The Correct Way of Resealing Bath [Tips, Tricks, and Costs]

Resealing your bath is an important step that improves the look of your bathroom and protects it from water damage. The type of silicone used and how well it's applied can make a big difference in how long the seal lasts. While DIY might seem appealing, having a professional do the job ensures every corner is properly sealed, preventing moisture problems that could damage tiles, radiators, or even your shower later on. Paying a little extra for professional resealing can help you avoid costly repairs later, making it a wise choice.

A Step-By-Step Guide For Resealing Bath

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to resealing bath and bathtub.

Step 1 - Remove the old sealant

Before applying the new sealant, it's important to remove the old one, as the new sealant won't stick properly if the old layer is still there. Start by applying a sealant remover to the old sealant and allow it to sit for the suggested duration (refer to the product instructions).

Once the remover has softened the sealant, use a scraper or blade to carefully cut and peel away the old sealant. Afterwards, clean the area thoroughly with a cloth soaked in warm water to ensure it's spotless and ready for the new sealant.

Step 2 - Preparing the bath for resealing

First, check if the bath is level. If not, adjust the feet or support so it's even before starting the resealing. Then, fill the bath with water. This helps ensure the sealant is applied while the bath is in the position it will be when filled, preventing the sealant from pulling away or cracking later when the bath is in use. This step helps the sealant stay strong and last longer under the weight of water and regular use.

Step 3 - Applying the masking tape

For a clean and professional result, place masking tape along the edges where you will apply the sealant. This helps create straight, even lines and stops the sealant from getting onto other areas, making the job look neat and tidy.

Step 4 - Applying the sealant

Now, open the sealant tube and load it into a caulk gun. Then, start applying the silicone sealant at one corner of the bath and slowly work your way around the edges. Make sure to press the trigger evenly to keep a smooth, consistent line of sealant. This helps create a clean and even seal that will last longer and protect your bath from leaks.

Step 5 - Smoothing the sealant

Use a smoothing tool to smooth the sealant into the gaps to ensure watertight bathroom sealing. If you don't have a smoothing tool, soak your finger in soapy water to use as an alternative. Then remove the masking tape slowly for a better finish.

Step 6 - Allow the sealant to dry

The sealant drying time can vary based on the brand you use. Usually, it takes about 24 to 48 hours for the sealant to fully cure. During this time, it's important to keep the area dry to ensure the sealant sets properly and lasts longer.

For the best results in your bathroom, always choose high-quality, mould-resistant silicone sealant made for bathrooms. It lasts longer and protects better than cheaper options like caulk, which might not hold up as well against moisture and mould.

Importance Of Resealing Bath

Bathroom sealing is not just about keeping your bathroom fresh and clean. Resealing bath has many benefits, and here are some of them.

Prevent structural damage

Water leaking inside the bathroom can be very detrimental to the walls and floors underneath the tiles. Long-time exposure to water can deteriorate the building structure and lead to very costly repairs that can harm your wallet.

Prevent mould growth

Dampness from leaky sealant can promote the growth of mould and mildew. Such fungi growth often affects air quality and can be harmful to the health of the residents.

The look and feel

A leaky bathroom and mould growth are never a pleasant sight. Resealing the bath will stop mould growth as well as leaks, making your bathroom look and feel much better.

Enhance property value

The bathroom is one of the main things that buyers look at when looking to purchase any real estate. As long as you performed a bathroom sealing before the listing, it will have a positive effect on the selling price.

Increased bathware lifespan

Water leaking inside bathware like fixtures, tiles, and grout can shorten their effective lifespan. Resealing baths is a great way to prevent leakages and extend the lifespan of bathware.

Signs For a Bathroom Sealing

Now that you know about the importance of resealing a bath, it's time that you understand the signs of when it's time for a bath resealing.

Visible sealant damage

If you see any cracks or peeling of sealant, then it's probably time to invest in bathroom sealing. Small cracks and peeling might seem harmless, but the longer these are left unattended, the more costly the final cost to reseal a bath might be.

To learn more about the best time to reseal your bath or shower, check out our blog "Time to reseal your bath shower in London."

Sealant discolouration

The colour of the sealant is also a great indicator of how effective it is. If the sealant is starting to turn yellow, grey, or black, the sealant is likely to be old and resealing a bath might be the best option.

Mould and mildew growth

Mould and mildew growth inside the bathroom is a clear sign of leaky sealants. If you spot mould growth, take action quickly and perform a bathtub resealing and a complete seal around the bath.

Water leaks

Water leaks in your bathroom are often a sign that the sealant around your bath or shower is failing. Ignoring this can lead to bigger problems over time, as the water can damage your bathroom furniture, floors, and walls. To prevent this from happening, it's important to reseal the bath as soon as possible.

As a professional plumbing company, we strongly recommend getting help from an expert plumber to ensure the job is done right. A professional will make sure everything is properly sealed, protecting your bathroom from further damage.

Tools Needed For Bath Resealing

Here are the tools that you need for a typical seal-around bath.

• Sealant remover
• Scraper or a blade to remove the remainder of the old sealant
• Caulking gun
• Silicone sealant
• Masking tape
• Smoothing tool
• A few pieces of clothes for cleaning

Cost To Reseal a Bath

The cost of resealing a bath can vary depending on various factors. These include the brand of products used, the size of the bathroom, and the location of the residence.
On average, the DIY cost to reseal a bath can be around £30 to £100.

When a professional enters the scene, this value can go up to £100 to £200. Even though a hired professional can be pricy, they will provide you with a much better end result with a cleaner finish.

Read our blog for ‘Expert tips to reduce reseal bath cost’.

Professional Bath Resealing Service in London

Looking for an expert tradesperson for your bathtub resealing?

Serviceteam got your back. While DIY resealing bath can save you some money, hiring a professional from Serviceteam will reward you with,

• Guaranteed workmanship: We at Serviceteam offer a 12-month guarantee on all resealing work and materials, ensuring long-lasting results.
• No hidden costs: Our fixed-price quotes are given after a thorough survey, meaning you know exactly what you'll pay upfront, with no surprises.
• Peace of mind: Our experts will have the tools, experience, and knowledge to reseal your bath quickly and efficiently, preventing future problems.
• 24/7 emergency response: Serviceteam engineers are available 24/7 and 365 days a day, ready to help.

FAQs

Q. What type of sealant is best suited for resealing a bath?

Silicone sealant is the best sealant type for areas with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and WCs. It provides better flexibility and mould-proofing properties than other sealant types like caulk.

Q. How long does it take to seal around the bath and the bathtub?

The bath resealing process usually takes around 1 to 2 hours. It depends on the size and complexity of the bath. However, after the sealing process, the area should be left to dry out for at least 24 hours.

Q. Can I do bathroom sealing by myself?

Yes. If you have the right tools and the skillset, you can do bathtub resealing as a DIY project. But a skilled professional will give you a better end result with a cleaner finish.

Q. How often should I reseal my bath?

Sealants can start to deteriorate after 3 to 5 years. So, it's best to do a bath resealing at least once every 3 to 5 years. However, if you see signs of sealant damage or mould growth, look for a resealing bath service as quickly as possible.