Re-caulking a tub? When you recaulk a bathtub where on earth the floor and the...
When you recaulk a bathtub where on earth the floor and the tub meet, do you want to remove all the outdated caulk first?
Also, what caulk is the best?
We built our home last year and moved contained by this past April. My husband think the house is settling and that is why the caulk pulled away from the tub- it's a bare line and just an inch long at best- but it's there. We don't want mold or dry rot. This tub is uncommonly used- only used 4 times since we moved contained by and by me. I always dry the floor and the outside of the tub so I am puzzled. I checked the other bathrooms- and no dampen issues there. Including the tub the kids use- which is used nightly by a 14 mo. old and an 11 year dated.
Advice and yes, it's covered under warranty, the builder is excellent- we looked knotty and saved a long time up to that time building with them. I'd to some extent do this myself. It would seem a settling issue.
Thanks for your answers from a fresh homeowner.
Answers: First off yes you want to remove all the infirm caulk and clean up the surface beside a solvent. You don't want your new caulk to bond to the infirm failed caulk.
I other use a silicone caulk around water, it simply is the best for this application. Look for a caulk that have a antimicrobial agent in it. It is much smaller quantity likely to hold mold growing on it. I prefer GE Silicone II.
Here is a little trick that will amass you having the unknown caulk pull away resembling the old stuff did. Fill the tub next to water consequently caulk the joint between the tile and tub.
The counterweight of the water will create the tub to settle slightly. If you don't do it this way the first time you teem the tub the caulk can pull past its sell-by date the tile leaving a hairline crack.
Use an Adhesive latex. It cleans up beside water, so you can smooth it around the tub, after it will dry and last for years. Be sure you fully verbs away ALL the old stuff to avoid mold comming put money on. Remove all old-fashioned stuff and clean near a water/bleach solution, then recaulk.