I'm facing an issue where my bathtub pulls away from the tile above it whenever it's full of water, causing a gap in the caulk. I attempted to recaulk it while the tub was full to ensure proper adhesion, but I didn't keep it full until the caulk was completely cured, and unfortunately, the gap appeared again with the new caulk. I'm wondering if I should try using weight or water again while recaulk, leaving the weight there until it cures. Is there a better sealant for this area that can handle the stress? I used a siliconized acrylic caulk that matches the tile grout color, but maybe it's not durable enough?
1 Answer
It sounds like your primary issue might not be the caulk but rather the stability of the tub itself. If it's pulling away, that could indicate problems underneath, like water damage to the subfloor or lack of proper support. It's crucial to fix the underlying issue before just applying caulk as a temporary solution. If you decide to use caulk, I'd recommend the GE advanced kitchen and bath silicone variety, as it's better suited for this sort of application. However, there are also concerns about that brand running and not providing a clean finish, so keep that in mind! Definitely consider getting a plumber or contractor to check it out—better safe than sorry!
Honestly, GE advanced silicone hasn't worked well for me either; it's runny and looks messy. I've had to redo jobs because of it. I'd suggest looking for a high-quality silicone that's specifically made for heavy-duty use. You might have better luck!