Caulk, grout and weatherproofing in Illinois

Old caulk and cracked grout let water get behind tile and under tubs, where it does real damage long before you see it. Nikola strips and replaces caulk, regrouts tired tile and seals the gaps around windows and doors that let in drafts and water.

What’s included

• Cutting out old, moldy or peeling caulk around tubs, showers and sinks
• Cleaning and drying the joint, then laying fresh caulk and tooling it smooth
• Raking out cracked or crumbling grout and regrouting
• Sealing new grout once it cures, if you want it sealed
• Exterior caulk around windows, doors and trim
• Weatherstripping on drafty windows and doors

How the visit goes

Nikola removes old caulk down to a clean surface, because new caulk over old never lasts. The joint has to be dry before fresh caulk goes on, so the shower should be off for a while before he arrives. He’ll tell you how long when you book.

When he’s done, he tells you how long to wait before using the tub or shower, and the old caulk, grout dust and tape leave with him.

If the wall behind the tile is soft, or mold comes back right away, there may be water damage behind it. Nikola will show you what he sees rather than caulk over it.

Materials

Nikola brings the caulk, grout and sealer, in colors matched to your tile and fixtures. Bathrooms get a mildew-resistant caulk, and outside joints get one made to stretch with the seasons.

Timing

Recaulking a tub or shower usually takes an hour or two, plus the cure time before it gets wet. Regrouting takes longer and depends on how much tile is involved. Window and door sealing is quick per opening, so a whole floor of windows often fits in one visit.

Best time for exterior sealing is a dry day above freezing. If your list includes outside work in winter, Nikola will tell you whether it should wait for spring.