ᐅ Wide silicone joint – can I replace it with grout?

Hello everyone,

A rather wide joint next to the shower has failed after only 4 years (it’s cracked and has some mold). What would be the best way to fix this?

I want to avoid silicone again because it probably won’t last long, and the joint is simply very wide. How about using tile grout? Or is there something better, like joint compound, etc.?

Thanks and best regards,

booky1111

Mortar is not suitable. There is movement between the elements. That’s why silicone is used, and why cracks can sometimes occur. It is basically a maintenance joint that should be checked regularly.

PU sealant from, for example, Sika would be a good option. It also requires less maintenance compared to silicone…

Thank you – that sounds good. Could there be any issues at the point where the cross-running silicone joint meets?

You can also go with Ramsauer. I would redo all the joints in that area. The transverse joint doesn’t really matter anymore.

Stop! Once you use silicone, nothing else will stick. Besides, silicone doesn’t have to be inferior; polyurethane (PU) also molds, and MS polymer too—the problem always remains in the bathroom. Such a wide joint requires silicone with low shrinkage. I would choose Elch Pro tile silicone from Henkel. Elch silicones are quite expensive, but the types used in shipbuilding are all top quality, durable, and dimensionally stable, even under UV exposure. That’s why I trust Henkel to mix a premium product for bathroom applications as well.