Q&A for How to Caulk Shower Enclosures

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Question

How can I use a hairdryer to remove caulk?

Eric Shipe
Home Improvement Specialist
Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.

Eric Shipe

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Use the hairdryer with a low setting to melt the caulk. Then scrape it off with a razor blade. Keep in mind that this can only work when the silicone caulk isn't between pieces of plastic, or it will cause damage.

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Question

What is the advantage of using a caulk removal tool?

Eric Shipe
Home Improvement Specialist
Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.

Eric Shipe

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Using a caulk removal tool is advantageous because it works with acrylic, latex, and silicone.

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Question

On my shower door, there are slots that would appear to let water inside the door at the bottom. Won't caulking the door at the very bottom keep that water from escaping, causing mold and mildew?

Community Answer

Yes, that's why you would caulk your weep-holes, not the door itself.

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Question

Do I seal all four corners sides on the inside?

Community Answer

No, that's likely not nearly enough. You'll need to caulk any and all visible cracks, including on the ceiling. All moisture and humidity should be handled only by the plumbing and exhaust fan.

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Question

I'm using Mapei unsanded siliconized acrylic caulk in a relatively large gap between my shower wall and the pebbled floor. If I let each application dry for 48 hours before adding more, will the layers adhere to each other?

Community Answer

Pure silicone caulk will not stick to old, dried caulk. The latex and acrylic stuff might give some stick, but don't rely on it, especially around an area that is guaranteed to get a lot of water exposure. Remove all the old caulk first, then get a foam backer that fills most of the gap (also called backer rod, or backer rope, you can get it at the big box stores) and use that to fill the gap. Then, caulk over that with a high quality silicone. That should give the best results.

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Question

My shower walls heat up and pop the caulking. How do I caulk the walls so this stops happening?

Community Answer

It actually sounds like you have a construction flaw where water is getting behind the tile and you've caulked unknowingly to a moist surface. Re-build to correct it and your caulking.

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Question

Should I use acrylic or silicon sealant?

Community Answer

It's your choice. As long as the caulk is bath and tub purposed, you'll get the same results and longevity. (I much prefer the acrylic though.)

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