A Handymans Guide To Re-caulking Your Shower

A Handymans Guide To Re-caulking Your Shower

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Most experts (and any reputable handyman) agree that you should re-caulk your shower and tub about every 3-5 years. Old caulk can allow moisture to get inside your wall, causing mildew and the deterioration of your sheetrock. Recaulking takes a steady hand and is the perfect job for a local handyman. However, if you decide to take this project on yourself, here are the steps to take when replacing the caulk:

1.Pre-clean the area with a bathroom cleanser/soap scum remover. Remove the old caulk by cutting or scraping it away with a knife or razor blade. It should peel off easily. Soften stubborn and dried caulk with commercial caulk remover that allows you to more easily scrape it away. You can also use a heat gun to warm up the caulk and make it easier to remove. Work your way around the edge of the tub or shower, softening and then removing the caulk with your razor.

2.Vacuum up remaining bits of caulk and clean the seams with rubbing alcohol to remove caulk, soap scum, and other materials that accumulate in the shower's corners. Check to see if there is mildew growing behind the caulk. If you have a lot of mildew, use a mildew killer or a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of it. Let the area dry thoroughly (24 to 36 hours) before you start re-caulking.


3.Lay down strips of masking tape 1/8 inch from the seam to prevent caulk from bleeding over onto tile or walls. Place the caulk in the caulk gun and cut off the container's tip with scissors. Depress the caulk gun's trigger and run the caulk along the seam in a smooth, steady motion, leaving a thin bead of caulk which covers the seam completely. Make sure you put on enough or it will not provide complete protection. As you dispense the caulk, use this handyman trick and smooth it out with a wet finger.

4.Once you've caulked all the seams, wait 30 minutes and then remove the tape. Wait 24 to 48 hours before using the shower/tub. If possible, don't use the bathroom at all during this time. The caulk will dry more completely in an unused bathroom.

About the Author:
Joaquin Erazo, Jr. is with Case Handyman and Remodeling. Find a local handyman near you!

Learn more about handyman services on our website.

(c) 2010 Joaquin Erazo, Jr.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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