Question:

I am having a problem with mildew around the tub where the tub surround and tub meet. The surround is only a couple of years old and I have had to replace the calking three times already due to mildew. It seems to be coming from behind the calking. Short of ripping the walls out what can I use to stop this or at least last a longer time period before having to redo? I have tried the tape instead of the calking because it is wider and hoping it would last longer but it doesn't stick very well and had to throw it away because it wouldn't adhere.

Answer:

I would first try to understand why you were getting the mildew problem in the first place. Is the room ventilation adequate (exhaust fan working well); is the tub deck pooling water in any of the corners; is the room getting a chance to dry out between uses; are there cracks in the grout or the tile in the surround? Having to replace the caulking every year is not typical. you also may be right in that the mold is coming from behind the caulk. When you remove the caulk you have to ensure as much as possible that all the caulk is removed and that there is no mold left in the gap you create. After the gap is clean spray it with a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and let it dry before recaulking. this should help to kill the mold in the gap. When recaulking use a mold and mildew resistant silicone caulk to help prevent mold from coming back through. Bob Bathrooms First www.bathroomsfirst.ca

Answered By: Bob Steele

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