Hey folks, I need some advice on a bathroom renovation that was done about six months ago. Recently, I called back the contractor to address a few issues, one of which was caulking the corners where they initially used grout. I had specifically mentioned the need to remove the grout before applying the caulk, but they ended up just caulking over the existing grout instead. At least they used 100% silicone, but now I'm wondering if I should ask them to come back and do it properly. What do you think? Is there a big impact from what they did? The grout was mostly in decent shape, with just a few light stains and small cracks.
2 Answers
You definitely can caulk over grout, and it’s not a huge problem in general. As long as the caulk was applied well, it should hold up fine. But if you’re concerned about the integrity of the grout or if it has visible cracks, it might be worth discussing with your contractor just to be safe.
From my experience, it's best to remove the old grout especially if it’s cracking. Caulking over it can work, but it may not be the most durable solution since grout doesn’t flex the way caulk does. If the grout is already compromised, it’ll probably just lead to more problems down the line. I'd suggest asking them to redo it for peace of mind.
Totally agree! Caulk is meant for flexing at joints, so if the grout is cracked, it'll just keep cracking under pressure.

Exactly! It's usually fine unless there are major issues with the grout itself. Just keep an eye on it.