I recently noticed that the grout in my shower is cracking and separating, possibly due to movement. It seems that grout was incorrectly used instead of caulk in the corners where the walls meet. I'm considering switching to silicone shower caulk, but I'm unsure whether to apply it directly over the existing grout or if I need to remove all the grout first with a Dremel tool. What should I do?
3 Answers
You could patch up the cracks and then put clear silicone on top. But honestly, for a long-term solution, it's best to remove the grout entirely and start fresh with the caulk. It’ll hold up much better that way.
To really fix that issue, I recommend completely removing the existing grout before applying any silicone caulk. If you just patch over it, the new caulk might crack again because of the movement between the surfaces. A grout removal tool is your best friend here. Once it's all cleared out, you can apply the silicone properly to avoid future cracks.
You're on the right track with using silicone caulk. I suggest using a clear or white silicone for the corners. Just be sure to let it cure for a good amount of time. If you're worried about the existing grout, it's better to remove it before applying the caulk, so you have a solid bond in the corners.