Caulking problem

[shabbychick]

I have one of those showers with a fiberglass floor and surround and glass doors. Lately when I've been getting into it, I've noticed it creaks. Yesterday afternoon I noticed that the caulking right along the wall under the showerhead has pulled away from the back. I'm worried that I haven't noticed it soon enough and that there has been water damage under the shower floor (though the caulking doesn't look moldy or mildewy there). However, I don't see any signs of water damage on the garage roof, which is underneath the bathroom floor (I think). Should I panic or just recaulk and hope for the best? I do not have money for a bathroom overhaul. Honestly, I didn't even realize that the whole structure wasn't just one big unit. I thought the shower pan and the shower walls were one big box. I guess that's one of the downsides of going into homeownership without much knowledge.

[shabbychick]

Ugh. Okay, so I've removed the caulking, which wasn't too difficult, and I found a problem at the other end of the tub (where it looks like there's been a problem before that has been patched. I have some wet drywall and some wet studs behind it. It doesn't smell wonderful, either. I've dug out some of the drywall, but there's more I can feel that is soggy. Not a ton, I don't think, but some. I've put the project on hold until my B-I-L can come over and take a look for me. I have visions of having to pull out the entire shower enclosure. If I do, I'm definitely putting in something a whole lot smaller and all one piece! I'm attaching a picture of my "issue." Any advice gratefully received. Man, nothing is simple, is it?

[shabbychick]

Followup report: my B-I-L came over and checked and said he didn't think I had a serious problem. He thinks the problem was caused by a leak in the caulking. He advised me to recaulk the shower well and take some showers to see if the water problem recurs. He told me to leave the drywall carved away from the wall for now to see if there's still water leaking in. If it doesn't, then we'll patch the drywall and I'll be able to paint the bathroom like I wanted to. He also listened to the sound I thought was dripping water in the other bathroom but can't find any sign of water damage anywhere, so he thinks it's the water pipe expanding. I don't get that sound when the cold water runs, only when the hot water runs, so he thinks I'm okay in that room. Thank goodness. I had visions of having to take out a loan and redo both bathrooms. It's a relief to have a problem that seems to be easily solved (if messy). Now I can spend money on something fun instead. :)

[RoseMary]

Sounds like you got some good news from your BIL! I hope it all works out good and you don't have to replace anything:).

[allen820]

Hi, when you re-caulk, just be sure to use a 100% silicone based caulk. Use caulk that's good indoors or outdoors, since it "rains" everyday in your application. I like clear caulk, but that's personal. And, even though the tube may say 10, 20, 30 years service, better keep an eye on it. It will start loosening from the wall in a year or two, so it will have to be redone. Not a hard job, but just one of those little hassels you'll need to plan on. Be sure to let the caulk set up good for a day or two before use. And when you buy the caulk, get as good as you can find. This is absolutely no place to try to go cheap!

Good luck.

Allen

[shabbychick]

Thanks, Allen. I recaulked a couple of days ago. It looks like it was done by a five year old, but I think I got enough caulk on to do some good. By next time I might have the skills to do a better job of it. It looks like it ought to be so easy, but it wasn't for me, but then, I had cut way too big a hole in the nozzle. I won't do that again! Anyway, so far, so good, but I'm keeping a close eye on it just to make sure.

[yarborough house]

You have to be really careful when it is wet. Caulking usually doesn't cause studs to be wet and I would not recommend closing it up till those studs are dry all the way through or you dear will have a bigger problem- mold.

[shabbychick]

Things seem to be drying out fairly well now that the wall is open. I'll leave it open another week or so to give it all enough time to be completely sure. Luckily we're having a spell of hot, dry weather, so that should help. I think the studs were wet because the drywall was wet, and the drywall was still soaking up water that was leaking through the loose caulk. So far I don't see water getting in there from anywhere else, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my eyes peeled.