If you have problems where the tile grout meets the tub, you’re not alone. Many people scratch their heads and wonder if they should re-grout this transition area or apply a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the tub.

The page on shower grout and caulking talks about the importance of inspecting the grout for areas of crumbling or cracking. Every tile grout corner, vertical or horizontal, should be examined as well as the seal around the plumbing fixtures. Where the tiles meet the rim of the tub is a transition area where grout has a very difficult time. Since grout is not flexible, any expansion or contraction or movement of the tub or walls can cause grout cracking and flaking. To fix this tub-rim area the long range solution is to use our grout removal procedures and replace it with a flexible caulk. Just filling the cracks with more grout will only lead to more cracks.

After scraping out the grout with a Grout Getter, clean the joints and allow any water to thoroughly dry. Fill the entire joint with a bead of caulk and tool with your finger using enough pressure to force the caulking completely into the joint. Then wash the excess caulk with a sponge, making several passes until the caulk is uniform and even. Rinsing the sponge several times during this process will make it easier to properly smooth the caulk..

Our Color Fast Tile & Grout Caulk is an acrylic siliconized formula, easy to apply and is moisture and mildew resistant. It’s available in all the major grout colors in sanded or non-sanded formula so that even its texture will match the other tile grout joints.