All Topics > Home Services > Caulking Your Tub and Shower >

Caulking Your Tub and Shower Virginia

The following contains home services information you should know about what to do when your bath or shower needs caulking. Read on if you or a loved one is interested in home improvement and maintenance in Virginia.

Local Companies

Home Handyman Plus
757-714-6100
Serving All Hampton Roads
Chesapeake, VA

Howlett Home Repair
(757) 587-4300
1831 Branchwood St
Norfolk, VA

Ocean Air Heating & Cooling
757-366-8710
812 Live Oak Dr Ste E
Chesapeake, VA

All Star Glass & Mirror Inc
757-222-1721
557 S Birdneck Rd Suite 101
Chesapeake, VA

Garland Smith Enterprises Inc
757-496-2521
2945 Breezy Rd
Chesapeake, VA

selective granite&marble co
703-403-7002
2359 stone fence lane
herndon, VA

mastertubrefinishing
(301) 213-1145
2201 lofty heigth pl
reston, VA

Tub Master Resurfacing Bathtub & Tile Refinishing Repair of Virginia
434-630-8827
US-29 & Dry Fork Rd
Chatham, VA

Custom Structures Inc
(757) 853-4728
2440 Alabama Ave
Norfolk, VA

Dalton Roofing Company Inc
(757) 857-4001
3008 Cromwell RD
Norfolk, VA

Adapted From: Home Maintenance for Dummies

Caulking the connection between your shower walls and tub prevents leaks and reduces mildew buildup. Removing old caulk and recaulking joints between tiles and your tub is an annual bathroom maintenance job.

If you have tile shower walls, there is a very good possibility that a leak could develop between the tile and the tub. As the house moves (a natural process that occurs in every home), a hairline crack can occur that allows water to get into the joint. Once water gets in, there is no telling how much damage can be done.

There's another good reason to recaulk. If you've tried to remove the black mildew stains from caulk, you know the blemishes are often unbudging. That's because the stains are often behind the caulk — between the caulk and the wall. The answer, of course, is to remove the caulk, kill the mildew, and then replace the caulk.

Removing the caulk isn't as hard as it appears. One company makes a product called Caulk-Be-Gone and another makes an Adhesive & Caulk Remover, two commercial products that can assist you in the job. These products are specially formulated to soften caulk for easy removal.

After the caulk has softened (it may take a few hours), remove it with a plastic putty knife. Clean the joint with paint thinner and wipe the area dry with a clean rag.

Then clean the joint with this famous mildew cleaner:

1. Add 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach to 3 quarts of warm water.

2. Add 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent.

3. Mix thoroughly and place in a spray bottle.

4. Spray the mixture onto the mildewed area. Let it sit until the black mildew turns white. Rinse with fresh water.

Although this mixture is mild, don't forget to wear gloves and eye protection and make sure the area is well ventilated. Make sure the detergent you use is ammonia free. Mixing bleach with a solution containing ammonia can release a dangerous gas harmful to your lungs.

Immediately after eradicating the mildew, use a hair dryer or a hot air gun to thoroughly dry out the area. The joint can now be re-caulked.

Use a roll of blue painter's masking tape for a professional-looking job. Apply the tape to the tub 1/8-inch from the joint. Next, apply another strip of tape along the wall, 1/8-inch from the joint. Now the caulking will go between the two pieces of tape, making straight, smooth lines.

Apply tub and tile caulk into the joint and smooth it with your finger, an old teaspoon, or a caulking spreader. Immediately remove the tape by pulling it out and away from the freshly caulked joint. Be careful not to touch the caulk. Let it dry. You simply won't believe how beautiful your job will look.

provided by:

For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.

Featured Local Company

Home Handyman Plus

757-714-6100
Serving All Hampton Roads
Chesapeake, VA

Read more about Caulking Your Tub and Shower

- Products for Showers and Tubs Virginia

For a contemporary shower design, try Preceria shower doors. The curved glass doors add a new dimension to traditional shower enclosures, and create a contemporary bathroom focal point.

- Custom Showers Virginia
- Shower Options Virginia
- Quadrant Shower Enclosures Virginia
- The Ins And Outs Of Installing A Sink Virginia
- Shower Enclosures Virginia
- Repairing A Bathtub Or Shower Virginia
- About Bath Products Virginia
- Handling Shower Door Parts Virginia
- How to Install a Shower Enclosure Virginia

Regional Articles

- Products for Showers and Tubs Virginia

For a contemporary shower design, try Preceria shower doors. The curved glass doors add a new dimension to traditional shower enclosures, and create a contemporary bathroom focal point.

Related Local Events

Remodeling & Home Decor Show
Dates: 9/25/2009 - 9/27/2009
Location: Dulles Expo & Conference Center, Chantilly
Chantilly, VA
View Details

Remodeling and Home Decor Show
Dates: 9/25/2009 - 9/27/2009
Location: Dulles Expo & Conference Center
Chantilly, VA
View Details

Construction Expo-Richmond
Dates: 9/23/2009 - 9/24/2009
Location: Richmond Convention Center, Richmond
Richmond, VA
View Details

Advertising	Food & Beverage	Nightlife
Business Services	Franchise	Online Database
Career	Health	Pets
Cars	Holidays	Real Estate Resources
Computer Hardware	Home Appliances	Retail & Consumer Services
Construction	Home Electronics	Software
Education	Home Services	Technology
Entertainment	Industrial Goods & Services	Telecommunications
Environmental	Insurance	Trade Shows
Family	Internet	Travel
Fashion	Legal	Weddings
Financial Services	Miscellaneous	World History

Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History