Using silicon sealant as grout for shower walls - good or bad idea??

[steveguildford]

Trying to figure out how to fix a leak problem which seems to stem from a badly tiled shower wall (dabs of adhesive not complete coverage), would it help to rake out the grout and replace with heavy dose of silicon sealant? Obvioulsy the sealant is much softer than grout but I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't make a good alternative to grout on walls which don't get much "wear". All advice gratefully received. Thanks
Steve

 

[Gazzer]

Re: Using silicon sealant as grout for shower walls - good or bad idea

No, dont do it. Scrape grout out and regrout with a quality brand of grout. Make sure the grout pushes all teh way into teh joint before cleaning off with a damp sponge.

 

[peteablard]

Re: Using silicon sealant as grout for shower walls - good or bad idea

To be honest mate you'd just be masking the problem. Is it a stand alone shower or is it over the bath? Personally I'd start from scratch, remove the tiles, tank the area and then re tile.

 

[Robb o]

Re: Using silicon sealant as grout for shower walls - good or bad idea

So would I if a jobs worth doing an all that.......

 

[DHTiling]

Silicone as grout , oh ffs help us all.

 

[steveguildford]

Re: Using silicon sealant as grout for shower walls - good or bad idea

Silicone as grout , oh ffs help us all.

Thanks Dave, nice, helpful, friendly...

 

[DHTiling]

Thanks Dave, nice, helpful, friendly...

Silicone is not a preventive solution for waterproofing joints.

If you want a water tight solution , then start afresh.

Tank it properly and not look for a short cut to the inevitable.