*
Using grout in lieu of caulking.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The RealTruck AMP Research Bedsteps give you easy access to your truck-bed storage.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
I just completed remodeling my bathroom with all new plumbing fixtures and ceramic tile on the floor and tub surround. My contractor talked to me about placing grout in the joint where the wall tile meets the tub. He said caulk will not stay clean over time. I told him that a hairline crack will eventually develop in the grout joint between the tub and the tile. He said that will not cause a problem because water can only go between the tub flange and the cement board which both are water resistant. I agreed, but said it is risky and the crack will become a great place for mold and mildew to grow. I gave my directions that I wanted the joint caulked. He grouted it anyway. I fear the situation is permanent. Do I have any recourse? Will adding caulk now over the grout do any good?
*
Wait until the grout cracks out and replace it with caulk. Do this where the tub meets the floor tile, also.
*Hey Brian,Sounds like you were on the right track, it's unfortunate your contractor didn't listen to you, or the fact that you had to point it out to him or her.Every tile contractor I work with uses caulk in these areas which are suseptible to cracking, ie... along the tub & tile line & at the base of the tub. Which is the reason tile and grout manufactures have created a line of color matching caulks to use with tile installations.If it were my tub, I would completely remove the grout within the joint and reapply a clean bead of caulk, making sure to allow enough time for the caulk to cure before using the tub.This way you end up with a uniform bead set well within the joint rather than a thin film over the existing grout which would surely peel away.Mask off the edge of the tub when scrapping the joint clean to protect from scratching.Better yet, tell your contractor to do as he or she was instructed to do originally.
*
Using grout in lieu of caulking.