SILICONE.
Most tile installers DON’T DO IT.
Look around.
I rarely see tile work in the wild that has silicone. I’ve never seen silicone used on the failed showers we inspect. I’ve never seen silicone used on a builder job, ever.
Silicone is not generally used by most tile installers.
But it is VERY important
Hard grouted corners everywhere, that’s why you see the UNSIGHTLY CRACKS.
Here’s the kicker:
IT’S INDUSTRY STANDARD TO USE SILICONE SEALANT IN ALL WET AREAS!
The TCNA Handbook (Tile Council of North America) Section EJ171:
“All changes of plane to be filled with silicone sealant to allow for movement in the assembly. “
So, if your tile installer doesn’t silicone, THEY ARE DOING IT WRONG!
And it’s not just something we follow because the book told us so. It’s actually the best way! It lasts a long time, it stays clean longer and it is also easier to clean. It’s good stuff!
My installer test question is, “Do you silicone your showers?” It’s the one of the two questions I need to tell immediately if someone is LEGIT.
EVERY WALL MOVES. Because of this we install soft joints to allow for that small amount of movement. When you use grout in corners, between the walls and floor or any change of plane, that leaves a potential for cracks because grout is HARD and doesn’t let the wall move. Two immovable objects. I’m sure you see where I’m going here.
Now, hate to be a stickler but not everything in a tube is SILICONE.
Caulking is not silicone. Caulking is for PAINTING.
A tube of silicone states “100% silicone” not siliconized and it certainly isn’t labeled “latex”.
The great thing, is the grout makers produce a COLOR MATCH silicone. Meaning: your silicone will match the grout.
Try siliconing yourself if you’re a homeowner!
I show anyone I can how to silicone because it’s something good to know.
It’s like tying a bowline knot, once you know, you use it all the time!
Just go to YouTube or Google and type in, “How to silicone your shower”.
Once you get it you won’t go back!
“DO YOU EVEN SILICONE BRO?!”