I just bought a new home, and I've run into a problem with the shower. The caulking job in the walk-in shower is terrible and has started leaking. I've begun removing the old caulk, but the silicone used under the curb is too far out and will end up in contact with the new caulk I'm planning to apply. I also discovered that there are beads of silicone in any gap before the caulk I just removed. I'm wondering whether the old caulk failed because of the bond between the two different silicones, and what's the best approach for applying the new caulk without running into the same issue. I've added links to pictures in the comments for reference!
2 Answers
When I faced a similar issue, I found the best approach was to apply a primer before putting down the new caulk, especially if you're dealing with leftover silicone. Just a heads up, though, since you mentioned the best long-term fix might be replacing everything. In the meantime, keep an eye on the areas you caulk and test for leaks after it cures. Good luck!
It sounds like you've got quite a mess on your hands! Most likely, the old caulk failed because of mixing different types of silicone, which can cause a poor bond. For a quick solution, I recommend cleaning the area thoroughly and letting it dry. Try to use a silicone caulk that’s specifically designed for wet areas. This way, it should adhere properly and help prevent further leaks. If you can’t remove all the old silicone, you might apply the new caulk just over it rather than taking a chance with the existing mess.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely try the primer and make sure to monitor for leaks after I reapply the caulking.