Half inch space between tub and tiled wall. Caulk? Grout? Do they sell strips of tile to fix it?

Question

Someone suggested I use Magic Bathroom Sealer Trim. A flexible plastic trim with adhesive backing. Sort of forms an L when affixed. Anything special to do if I use it. Must I remove existing, discolored caulk. If so, do I re-caulk before using the plastc trim. Anyone use it??? Any other way to form a waterproof seal without retiling the wall?

Answer 1

there shouldn't have been a 1/2" gap for starters. Rope caulk isn't the greatest invention, I personally do not like it, looks tacky. If you know what kind of tiles were used, in my opinion filling the gap with a tile that matches the existing tile is the best way to fix it. If you have just the standard glazed tiles they cost about .15 cents apiece. A tile cutter say, $25. Cut the tiles to size, "butter" the backs with some tile mastic, and put them in place. Grout the new tiles in 24 hours, seal them with a silicone grout sealant, per instructions on label.

Keep in mind the wall has to be in the best condition as possible. There has to be something for the tile to stick to as well. If there's a void, this probably won't work.

Trim tiles are about 1/2" in width, but 5 3/4" in length, they also cost roughly $2 apiece. Standard tile size is 4 1/4 x 4 1/4, if you can cut them, which is possible, you get 2 pieces from each tile.

Answer 2

First off that Magic Bathroom Sealer Trim Is garbage. I tried it once on my tub. I followed the instructions to the letter & within a month it peeled off leaving the messy adhesive backing behind.
Secondly, if the gap between the tub & tile is a half inch or more I would definately grout it. Caulk will work, but grout is much more permanent especially in a gap that big. Caulk will crack & break down in a void that big especially in an enviornment like a tub/shower.
Hope this was helpful, good luck!!

Answer 3

You will need to remove the old caulking before you do anything - to insure you have a tight seal.

First off I'm wondering why such a big gap. I'd fill that gap with something, not sure what - wonderboard? cement? then I'd caulk the whole thing.

I think you need to put in some tiny tile pieces with grout then caulk the thing where needed

Hubby does repairs all the time but he's asleep or I'd ask him. He's done maintenance work for about thirty years.

Best of luck with this.

Answer 4

Why do you have a half inch between the wall and the tub?
You should first find out, if you don't know. Did the tub shift that much?
If the tub is secure, I would go to a tile store and find some quarter inch stripes of tile in some kind of contrasting color and then thin set them in and grout to the exsisting tile and the tub. This will give a better looking and longer lasting repair that some shoddy repair.

Answer 5

Most important:

You have to FILL the tub with water before doing any grout or caulk work.... if you don't, the first time somebody takes a bath, the weight of the water and the person will cause another crack and gap.

Answer 6

To answer your question yes they make a tile that goes in there its called a trim or molding tile. This sounds like the classic replaced the tub and it was a different size bathroom remodel..very, very common.

People...people.. people....
I guess you never saw this episode of HGTV thats why all the freaky answers.
these tile are referred to as trim tiles or molding tiles they are in the shape of a 1/4" round (like wood trim) come in many different lengths and colors and they go in the space where the tub meets the wall.
...I know ....I know....its hard to believe but its true. Wholey.... S@#$ yes somebody actually thought of these hundreds of years ago way before they ever had HGTV. and people have been using them ever since imagine that....

Wait ...Wait....I had to add this cause I just saw the fill the tub thing. where the heck does stuff like this come from do you just make it up or did someone actually tell you this kind of b.s.?

Answer 7

Actually, it is a cosmetic problem. The tub has about an inch and a half sticking up behind the tile, so if the tub is slanted correctly the water will drain back into the tub, if not the water will pool there until it dries or the next shower. If you use the strip, just clean according to instructions.

Answer 8

How did this condition occur? Did your wall move? Did you replace the tub? If the crack just showed up, you have more serious problems to worry about! Is the crack on the end where the shower valve is, or the other end? I don't think any quick fix solution is going to look good. It sounds like you will have to fill the gap, and re-tile. Good luck!

Answer 9

Caulking Large Gaps In Shower

Answer 10

remove the chaulking . grout the space and then follow the instructions grout is just to protect you if the strip leaks over time