Why Caulk Fails in Florida Bathrooms
The bead of caulk around a tub or shower keeps water out of the wall. When it cracks or pulls away, water gets behind the tile every time someone showers, and the damage happens where you cannot see it.
Why it fails
- The wrong product. Painter's acrylic caulk is for trim. Wet areas need 100% silicone or a sealant made for kitchens and baths.
- New caulk over old. A fresh bead on top of a failed one does not bond and traps moisture underneath.
- A damp joint. Caulk applied to a joint that is not fully dry will let go.
- Movement. A tub flexes when filled and stood in. Rigid or thin caulk cracks.
- Constant humidity. A bathroom that never dries out grows mildew on and under the bead.
- Harsh cleaners, which break down the surface over time.
What a proper recaulk involves
- Remove all of the old caulk, down to clean tile and tub.
- Clean off soap film and treat any mildew in the joint.
- Let the joint dry completely. This can mean leaving the shower unused for a day first.
- Apply one continuous bead of the right sealant and tool it smooth.
- Keep water off it for the cure time on the tube.
Caulk or grout?
Grout goes between tiles on the same flat surface. Caulk goes wherever two surfaces meet at an angle or two materials meet: tub to tile, wall to wall in the corner, counter to backsplash. Corners filled with grout crack, because corners move.
How often
There is no fixed schedule. Look at it every few months. Recaulk when you see gaps, cracking, peeling edges, or dark spots that do not clean off.
Make it last
- Run the exhaust fan during the shower and for a while after.
- Leave the shower door or curtain open to let it dry.
- Wipe down standing water in corners.
When caulk is not the fix
Dark staining that returns from behind the bead, loose tiles, a soft wall, or a musty smell mean water is already inside. That needs drying and possibly mold work from our sister company DryMiami. A leaking valve or drain needs a licensed plumber.
For joints that just need redoing, see caulking and sealing.
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