Houston Home Maintenance Tips

Re-caulk to Seal Bathroom Joints in your Houston Home

Few household tasks are less desirable than removing mold and mildew from bathroom tile. And considering how much you (and the rest of America) spends on household cleaning products every year, you're probably keen to just look the other way when mold rears its ugly head.

Aside from looking gross and feeling slimy to the touch, many people are actually allergic to mold, making it a health hazard as well. So, even though de-molding your bathroom tub or shower may not be at the top of your to-do list, it's definitely a task that shouldn't be overlooked.

Joints susceptible to wetness and leaks and, therefore, mold and mildew include:

• breaks in your caulking
• leaky faucets
• cracks in your tile
• cracks in your grout

Here's how to remove & replace your bathroom caulking:

• Caulk softening products can be applied and left to settle for a few hours to make the caulk easier to remove.
• An inexpensive plastic putty knife is the easiest way to scrape away old caulking.
• Once the caulking has been removed, use a clean towel to brush away any leftover debris and to dry the area.
• If mildew and mold are present even after the caulking has been disposed of, use your bathroom cleaner of choice to get rid of the grime.
• Once everything is clean and dry, you may apply the new caulk into the joints and smooth it down with a caulking spreader, a plastic spoon, a towel, or even your finger.
• Be sure to let the new caulking dry before using the shower or touching it.

Caulking repair should ideally be a twice-a-year task, although if you can only afford the time to do it annually, you can still save yourself a significant headache and long cleaning days.

Choose silicone caulking for your bathroom leak repairs. Silicone's adhesive qualities are much higher than some other forms of caulking, making it ideal for a wet environment. Even if mold isn't your main concern, remember that leaks can cause standing water, which can lead to damaged woodwork and carpeting - expensive repairs you'd definitely prefer to avoid!

Is your moldy shower caused by a pipe leak? Don't wait; schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Houston bathroom plumbing repair contractors today.