Do You Caulk the Inside of a Shower Enclosure?

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Shower enclosures fitted to a standing shower or bathtub improve your bathroom's appearance and provide better protection than shower curtains for controlling water. Typically, shower enclosure frames are manufactured from aluminum and coated in a variety of finishes. The non-rusting metal frames are combined with shatterproof safety glass or plexi-glass for a variety of enclosure styles. Consumers can find a shower enclosure to fit any size of shower or décor. Enclosures can be installed by a professional or by individuals with a do-it-yourself mindset.

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What is caulk?

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Caulk is a sealant product designed to keep out air and moisture. Most commonly used in the kitchen and bath, caulk prevents water damage behind walls and other surfaces. Caulk is usually seen as a thin line of a rubbery-like substance around sinks and bathtubs. Caulk is extremely useful for creating a tight seal at locations where two different materials are joined together, such as the edge of a counter top and a wall. Cracked grout around bathtub tiles is often repaired with caulking.

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Reasons to caulk the inside of a shower enclosure

Caulking inside of the shower enclosure provides multiple benefits. When properly applied, caulk will assist the seals within the enclosure's frame to better control water from escaping to undesired areas. Adding caulk to the inside of an enclosure will prevent mold and mildew from growing within the areas where the enclosure is attached to the tub, shower or walls.

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Tips

Use a mildew-esistant silicone caulk to make future shower cleaning tasks much easier.

Examine any existing caulking in a shower enclosure. If there are signs of cracking, the old caulking should be replaced immediately.

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Waring

Failing to use caulk inside of a shower enclosure could lead to water damage of your bathroom floor or walls. Water damage and mold resulting from water damage can lead to expensive repairs.

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