Bathroom Remodeling Tips – Re-caulking the Bathtub




St Paul Handyman provides bathroom remodeling tips for homeowners beginning with re-caulking the bathtub for a clean, waterproof seal.  I hope you enjoy this article written by Keith Paul, founder of HandyPro Handyman Services:
“The caulking around my bathtub is discolored and breaking apart. I’d like to take it out and put new caulk, something I’ve never done. Where do I start?” - Ann R.

Re-caulking your bathtub does not have to be a nightmare but can be a positive experience, if done correctly. It is easy for water to seep through the cracks and cause major damage around the tub enclosure and framing. If you are proactive and re-caulk, you can save hundreds (sometimes thousands) in water damage repair bills.
Here are a couple tricks of the trade to help you:

1. There are many caulk removal tools in hardware stores, but the best tool I have used is the old fashion utility knife with a brand new blade. Be careful not to scratch the tub or shower surround. Cut the caulk from the top down and across the bottom. This technique will help you remove longer pieces at a time.

2. Remove all excess caulk with a sturdy putty knife. If you have stubborn silicone caulk, you may need a pair of needle nose pliers to help pry it away from the surface.

3. Clean the surface - meticulously! This is a must for proper adhesion of the new caulk. Use a soap scum remover and mildew cleaner. Acetone or mineral spirits are also commonly used.

4. Let it dry completely.

5. Before applying the new caulk, fill the bathtub ½ way with water. This is a necessary step, because the weight of the water can lower the tub, allowing for expansion and better adhesion of the caulk, thus creating a tighter seal when someone steps into the tub.

6. Choose a bathroom mildew-resistant caulk and reapply. A helpful tip before caulking is to apply blue painter's tape and across the top and the bottoms of your caulk line, approximately ¼ inch from the corner of the tub and wall. Be sure to pull off the tape before the caulk dries, and you will have straight and professional lines!

When completed correctly, re-caulking can be a relatively easy project. Just be sure to have the right tools and attitude, and a clean shower you will have!

HandyPro Handyman Service specializes in helping residents and business owners with everything from small home repairs to home remodeling and additions, commercial building repair and maintenance, and service in over 1600 categories. 

HandyPro will send a local qualified handyman, licensed and insured, to provide an accurate upfront quote for services.  All HandyPro home repair contractors are background checked and drug screened to ensure the customer that they can be trusted with their home.  Professional workmanship according to the customer’s desires is the main focus of the local handyman who shows up on time, respects the customer’s home and provides superior service with close attention to detail.  Colin Dickey serves the Twin Cities area, Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding neighborhoods. 


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