ANSWER - The transition joint between the top of the bathtub flange and the wall tile is not supposed to be filled with a cementitious grout. It should be filled with a resilient ASTM C920 sealant that is either a 100% silicone sealant or a polyurethane sealant.
White silicone caulk neatly applied would be your best bet. It'll contract and expand with the tub and the tile as they both do, fill the gap nicely, and be easy to maintain. If you want to get a little wild, use some black silicone caulk.
If you can't or don't want to re-seat the bath, there are two alternative options. The first is to plug the gap with an adhesive and bonding material. Once this has dried, you can then seal the bath using the above process. The second choice is to use flexible caulking strips.
Grout is used between tiles to keep them from moving. It isn't flexible like caulk. Caulk is used around the base of the tub or where the tiles meet the tub. It's waterproof and used as a sealing measure.
Caulk is a flexible sealant that is often used in areas where two different materials meet, such as where tile meets a shower pan. Its primary function is to prevent water from seeping into cracks and crevices, which can cause damage over time.
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
Choosing bathroom and shower sealants is an important part of any DIY bathroom renovation project. We recommend ARBO Arbosil HM 310ml – Internal Sanitary Sealant, MAPESIL AC – Internal Silicone Sealants – All Colours, and Everbuild Showerproof & Bathroom Sealant 280ml as three of the best options on the market.
Using caulk instead of grout in areas where grout is traditionally employed is not advisable. This is because caulk lacks the structural stability and durability of grout. In tile installations, caulk cannot bear the same load as grout, and it is more susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic and cleaning.
Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains.
DUNLOP FLEXIBLE FLOOR & WALL GROUT is a water and frost-resistant powder based grout. Flexible and highly durable, it can be used for grouting natural stone, mosaics, glazed and porcelain tiles, in joints up to 20mm.
Using caulk, trim tile pieces and edging are three of the most popular and effective ways to finish tile edges. Caulking is the cheapest and easiest method for finishing tile edges.
Firstly get a good quality mould resistant sanitary silicone and a decent mastic gun. Make sure the gap you are filling is clean and dry. First stage will be to fill the gap, so pump the silicone into the gap and push it back into the void using your finger.
Cement based grouts are available sanded and unsanded. Unsanded cement grout is ideal for tight spaces, such as a tiny gap between tiles, while sanded grout is ideal for larger gaps. Sand prevents the cement from shrinking, making it a better mixture to fill wide spaces.
Caulking a bathtub helps protect it against water damage and mold growth. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that protects your bathroom for years to come.
Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. beyond the tub and leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Don't stop tile even with the end of the tub. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage and doesn't look as finished as tile that extends to the floor.
Generally, silicone is most effective for small to medium-sized gaps, typically ranging from ⅛ inches to ½ inches. Attempting to seal large gaps with a single application may result in collapse or shrinkage. When facing wider gaps, epoxy-based sealants or specialized gap-filling products may be a better choice.
ANSWER - The transition joint between the top of the bathtub flange and the wall tile is not supposed to be filled with a cementitious grout. It should be filled with a resilient ASTM C920 sealant that is either a 100% silicone sealant or a polyurethane sealant.
Being naturally water-resistant, Epoxy grout is an excellent choice if you plan on laying tiles in your front or back garden. Epoxy grout is made up of a unique blend of a filler powder form grout and epoxy resins, making it the best grout to use for outdoor projects.
Typically, you should use caulk in bathrooms due to its flexible, waterproof, and non-porous composition. Caulk is also easier to remove and replace when necessary, which will minimize damage to your fixtures. Keep in mind that sometimes a project will require both grout and caulking.
Grout is a common choice for many contractors, but generally caulk is the better choice for durability. Silicone caulk's waterproof properties and flexibility make it ideal for the bathroom, and it's useful in ways grout falls short of.
Grout is used to fill spaces in between tiles. Most grout product options come in powder form, but pre-mixed containers are available as well. Whichever option you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to mix grout.
Considering all the pros and cons for each type of caulk, GE recommends using silicone sealant because it is 100% waterproof, mold-resistant, highly flexible, and durable. GE recommends silicone sealant for bathtubs. No matter what type of bathroom project you have, there is a GE sealant product to help.
For most general purposes, look for a universal sealant, such as Loctite Clear Silicone waterproof sealant. It's a powerful waterproof plumbing silicone sealant, perfect for use with metal, glass, rubber, tile, and porcelain.
MS polymers and polyurethanes are the two best silicone sealant alternatives. They are very similar to silicone and in most cases, they have higher performance than silicone sealants. MS polymers are likely the best option for you if you are looking for a sealant that has: Good UV resistance.