Sealant and caulk don’t last forever. They crack, shrink or grow mould with time. It’s a good idea to inspect them every 6 months around bathtubs, showers, sinks and kitchen counters where water is used daily.
Look for gaps where the sealant has pulled away from the wall or tub, hairline cracks, black spots that won’t wash off, or areas that feel loose when touched. Even small gaps can allow water to sneak behind tiles or into cabinets, slowly causing damage you only see much later.
If problems are minor, you can sometimes clean and patch them. If the sealant is badly worn or mouldy, it’s better to remove as much as possible and reapply a fresh, waterproof, mould-resistant bead. Many homeowners can do this themselves with a bit of patience and a steady hand.
This small maintenance job protects walls, floors and wooden structures from hidden moisture, which is far more expensive to fix than a tube of good sealant and an hour’s work.
