Shower caulk and silicone removal

So why do we keep using products like silicone and caulk at areas where grout tends to crack? Why does grout crack to begin with, especially at corners, and where it meets other materials other than tile, such as where it meets: windows, wood transitions, sinks, ceilings and anything metal, plastic or wood?

Grout is not designed to be flexible so any minor movement causes it crack. Only a slight movement such as expansion/contraction could cause this. So we all go down to the hardware store and pickup a tube of pre-mixed caulk or silicone. Does it work? Sometimes, but not very well in wet areas. Yes, it is flexible, however, it also draws in moisture and allows fungus and mildew to set in. Once this happens, it’s too late to repair, and complete removal of the caulk/silicone is required. Is there a product or way that solves this?

I think we all understand that it’s just a temporary fix at best. So why do we keep using it? Because we don’t know of a better repair, after all, if Home Depot or Lowes carries it, it must be good, right?

Most pre-mixed consumer based grout repair products are very inexpensive to produce by the big manufacturers. They can make good money and still keep costs down. It’s just the reality of consumer/manufacturer relationship.

But what if there was a product that actually has been proven to outperform those pre-mixed materials? Would you pay more for that product knowing that is could be your last time dealing with fungus and mildew related issues at your shower floor.

I have been using Ceramic Tile Pro Super Grout Additive® in my tile repair business for over 5 years. Most repairs are bathroom related such as tub showers and shower floors. Another common repair are vertical and horizontal grout cracking issues. Ceramic Tile Pro Super Grout Additive® is amazing and can be mixed with any color sanded grout. I quit using caulk and silicone because it just doesn’t hold up to wet areas.