Now that you have designed your dream room, selected your tile, and just about completed the installation it is time to think about putting the finishing touches on the jo efore declaring the project complete. In many tile jobs such as bathroom showers and kitchen floors the do it yourselfer or tile contractor must decide whether grout or caulk is a better choice to complete the job.
Of course the primary surface area of any tile job will be grouted in a color that matches well with the chosen tile. However, expansion joints in these jobs require special care and a focus on what particular product would be best suited to complete the job properly.
Types of Caulk
While most people are familiar with Silicone caulk which is usually clear in color and has a rubbery, flexible texture when dry, this is probably not the best choice for kitchen and bath remodeling projects. When tiling an area, most folks will want to use kitchen and bath caulk. Kitchen and bath caulk is designed for use in areas that have high moisture content. It can stand up to mold and mildew growth and is excellent for sealing bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and sinks. It is typically available in a variety of colors to match your grout and décor.
When to use Caulk
*Technically, anywhere there is a change in surfaces such as the joint between walls and floor, caulk should be used in place of grout since these surfaces move independently of each other.
*Caulk is designed to be used in “transition joints” or where settling or structural movement is possible.
*Caulk should be used between floor tile and a cabinet toekick,
*Caulk should be used between floor and wall tile
*Caulk should be used between floor or wall tile and a bathtub or shower
*Caulk should be used where a countertop meets the backsplash
*Caulk should be used on inside corners where two walls meet.
*Caulk should be used around plumbing valves, sinks and faucets to seal them from water penetration.
Because caulk is flexible, it can withstand just about any structural movement that may occur without cracking.
How to Apply new Caulk
There are a couple of tricks to laying down a smooth bead of caulk. First, make an angled cut across the tip of the caulk tube using a nice sharp blade. You want it big enough for the caulk to flow smoothly, you want the angle to match the angle at which you hold the gun to the joint, and you don't want any plastic shreds left on the tip to drag through your caulk bead. Next, apply the caulk moving the gun steadily and surely. Do yourself a favor and get a good caulk gun that has a smooth trigger action and stops dispensing when you release the trigger.
Finally, smooth the joint with a damp rag, a moistened fingertip or a caulk-smoothing tool. If you used tape, pull it up gently to avoid dinging the fresh caulk.
Remember, for expansion joints and joints where two dis-similar surfaces come together caulk is probably the better choice to finish off these areas. Follow the product manufacturers recommendations for installation while using our story as a guide and your project will turn out just right.
