Checking the sealant edges: what you should pay attention to!

Mold lurking in the corners of your bathroom or kitchen not only poses a health risk but also threatens the integrity of your home's structure. In this article, we reveal simple yet effective strategies to prevent and tackle mold growth on caulking edges, ensuring a mold-free environment and safeguarding your investment.

Caulking edges can be found in the corners of tiled floors in bathrooms, kitchens, or toilets. These are joints sealed with silicone sealant. The sealant protects the edges from moisture and mold. However, this doesn't prevent mold from sometimes developing. In this article, we'll give you tips on how to easily prevent this and resolve it after a building inspection .

Keep damp areas dry

After cooking or showering, steam can linger. This settles on the tiles. If the sealant edges remain damp for extended periods, they are more susceptible to mold growth. Therefore, always dry damp tiles with a towel or tea towel.

Cleaning your tiles

Avoid harsh cleaning agents. Avoid using citric acid-based soap or descaling products. These products are harmful to the sealant and can actually make the problem worse. Preferably use water or a little soapy water. If mold has already developed, a bleach solution of 25 ml to one liter of water can help. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the mold spots. Let it sit for a few hours until the mold disappears, then rinse with clean water.

Loose sealant edges

Are you planning to buy a house soon and notice loose caulk? Pay extra attention, as this is susceptible to mold. Check that the caulk is still secure on both sides. It's especially important to check thoroughly in very damp areas like the shower or bathtub. If the caulk isn't sealed properly, it can cause significant water damage. So, if you see loose caulk, there could be water damage to the floor, concrete, or wall. So, grab the caulk gun promptly or hire a professional.

Insulating glass

Caulking isn't just found in bathrooms, but also between insulating glass or between the glazing and the frame. Defects in the caulking between the glazing can cause leaks. The result: air gets trapped between the panes. You can recognize this by condensation between the panes. Unfortunately, there's little choice but to replace the glazing. Defects in the caulking between the glazing and the frame can lead to wood rot in the frame rebate. The caulking between the glazing and the frame must be in perfect condition.

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The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

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