New shower stall with gap

Question

Men didn't put caulk in the gap at the bottom of shower part that is above the tub.  What kind of caulk should we use?  The gap is about 1/2 in wide.

Lucid Designs · Answer

I'm assuming you're talking about where the bottom of the shower walls hit the tub? If so, there should not be a 1/2 in gap... that area should be tight enough for a thin line of grout (same as the grout between the tiles on the shower walls). I would call them back to tell them to fix their work. But if they won't, you'll have to use silicone caulk specifically for bath and shower use. Use a color that coordinates with the grout. If this is a bathtub (and not a stand alone shower) fill the tub with water while you caulk. Let the caulk dry before deciding if you need another coat. Once totally filled, let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours (with the water still in the tub). Test for dryness. Don't drain the tub until you know for sure it's done drying.

Darla · Answer

That is definitely not acceptable work. They should come back to fix it, or pay to have someone else do it.

Patsy Jackson Whitson · Answer

make sure it says mold resistant.

SK on Elderberry · Answer

Hi, 
 See if there is any gap between the bottom of the wall and the upper shower wall. If there is a slight opening you might think about slipping in a moisture proof membrane behind this gap and going up into back of the upper shower wall between the shower wall and the wood behind it about an inch. This will help keep moisture from wicking up into the inside wall. You can then silicone caulk the area and use a small rounded off tile edge to cover. Then caulk the edges bottom and top of the tile with silicone caulk. You can actually 'glue' the tiles in place with the silicone caulk. Your local home store will cut the four tiles you need to have them all fit. Good luck. sk

Donna Harcourt · Answer

Shouldn't be a gap, however since there is, I would use silicone if the shower is made of fiberglass, or grout if there is tile. Silicone comes in clear, white, gray, ivory. Hope this helps a bit.

Shirley Kalinosky · Answer

I'll check with my son and see what kind of tub it its. Thanks for the info. When we get it fixed, I will post pics.

Frank Ortega · Answer

I advise using grout the caulk or silicone will shrink and u will still have a problem.  Tape of shower and wall /tile what ever it is and grout grout grout let dry and forget about it

EMILY · Answer

call the installer and have him to get a tube of professional caulking in the same color as the grout. sometimes this happens when the initial grouting settles. caulking is not hard like grout and can move with the settling instead of breaking apart and falling out. if they have a warranty as our company does, they should get the caulking and fix it for free. if they will not give you their time for free, then barter with them for the free tube of caulking to match the grout. it's not hard to do it yourself and those tubes of caulking are $25+, depending on the color and if it has to be special ordered. this installer IS responsible... don't let them get by without helping you with this in any way!!!

Pete Wells · Answer

Don't use grout, it will fail quickly! Silicone caulk, in a color that matches the tub, fills the gap nicely...fill the tub first, allow the caulk to dry, 48 hours is best, before draining tub...good luck!!

Barb Burnham · Answer

Completely disagree with grout. Use clear flexible silicone caulk 3-7 year moisture, mildew resistant. DO follow the instructions  to make sure the area is super clean, fill tub with water first, caulk, leave water in min 24 hrs (48-72 is better) for caulk to  completely cure. Pupose of water is the weight will make the opening  as big as it will ever be. That's what you want to caulk. Once it's cured the caulk (unlike grout) is flexible and will move gentle as the tub is filled/emptied for use.

Meem Kaplan · Answer

I disagree with the grout idea, as well. I love the idea of using tile trim for it! The installer is responsible though and that was shoddy work. As a former residential builder, I would NEVER have left a job like that! If it has been less than a year I would suspect that he is still liable for the work, depending on your local laws. Good luck to you and I do hope you post the final fix!

Linda Thomas · Answer

There is a caulk that is made for Bathrooms. It is for showers and bathtubs. And yes they should come back and fix it right

Caroni Lombard · Answer

It seems to me that you should call back the men who installed your shower and have them do it. They didn't finish the job so they shouldn't charge you for it.

New shower stall with gap

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New shower stall with gap

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