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.