Help with bath tub caulk!?

Question

We bought a condo in 2008 and I have re-caulked my bath tub about 5 times since then and it keeps getting mushy and falling out. I re-do it again and the same thing happens. I have tried all different caulks and let it dry days, even a week and the same result. I have also sat with a hairdryer and dried it and also kept a heater in the bathroom on 100 degrees for a day to dry out before application. The tiles are extremely clean and new looking..the house is about 10 years old. Only one corner tile cracked and I had caulked over it. I noticed that water seems to pool at the back ledge of the tub...maybe this is what is making it fall out? I can't afford a major bathroom remodel! Help!!!

Answer 1

I am guessing that the tub is plastic or fiberglass. I also think that no mortar bed was installed under the tub. In this situation, the tub flexes when someone enters it. This breaks the seal and water enters along the caulk line and weakens it from the inside. Remove all of the caulking. Clean and dry all surfaces that will contact the caulk. Find some heavy, waterproof items (concrete blocks work well) and set them in the tub (use a towel under them to prevent scratching the tub). Fill the tub as full of water as possible. Use a caulk made for tubs and showers and re caulk the tub. Let sit for 24 hours and then drain the water. This allows for expansion of the caulk when someone gets into the tub.

Answer 2

You need to cut out and completely remove all the existing caulk. I typically use a 5 in 1 tool for this. Then wipe the tub with mineral spirits to clean up any residue left by the old caulk. Then fill up the tub with water and apply either 100% silicone caulk or rubberized silicone caulk. Do not use latex caulk for this application. Allow to dry for 24 hours before use.

Answer 3

Mom, Any good brand of tub & tile caulk will work just fine! Like "Dap" brand for example. I think that your problem is that when you're applying your caulk, the surface you are applying it to is NOT DRY! The surface you're applying caulk to must be dry otherwise, it will continue to fail. After you apply the caulk, allow 18 hours for it to cure before you use the tub.

Answer 4

make sure that the tub enclosure will accept caulk, some are made not to be caulked. You can clean it with acetone, then dab MEK just before you caulk. The acetone will clean the surface of any residual petrochemicals and the MEK will rough up the surface to accept caulk.

Answer 5

Suggest you give up with the caulking and go for plastic sealing strip. There are lots on the market to choose from and not pricey. Easy to fit. Make sure your bath is sitting down properly on all 4 feet, and not wobbling, before you fit it.

Answer 6

Dynaflex 230

Answer 7

use Dap dynaflex 230 caulking and do not use silicon. wipe everything with paint thinner first.

Answer 8

I install furniture in hospitals and we use DAP Microban. it's flexible, paintable, and most of all it's antimicrobial. I use it for everything now and have been very satisfied. You can find it at home depot