On a tub surround, if grout cracks out between the tile and the tub, what repair is recommended?

On a tub surround, if grout cracks out between the tile and the tub, what repair is recommended?

• A. Replace Hard Grout With Silicone Sealant
• B. Paint Over Crack
• C. Replace Tile At Bottom Portion Of Wall
• D. Replace With Hard Grout

Answer: (A)

The joint between tile and tub needs a flexible seal, not rigid grout, because that area moves slightly and stays wet. When grout cracks there, remove the cracked grout and apply silicone sealant in the joint. Silicone stays flexible and waterproof, so it accommodates movement and blocks water from seeping behind the tile. Hard grout is rigid and will crack again under movement, leading to leaks and mold. Painting over the crack doesn’t fix the underlying issue, and replacing the tile is unnecessary unless the tile itself is damaged. So the best repair is to replace the hard grout with silicone sealant.

The joint between tile and tub needs a flexible seal, not rigid grout, because that area moves slightly and stays wet. When grout cracks there, remove the cracked grout and apply silicone sealant in the joint. Silicone stays flexible and waterproof, so it accommodates movement and blocks water from seeping behind the tile. Hard grout is rigid and will crack again under movement, leading to leaks and mold. Painting over the crack doesn’t fix the underlying issue, and replacing the tile is unnecessary unless the tile itself is damaged. So the best repair is to replace the hard grout with silicone sealant.