Your bathroom probably needs re-sealing or re-grouting if you can see gaps, cracks, crumbling grout, or black mould that comes back after cleaning. Silicone and grout keep water out of the wall and floor behind the tiles, so tired joints are worth sorting early.
Silicone: where to look
Silicone seals the joins where tiles meet the bath, shower tray, basin and the floor. Because those joins move slightly, they use flexible silicone rather than rigid grout. Signs it has reached the end of its life:
- Black or dark spots that return soon after cleaning.
- Gaps, splits or places where it has peeled away from the surface.
- Sealant that has gone discoloured or sticky.
Grout: where to look
- Cracks or crumbling lines between tiles.
- Grout that is missing, or loose enough to pick out.
- Staining that stays dark and damp even after drying.
Why it matters
Water that gets behind tiles can soak into the board or plaster underneath. That can loosen tiles, damage walls and, in the worst case, affect the floor below. Replacing worn sealant early is far less disruptive than repairing boards that have been soaked.
Re-seal, or something bigger?
A re-seal or re-grout is usually a small job. It may point to something larger if:
- Tiles sound hollow or are loose when you tap them.
- Walls feel soft, spongy or are discoloured around the shower.
- The ceiling below the bathroom shows stains.
- The same spots keep failing soon after being redone.
In those cases it is worth having someone look at what is underneath rather than just covering it again. Old silicone also needs to be cleaned out fully before new silicone goes on, because it will not stick well to old sealant.
Keeping it in good shape
Wipe down wet surfaces after showering and keep the room ventilated. Our guide on bathroom extractor fans and damp covers that.
Not sure whether it is a quick re-seal or a bigger job? See bathroom fitting at Lynx or message us on WhatsApp from Romford, Essex or East London.