Having had a home where the previous owner used silicone along the meeting walls of a shower stall, I hesitate to do the same thing. What that produced was soaked walls with mildew that needed an entire replacement.
My current home also has a stall shower. Minor cracks along the meeting walls. So I used Custom Building Products Simple Fix grout repair product along the meeting walls and around the bathroom where the walls meet the floor. All joints were previously grouted where wall tiles meet the floor tiles (an old house). This grout manufacturer recommended removal of the old grout and replace with silicone, and did not like the idea of silicone over the grout. But this is not practical as the old grout is very hard and I would surely crack tiles. I was also cautioned that grout sealant ( have TileLab grout sealant that’s a few years old) would not penetrate their material well and advised not to use silicone over the grout. Even their professional silicone.
So my first thought was that silicone over the grout seemed like a good idea to me if the materials are well prepared first. I doubted that was done on my previous home.
On second thought, I’ve become wary that if the silicone should become loosened over time, or otherwise permit moisture under it’s surface, it may just permit water to soak the grout, and I don’t want a repeat of my first experience.
So the untreated grout will at least have opportunity if wet to dry out.
Any useful input would be appreciated.
Replies
Wow, not a single reply. No one with any idea here? I must ask easier questions. Maybe go somewhere else.
This is one of those I wouldn’t recommend or estimate sight unseen over the phone.
Then why the reply?
Why?
Because.
Because why?
I can’t see it, and the description doesn’t give a clear picture.
That’s why
Are the walls tile or solid material?
Walls and floor are completely tile, a solid material "... All joints were previously grouted where wall tiles meet the floor tiles"
If you don't have expert opinion, you needn't reply. I value my time.
With your attitude, I suggest you take your time elsewhere.
I'll take that expert advice! Thanks a lot!
The folks visiting this forum cannot see what @smitch can see on the site. @smitch should not be bringing an attitude when questions are asked of him IF "expert" opinions are desired.
It’s odd he would take that attitude. He’s been here a while.
One thing to ask a question and expect a detailed fix for whatever ails you. Another to think we all have some sort of vision and an accepted answer to solve a problem.
you could try to clean out the old grout with a carbide cutter on an oscillating multitool.
Nice post like it Shower and bathroom grouting