Renewing silicone joints in showers and bathrooms: A comprehensive guide

Silicone joints are an essential part of every bathroom. However, over time, they can lose their effectiveness.

Find out how to remove old silicone joints and renew them in your shower and bathtub.

Why is it important to renew silicone joints?

Silicone joints play a crucial role in our bathrooms and kitchens. They seal the transitions between washbasins, bathtubs, shower trays and wall tiles, preventing water from penetrating the building structure and causing significant damage. Despite their importance, they are often neglected until visible problems arise.

Old, cracked and discoloured silicone joints are not just an aesthetic issue. They can also pose a health risk if water seeps through the leaking joints and mould develops. Mould in living spaces can lead to a variety of health problems, including allergies and respiratory illnesses. Therefore, it is important to renew old silicone joints in the shower and bathtub at an early stage.

Joint renovation with the specialists from bazuba

Don’t want to do it yourself? bazuba will take care of the joint renovation for you

Step-by-step instructions: How to renew your old silicone joints

Renewing silicone joints may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right tools and techniques, it is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to show you how it’s done.

The right tools and materials for removing & renewing silicone joints:

Utility knife
Blade scraper
Silicone remover (optional)
Painter's spatula
Duster
Rubbish bag, broom and dustpan
Kitchen roll
Squeegee
Silicone
Smoothing agent
Silicone cartridge gun
Small container

Sie sehen gerade einen Platzhalterinhalt von YouTube. Um auf den eigentlichen Inhalt zuzugreifen, klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass dabei Daten an Drittanbieter weitergegeben werden.

Mehr Informationen

Inhalt entsperren Erforderlichen Service akzeptieren und Inhalte entsperren

Step 1: Remove old silicone sealant in the bathtub and shower

Required materials:

The first step in renewing silicone sealant is to remove the old joints. For the rough removal, we use a utility knife. Stubborn residue is then removed with the blade scraper. This way, we prevent damage to the surrounding surfaces.

It is important to remove all silicone residue, as new silicone does not adhere well to the old. If you have difficulty removing all the residue, you can use a silicone remover. This is a chemical solution that dissolves the silicone and makes it easier to remove. Apply the silicone remover according to the instructions on the packaging and allow it to work before scraping off the residue.

Mehr Informationen

Inhalt entsperren Erforderlichen Service akzeptieren und Inhalte entsperren

Step 2: Clean the surface

Required materials:

After removing the old silicone, you need to clean the surface thoroughly. Use the duster to remove the coarse debris. Then, prepare the surface perfectly with kitchen roll. BUT BE CAREFUL: Do not let the old silicone go down the drain. With a spatula or dustpan, you can easily dispose of the residue in the bin bag. Bye, bye!

Mehr Informationen

Inhalt entsperren Erforderlichen Service akzeptieren und Inhalte entsperren

Step 3: Apply new silicone

Required materials:

Before applying the silicone sealant, you need to determine the correct size. To do this, take the smoother and hold it against the joint. The width of the silicone sealant should be slightly larger than the gap to be filled. Once this is done, you are ready to proceed.

Now you are ready to apply the new silicone. For proper application of silicone sealant, you will need the following tools: a silicone cartridge and a cartridge gun. Cut off the tip of the silicone cartridge, insert it into the cartridge gun, and squeeze the trigger to dispense the silicone.

Apply the silicone evenly along the joint. Make sure the silicone makes contact with both sides of the joint. This ensures the joint is completely sealed.

Our tip: Silicone nozzle cutting trick

It is advisable to cut at a 45° angle.

Start by making the first cut a little higher rather than too low. If you notice during application that not enough material is coming through, you can always cut off a bit more from the tapered nozzle.

Mehr Informationen

Inhalt entsperren Erforderlichen Service akzeptieren und Inhalte entsperren

Step 4: Smooth the joint & allow to dry

Required materials:

After applying the silicone, you need to smooth the joint. Pour the smoothing agent into the small container and dip the smoother in. Hold it at a slight angle to the silicone and smooth the joints. You can wipe off any excess material on a piece of kitchen roll. After smoothing, use the smoothing agent and your finger to finish the joint. It is important not to press too hard.

Allow the silicone to dry for at least 12 hours before using the bathroom as normal.

How long does silicone take to dry?

After renewing the silicone joints, you should wait at least 12 hours before using the bathroom as normal. This gives the silicone enough time to cure. If the silicone is not fully cured, it can easily become deformed or even tear off, which affects the effectiveness of the joint. Therefore, it is important to allow the silicone sufficient time to dry.

Tips for applying silicone joints

With these tips and tricks, renewing silicone joints should no longer be a problem. And remember: a well-maintained silicone joint can help keep your bathroom looking fresh and clean for longer.

Use high-quality silicone. Cheap products may shrink more and reduce the lifespan of the joint.
If you have trouble applying the silicone evenly, try injecting it in tight loops instead of straight lines.
If you have smeared silicone, remove it as quickly as possible. Fresh silicone is easier to remove than cured silicone.

Don't feel like renewing silicone joints in the shower and bath yourself?

If you notice that your silicone joint has cracks or mould spots, it is important to act as soon as possible. We renew silicone joints in showers and bathtubs quickly, cleanly and reliably.

The advantages:

Frequently asked questions about renewing silicone joints

How often should I renew my silicone joints?

The lifespan of silicone sealant joints can vary greatly depending on the quality of the silicone used and the conditions in your bathroom. In general, however, you should consider replacing your silicone sealant joints every one to two years.

Can I paint over silicone sealant joints?

It is not recommended to paint over silicone sealant joints. Paint does not adhere well to silicone, and the result can look unsightly and unprofessional. If your silicone sealant joints are discoloured, it is best to replace them.

What should I do if mould is growing on my silicone sealant joints?

If mould is growing on your silicone sealant joints, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. Mould can be harmful to your health and can shorten the lifespan of your joints. You can remove mould with a mixture of bleach and water. However, if the mould has penetrated deeply into the joint, you may need to replace the entire sealant joint.

Can I replace silicone sealant joints myself or should I hire a professional?

With the right tools and a bit of patience, most people can replace silicone sealant joints themselves. However, if you are unsure or if the joints are in particularly poor condition, it may be advisable to hire a professional.

How long does it take to replace silicone sealant joints?

The duration of the process can vary depending on the size of the area and your level of experience. In general, however, you should allow at least a few hours to remove the old joints, clean the area, and apply the new silicone. Afterwards, you must wait at least 12 hours before using the bathroom as normal.

What type of silicone should I use to replace my sealant joints?

There are many different types of silicone on the market, but for most bathroom applications, a mould-resistant silicone is the best choice. It is also important to choose a silicone that is specifically designed for use in wet rooms.

Can I clean silicone sealant joints instead of replacing them?

Yes, in some cases you can clean silicone sealant joints instead of replacing them. However, if the joints are cracked, leaking or heavily discoloured, it is probably best to replace them.

How can I prevent mould from forming on my silicone sealant joints?

Good ventilation is key to preventing mould on your silicone sealant joints. Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated and allow moisture to escape after showering or bathing. You can also use a mould-resistant silicone to help prevent mould growth.

bazuba guide for your bathroom

Bathroom renovation: How long does it really take?

How long does a bathroom renovation take and what affects the duration.

How to remove mould in your bathroom

You can take these simple steps to get rid of mould.

Bathroom renovation costs: Your comprehensive guide

Our guide to the factors influencing bathroom renovation costs