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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Ed, even though we've not met, I consider you my construction friend through your articles. So, can you help out a friend? I have some cracks and gaps in my present caulking between the tub and the wall tiles. I've cleaned the old caulking with rubbing alcohol and let the tub and shower area dry for a full day, but the new caulking will not adhere to the old caulking! I've tried this twice and as soon as I take the first shower the new caulking peels right off. What do you suggest? John (Vermont)
A: John, since you live in cold area I'll explain what is happening with your tub in simple winter terminology; "Unlike snow, most tub and shower caulk will not pack well or stick together tightly when applied in separate layers." The trick with most caulks is that they can easily enter small spaces in a semi-liquid form when fresh out of the tube. Once caulk cures, it clings to that space or crack and seals up the opening.
With most types of water-based caulks, if you try to apply a second coat of fresh caulking over an older cured layer of caulking, it has no place to bite into or cling to, since the first coat is doing its job: to seal up and repel moisture. Since the new caulk is moist, it usually can't penetrate the old caulking to form a mechanical bond.
Your problem may be that the type of caulking in your tub may not be able to bond with the new caulking. You can try another type of "adhesive" caulking, but in most cases I don't recommend applying caulk over existing caulk.
The best solution to your problem is to completely remove all the old caulking. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are a lot of tools and cleaners on the market that help make old caulk removal easier! What I have found is that smaller, flat caulk-removal tools with semi-hook ends will pull out most of the old caulking. Then a final cleaning really gets the tub ready for new caulking. Be careful though, it is easy to scratch the tub with the tools, and the job can be a little labor-intense.
Since you're from Vermont, I'm sure you like old sayings, and this one applies perfectly for re-caulking tubs and showers; "Out with the old and in with the new." Follow that saying, and your new caulk should stick to your tub as well as Vermont maple syrup sticks to pancakes!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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