Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Santura type caulking?

31 December 2015

Re: [DIY] Santura type caulking?

Jan I was thinking the same thing...hope the original poster will answer the question of who is going to do this for $200? Is it the person who put it in and it only lasted 6 months and did they guarantee it. Even if they didnt gaurantee it they should come back and redo it.

Joyce aka Mom aka Nana

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 7:33 AM, 'oakridgefarm@gmail.com' oakridgefarm@gmail.com [DoIt_Yourself] <DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Joyce, if you paid to have this done 6 months ago — are they going to cover part of the cost? If the caulk is pulling apart it must be flexing, sounds like when the tub is full of water the weight is pulling it away from the wall, maybe the tub needs more support underneath? It's not fun to remove old caulking but it's an easy diy. You can buy little plastic tools, specifically made to remove the old caulk and smooth the new - $3-$4, so common we can even buy them in the grocery store here. Done this job many times over the years and recently in the master bathroom and kitchen before we sold our house a few months ago. Things I've learned that will make a difference in the long run: Take the time to remove ALL the old caulk then clean it thoroughly, new stuff won't stick otherwise. Before you begin, ensure the area is completely dry - not just dried off, let it dry overnight. Clean it with alcohol before you re-caulk. Don't lay in too thick a line thinking more is better, and be sure you let it dry the recommended time before you us the tub again, usually overnight. Too, for small areas I like the tubes, easier to handle, but for long runs you can get a better application with the gun. You want a solid line end to end, if possible, not start and stop.

You can get caulk in colors or clear, so it blends in - and some brands can be painted. There are also several that are made to be flexible - without cracking, thats where the mildew gets in. Don't know your actual situation but $200 to caulk a tub is a lot of money, even including materials and labor - are they going to guarantee the work this time? We don't have Menards here but I'll bet there is someone who will show you the different types and explain how to use it. Our Lowe's and Home Depot both pride themselves on teaching you how to diy :) Really, unless there is a personal reason, this is something you can do yourself for less than $25 (+-) I'm 73 so age isn't a deterrent :)

Jan Flood
oakridgefarm@gmail.com