Caulking around the bathtub is a step of Maintenance. It will stop the water from seeping, prevent damages and protect from mildew as well. Caulking the bathroom will also create a more excellent appearance around your bathtub.
Then, why do people look for alternatives to caulking around the bathtub?
Well, the reason is there are some incredible alternative options that provide better help than caulking. Some of them are easier to do and hold no risk as well. Even if you’ve applied caulk before, consider removing that thoroughly. Then, you can use any other alternatives.
Before you make any decision, you better know about all the alternative options to caulking. Then, you can decide for yourself which one suits your comfort level better.
Contents
What does caulk do around your bathtub?
Well, the primary function of caulking is to prevent moisture from damaging your bathroom wall, drains and pipes. Caulking will stop seeping water into the wall. As a result, you’ll be free from any mildew growth over the surface. To get a waterproof and weather-resistant surface around the bathtub, people click around the bathtub. Caulking also seems to look nicer. Using the right type of caulk over the right surface will create a better appearance.
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Why should you go for caulk alternatives?
Although caulking is essential, it’s not that reliable. Beforehand, caulking was the only option for protecting the bathtub and your bathroom. Now, there have fortunately evolved some effective alternatives too. You better learn about the caulking drawbacks before going for other options.
Caulking drawbacks:
- The major caulking disadvantage is, it’s nothing permanent. It will give a pleasant but temporary finishing. Caulking seems to last around a few months only. At the same time, the other alternatives can last years.
- Although caulking is meant to serve waterproof and weather-resistant performance, it’s not entirely protected by humidity. Your bathroom will always experience frequent changes in temperature. Too much moisture will crack down the caulk.
- Usually, your bathtub and bathroom go under a lot of chemical reactions. From cleaning products to cosmetics, each product holds varieties of chemical ingredients. And caulk is never chemical resistant. So, your caulk can easily get ruined by the effects of those chemicals.
- Caulk can also be toxic to human skin. Yes, caulk is not at all 100% safe/ Especially if your baby or pet gets in touch with caulk, which can turn hazardous. Even caulk poisoning can cause eye irritation along with skin diseases.
- Caulk is not that smooth to look at. It’s a pretty heavy and bulky element to use. This seems to be a drawback for many users.
Best Alternatives to Caulking Around the Bathtub
Now that you’ve learned about caulk drawbacks, you must give a quick check over the alternative options. There are a lot of alternative options available. However, these are the most effective and safe alternative options among all.
Follow here to learn:
Cord/ peel & stick Trim
You’ll find peels and sticks anywhere online. It is not that high a budget but compelling enough. Cord/ peel and stick trim works really well as a sealant. Also, you’ll get these available in various colors and designs. So, you can easily decorate around a bathtub. The most important thing is, peel and stick trim will provide waterproof and weather-resistant performance. But make sure you’re installing it well. Don’t bother to take professional help if needed.
Spray Foam
Polyurethane spray foam seems to be a fantastic caulking alternative. Spray foam seems easier to work with and cheaper than other expensive elements as well. Fortunately, spray foam comes in various developed ways these days. You will get 100% weather-resistant and waterproof performance through applying it. You can use it anywhere around the bathtub, shower or sink. It will not only create sealing but also give you a mess-free finishing.
Grout
Grout is a fantastic alternative to protect your bathroom walls. It is made of sand, water, cement and gravel. Such a mixture works as the most effective and expensive type of caulk. If you’re searching for some budget-friendly alternative, grout can be an excellent pick.
Sealant Tape
Sealant tape is a quite popular alternative option. It protects your bathroom walls, sinks and pipes from getting damaged. You can even relax about leakages with this. However, it is not as durable as caulk. Additionally, sealant tape is available in various colors and designs. So, you can choose your preferred design to decorate around the tub as well.
Shower corner sealant
If you’ve got a reasonable budget, go for a professional shower corner sealant. There are various silicone shower trays available in many designs. You can pick any design/ color according to your bathtub design and shade. These are absolutely safe and last long enough.
Expose Resin sealer
Expose resin sealer works effectively around the bathtub. This will create glossy finishing along with water-resistant performance. Expose resin sealers are quick and flexible to install.
Remove damaged caulk before applying alternatives
Before you apply any of these alternatives, consider removing the old caulk properly. Else none of these options will create effective results.
For that, you might have to use some professional tools. If you’ve got every element and time, try removing the old caulk by yourself. It’s going to save a lot of time.
Start by softening the caulk with a heat gun/ hair dryer. Then, get a putty knife and sterile the caulk thoroughly. If there are multiple layers of caulks, try to use needle-nosed pliers. Finally, clean the entire surface properly. You can use a professional caulk remover too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t remove the old caulk around the tub?
Not removing the old caulk will create mold, dust and stains over the bathtub and wall. It can create permanent damages too. Even when you want to try other sealants, they won’t work effectively. You better remove the old caulk on time.
When should you use sealant tape instead of caulk?
You should use caulk when you experience any leakages and want a quick but temporary fix. Sealant tape is adequate but not practical for long time use.
Final words
Caulking around the bathtub is definitely a brilliant idea. Almost every professional recommends providing such protection around your bathtub. But caulking is not the only option here. You will get various alternatives as well. Here you have got to know about some fantastic options for caulking around the bathtub. Try to follow the correct procedure and apply any of these for better protection.