How to make the caulking and grout last in your bathroom

Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or just want to freshen up the appearance of the space, it’s important to choose the best grout and caulk when working with a tile project or a tub surround.  

Grout and caulk, while similar, they are not the same thing. Grout is a powder that, when combined with water and properly applied, makes your bathroom shower or tub surround installation completely waterproof. It keeps water and moisture from seeping in behind tiles and enclosures, which can cause damage to your installation and your walls.  

Caulk is a flexible material that is placed along the joint of a tiled wall and bathtub to make that joint completely waterproof.  

Choosing quality products, as well as proper maintenance, will help your grout and caulk last longer and your bathroom installation look beautiful for years to come.  

Choose a quality grout 

Your bathroom finishing project starts by choosing a quality grout. Grout is the thick paste used to seal the cracks between tiles. Grout keeps the tiles in place, as well as provides a nice, finished appearance to a bathroom shower or tub.  

There are several types of grouts to choose from, cement, epoxy, and single-component.  

Cement grout is made from a porous material, which can allow water to seep into the grout, where mold and mildew can form. This type of porous material also allows for dirt and other environmental elements to attach to the grout, making it susceptible to staining. Cement-based grout is also, surprisingly, not waterproof. This disadvantage can cause the grout to damage quickly after installation; therefore, it should always be installed with the help of a finishing sealer. 

Epoxy grout is a strong and durable material, highly resistant to staining, damaging cracks, and high-moisture content conditions. Unlike cement grout, epoxy grout lasts much longer and doesn’t tend to crumble over time. It can last the lifetime of your shower or tub surround. Also, unlike cement grout, there is no need to use a finishing sealer.  

Single-component grout, made from low-porous materials, will repel mold and mildew. Made from literally a “single component,” this grout is either made from urethane or acrylic-silicone resin. It is pretty durable and resists staining and crumbling. Just like epoxy grout, It does not need to be sealed. Unlike epoxy and cement grout, this grout is usually sold in a bucket with a lid, so you can use as much or as little as you need for your application.  

Choose a quality caulk 

Once you’ve selected the best grout for your job, move next to choosing a quality caulk, to seal around the edges where you will not use the grout. 

Be sure to choose a caulk labeled “for bathroom use,” so you can be sure you are getting a waterproof brand and one formulated to repel mold, mildew, and bacteria. The types of caulk are silicone or latex.  

Silicone caulk is most commonly used in bathrooms as it stays flexible throughout its use. It doesn’t peel or crack and provides a waterproof barrier against moisture.  

Latex caulk should usually only be used in areas where there is not a lot of water, so areas where you need to fill in gaps, such as in walls, ceilings, or wood trim. It is easy to use and clean up, provides a good seal, and can be colored to match your application.  

Choose a quality sealer 

You’re almost through shopping! Move on to the next item on your list - sealer. Grout is not waterproof, so if you want to ensure that your grout and caulk last, you’ll need to apply a sealer after the application.  

By choosing a quality sealer, you will help to prevent staining and mold, and mildew. The material of grout is “sanded,” which means that as soon as it is applied, the grout in the tile joints becomes a porous material that will absorb what it comes in contact with. When you apply a sealer to the grout, after it is completely cured, you prevent the grout being able to soak up exposed moisture.  

There are two types of sealer, penetrating and non-penetrating. You should opt for a penetrating sealer to use with your bathroom project since this non-penetrating type of sealer does not allow for water evaporation. To keep your grout looking, and performing, its best, reapply the sealer once or twice a year. This will lengthen the life of the grout, as well as inhibit mold and mildew growth.  

Choosing a quality sealer will also help to maintain the look of your grout by preventing stains to set in from dirt, or other outside elements. The type of sealer that penetrates will soak right into the surface of the grout, but it won’t change its color. If you need to match the color of pre-existing grout, you can purchase a colored sealer.  

Proper maintenance of grout and caulk 

We’ve already talked about the importance of sealing the grout and using caulk to increase stability. This is the first step in proper maintenance. The other ways to properly maintain your grout and caulk are regular cleaning and proper ventilation.  

Do light cleaning every day 

Use a squeegee in your shower each day, to remove the excess moisture that accumulates after a hot, steamy shower. It is a time-consumption on your day, but in the long run, it can not only keep your home value up, by preventing the growth of mold and mildew, but it will also help keep your family healthier by not being exposed to those formations.  

Ventilate the bathroom

A bathroom constantly has moisture in it. If this moisture is not removed, it’s going to sit and accumulate on surfaces, including the grout and caulk. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, install one. The cost of purchasing and installing one will be far less than having to pay for mold and mildew removal and restoration. Make sure to turn on the fan each time you use the shower or tub with hot water, and keep it running for 20-30 minutes afterward.  

By choosing the right products for your bathroom installation, and maintaining a daily routine of good maintenance, you can ensure that your grout and caulk will stay beautiful and functional for the life of your bathroom. 

About The Author

Correct caulking are the leading joint sealing applicators in Victoria, they have over 10 years’ experience in all types of construction from custom homes to high rise buildings.