Is caulking necessary?

[hmbredstick]

I have a fiberglass shower stall with a glass panel and door. The glass panel and door are framed in aluminum. The previous owners of the house had caulked with clear silicone between the aluminum frame and the fiberglass walls and lip. It's caulked on both the inside and outside of the stall.

Mildew has grown under the caulk on the inside and can't be removed without removing the caulking. I'm going to remove the caulking to clean out the mildew. I'm wondering if I need to replace the caulking?

It doesn't appear to be necessary since there is close physical contact between the aluminum frame and the fiberglass. There is also a 2" fiberglass lip on the glass side so that standing water wouldn't be in contact with the joint, just the water running down the surface above.

But I wanted to check before I start the project.

Henry

[majakdragon]

The caulk was probably added on both sides and not under the aluminum frame. This would be the cause of the mold under the caulk. If you don't think it will leak you would not have to re-caulk. Mildew and mold will form on any surface that feeds it with moisture. You may need better ventilation in the room. Good luck.

[hmbredstick]

I've now removed the caulking on the inside. It looks like the caulking does go under the aluminum frame. I'm going to try it without recaulking for now. I think part of the mildew problem was the caulking loosening at the aluminum and allowing moisture to seep in and remain. The clear caulk was about 50% black from mildew in or beneath the caulking.

Thanks for the help!

Henry

[Nifty]

I have a similar situation with my shower.I recaulk it about every two years to ensure it does not start to leak.The trick is to let the shower unit completely dry out before attempting to caulk,5-6 days. (If you have two showers or baths this is easy to do)Give it a good cleaning with anti bacterial solution before recaulking .Use the proper kitchen and bath silicon.Water will find ways to get out so ensure to get all the seams

[nomind]

- If you use 100% silicone caulk, it will not mildew. Clean area thouroughly with a good de-greaser first. Use absolutely minimum amounts of caulk also, most people way overcaulk. :cool:

Do it Right - Do it once.