers. If you have a stand-alone shower, the most common places for caulk damage to occur is on the floor, where the wall and tile meet. In a shower/tub, you might see issues where the tub and wall meet.
Re-caulking
When it comes to re-caulking, the process doesn’t normally take long, but it needs to be done correctly to ensure a proper seal and to reduce the chances of water damage occurring or mold or mildew growing. The process generally involves the following:
- Removing the old caulk. This is an incredibly important step. If the old caulk isn’t removed, the new caulk won’t form a proper seal. Removing the old caulk can be accomplished by scraping it off or by using a caulk softener.
- Cleaning the area. After the old caulk has been removed, it’s important to clean the area, including removing any mold or mildew growth. Neglecting this step may cause more mold and mildew to grow and the new caulk to not form a proper seal.
- Carefully applying new caulk. Using a caulking gun can be beneficial for this step, as can laying down painters’ tape.
- Smoothing and cleaning the new caulk. You can use your finger to accomplish this task or a caulk smoothing tool, whichever you prefer.
While it’s possible to re-caulk an area yourself, having a professional do it will ensure that it’s done properly and prevent future damage, including mold and mildew growth.
Contact the pros at The Grout Specialist for all of your grout and tile needs!
