Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner and not particularly handy. I've been trying to recaulk my bathtub because it's looking dirty and just needs a facelift. I've got a couple of questions:
1. I'm struggling to figure out whether I'm removing caulk or grout. My scraper makes a grinding noise, and it produces some dust, but I also see small strings of material coming out. What could this mean?
2. Even if it's grout, should I still remove it and replace it with caulk, right?
3. I noticed a couple of tiles that are a bit loose and pulling away from the wall. Given my lack of skill, I'm unsure if I should try to fix them or just caulk around them for now until I can do a remodel later. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
Yep, tile adhesive is a good option to put those tiles back in place. Just remember, you’ll need to grout or caulk around the tiles afterward. If you're planning to deal with the caulk/grout where the tile meets the tub, that sounds like a solid plan! Make sure to use a good quality caulk, especially if you're looking for something that lasts a few years. Fingers crossed! Let me know how it goes!
It sounds like you're likely removing grout. I prefer using caulk between the tub and tile. Just a tip: fill the tub with water when applying caulk; the weight will help make the gap larger for a better seal. If your tiles are coming loose, it could indicate water damage behind them. If the area is dry, you can use tile adhesive to reattach them. But if there's water damage, that’ll be a bigger issue. Good luck with your project!