tub/shower edge

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Kathy Verbanic
Date: 10/23/2008 12:16 am EDT
Any thoughts on grouting next to tub/shower, and then applying a clear silicone caulk over the grout?

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Journeyman
Date: 10/23/2008 2:28 pm EDT
You should never grout against anything where there is a change-in-plane. Those junctures should always be caulked.

Grouting and then caulking over it doesn't really accomplish anything, there is no reason to do so.

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Kathy Verbanic
Date: 10/23/2008 3:15 pm EDT
okay..I understand the change-in-plane statement. However the" doesn't really accomplish anything" in a clear caulking over the grout question, is about having the same color match next to the tub/shower enclosure. That is why I wanted to know if it would work as well as just trying to match a caulk next to the unit.

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Journeyman
Date: 10/23/2008 7:42 pm EDT
The problem is that the flexibility of the caulk is needed were there is a change in plane or dissimilar materials with different expansion/contraction rates. Installing rigid grout defeats the purpose of the caulk. There are colored caulks available that will match any grout made. That approach would be mine recommendation.

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Mark Z
Date: 1/31/2009 11:36 am EDT
I plan to caulk the joint along my shower and bathtub and then place a piece of molding over the caulk to finish it. Menards has nice molding in their flooring department that matches the tile perfecly.