Weep Holes for Tile/Tub Joint?
What’s the proper technique for finishing the horizontal joint between the bathtub rim and wall tile? Juding by the number of joints that I’ve seen with caulk, this seems to be the accepted practice, however I see two problems with this technique…1) any water that gets behind the tiles is trapped behind the joint, and 2) the caulking usually needs replacement every 1-2 years as mildew begins to grow on it (even with mildew resistant caulking).
Wouldn’t a better technique be to fill the joint with grout, thereby allowing water that gets behind it to escape the joint AND eliminate the possibility of the mildew growth on the caulking? Why isn’t this the accepted practice?
I can also envision a technique using weep holes and twine, but don’t think most customers would like the finished look.
Is there anyone out there that has solved this age old problem?
Replies
Good Quality Caulk
Dan,
Thanks for your insight. Do you have a recommendation on a caulk...type (silicone, latex, etc.) or brand?
We usually use homemade cleaners around our place (baking soda/vinegar based), but who knows what customers use. I'm just tired of recaulking my own tub for the 3rd time in 10 year (and should have done it more like 5 times over that same period). I'm thinking that I should just grout the gap and see what happens, but worry about trying to get it back out (if I need to) without scratching my ABS tub finish.
Jim
I generally just use Dap's best silicone tub caulk. Other people swear by other types.
To keep the caulk clean use a shower spray (one such as Arm & Hammer's that doesn't contain bleach) at least once every 3-4 showers. These sprays function kind of like the rinse agent in a dishwasher and make the water sheet off, avoiding scum buildup.