BATHROOM AND WET AREAS CAULKING
Ensuring a watertight seal in your bathroom is crucial to protect fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and showers. This seal acts as a barrier, preventing water from seeping into crevices and causing issues like mold, rot, or water stains.
Beyond safeguarding against damage, proper caulking preserves the bathroom's structural integrity by repelling moisture and preserving surrounding materials.
Today, caulking has replaced grouting in all tile joints, as silicone provides superior longevity and flexibility. Below are some of the reasons why:
Flexibility: Caulk is more flexible than grout. Corners are subject to movement due to settling, temperature changes, and building vibrations. Grout, which is rigid, can crack under such movement, whereas caulk can flex and remain intact.
Waterproofing: Caulk provides a better seal against water. Since corners are more likely to accumulate water, caulk helps prevent moisture from seeping into the walls or floors, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage.
Ease of Repair: Caulk is easier to remove and replace than grout. If the caulk becomes damaged or moldy, it can be cut out and reapplied relatively easily. Grout repairs in corners, however, are more labor-intensive and may require re-grouting larger areas to ensure a proper bond.
Overall, using caulk in the corners of bathroom tiles improves durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance.