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-   -   Mildew joints. Replace or reglaze? How to dry out? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=655229)

  • Apr 28, 2012, 05:45 AM
    raynellp
    Mildew joints. Replace or reglaze? How to dry out?
    I have a fiberglass bathtub/surround and joints have been caulked. We can not control the mildew joints even with constant bleaching, and both tub & surround are very dull from constant scrubblng
    Should we tear out and replace tub and surround?
    Can we reglaze?
    If moisture is behind the caulk (where tub and surround join) how do we get it out if we want to reglaze?
  • Apr 28, 2012, 08:29 AM
    Handyman2007
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by raynellp View Post
    I have a fiberglass bathtub/surround and joints have been caulked. We can not control the mildew joints even with constant bleaching, and both tub & surround are very dull from constant scrubblng
    Should we tear out and replace tub and surround?
    Can we reglaze?
    If moisture is behind the caulk (where tub and surround join) how do we get it out if we want to reglaze?

    Tearing out the surround will be a lot of work,, removing drywall or greenboard, replacing,spackle,paint,etc.
    What I would do if you don't want to replace it is use a hairdryer on low and warm up the caulking and remove it slowly with a scraper of some kind. It may take a while but get it ALL out... Use the hairdryer to dry the joints out. I would suggest not using the shower for at least 24 hours and have a fan going toward the surround to dry everything out.
    You can buy mildew and mold resistant silicone bath caulking. Make sure when you install the new caulking, it goes all the way to the bottom of the joints. If you don't moisture will build up and you will have the mold all over again.
    The best way to handle this would be to replace the surround but it will be somewhat costly and time consuming.

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