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Question about installing shower tiles

Posted on 1/20/15 at 5:54 pm
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 5:54 pm
I have most of the tiles up now and am ready to begin grouting and caulking around the tub. In spaces where the tile abuts a window or wall, would you fill the gap with grout or silicone caulk? I was planning on using caulk around the tub and in the corners where the tiles meet, but am unsure about the top where the tile meets the ceiling and along the edges where it will surround a window.
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
134845 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 5:56 pm to
I would say caulk because the moisture will make the window expand and contract and will crack the grout. But, then again, I have no idea what I'm talking about.
Posted by stout
Smoking Crack with Hunter Biden
Member since Sep 2006
167172 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:01 pm to
They make caulk that will color match your grout. Use that around the window. I would grout to the ceiling and walls though so it doesn't look bad and just make sure you seal it really well.
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:01 pm to
Your rationale is sound though
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:02 pm to
Thanks stout. Where can one get caulk that specifically matches the grout color?
Posted by stout
Smoking Crack with Hunter Biden
Member since Sep 2006
167172 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:04 pm to
Where are you getting your grout from? Home Depot has/had some or any flooring distributor should be able to get it.
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:06 pm to
I got it at Home Depot so I will check there first. Thanks.
Posted by The Third Leg
Idiot Out Wandering Around
Member since May 2014
10044 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:24 pm to
Use epoxy grout. Follow the instructions carefully -- you'll never need to seal it.

Caulk the windows with the color match.
Posted by tigertown80
tigerland
Member since Oct 2009
1397 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:30 pm to
What's a good seal for it? Also read somewhere to seal the entire shower tiles and grout. Is this what should be done?
Posted by MoreOrLes
Member since Nov 2008
19472 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:34 pm to
color matching grout caulk


Where two different bldg material touch you must allow for expansion and contraction

Thats why grout should not be used.
Posted by WPBTiger
Parts Unknown
Member since Nov 2011
30919 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:39 pm to
If you can use grout. They make nonsanded grout for tighter spaces. The problem with caulk is it can discolor from mold. I just removed from caulk from a shower that I retiled a few years back because of discoloration.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 6:44 pm to
They make bathroom/shower caulk for that very reason

OP, yes seal the grout or it will get mold and mildew
This post was edited on 1/20/15 at 6:46 pm
Posted by LSUjefe
Member since Jul 2013
211 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:00 pm to
More importantly did you use a green board or suitable backer, and did you use a red-guard type product to seal all joints at backer? You can typically find a tinted silicone type grout at your supplier, but it's what is behind it that matters most....
Posted by Sid in Lakeshore
Member since Oct 2008
41956 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:17 pm to
Sealing the tile and grout is only appropriate with certain tiles and grouts. Talk to a professional.

Glazed tiles are not to be sealed. Use non-sanded grout and no need to,seal.

Some natural stoned and sanded grouts would require sealing.

It is best to caulk at all edges and in all corners (although many do not but it will likely crack over time.

What yep tile do,you have? Grout?
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:29 pm to
I used hardie backer board and sealed it with red guard before tiling.
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:31 pm to
I used ceramic tile with somewhat of a glossy finish. The grout I bought to match the tile is sanded grout.
Posted by Shepherd
Member since Nov 2009
2944 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 7:33 pm to
The sand or no sand grout typically depends on the diameter of the grout lines.. Bigger than 1/8 inch they say go sanded. I just finished this exact project. I went grout to marble, then silicone on the outer edges.. I sealed on a natural stone. Patience on all the phases was key. Let everything dry completely between applications. Good luck.
This post was edited on 1/20/15 at 7:34 pm
Posted by Creamer
louisiana
Member since Jul 2010
2817 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 8:10 pm to
Look on the grout aisle at home depot, they make sanded caulk that is color matched to your grout and is made for this type of application. I use it for all seams I do not feel comfortable grouting.
Posted by swampdawg
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2007
5141 posts
Posted on 1/20/15 at 8:15 pm to
Yeah I went 1/8 inch on my lines so I should be good
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