Bath and Shower Resealing in Newcastle

Silicone sealant around a bath or shower does an important job. It stops water running down behind the bath panel or tray, where it can rot floorboards, stain the ceiling below and cause damp. When sealant turns black with mould, peels away or cracks, it is not just unsightly. It can be letting water through every time someone has a shower.

Handy Andrew reseals baths, shower trays, basins and kitchen worktops for homeowners and landlords across Newcastle, Jesmond, Heaton and North Tyneside. The key to a lasting job is preparation: all of the old sealant is removed, the joint is cleaned and dried, and the right sanitary silicone is applied in a smooth, even bead.

Resealing is a quick job that makes a tired bathroom look far cleaner. It suits anyone who has tried cleaning mould out of sealant without success, landlords preparing a property for new tenants, and homeowners getting ready to sell. If Andrew spots signs of a bigger leak, such as a loose bath, cracked tray or failed grout, you will be told so it can be dealt with properly.

What's included

• Removing all old silicone, not just covering it over
• Cleaning off soap residue and mould from the joint
• Making sure the joint is dry before applying new sealant
• Applying mould-resistant sanitary silicone in a colour to suit
• Smoothing to a neat, even finish
• Resealing basins, shower screens and kitchen sinks or worktops on request
• Advising on how long to leave it before using the bath or shower
• Checking for loose baths, cracked trays or failing grout

Why sealant goes mouldy and fails

Black mould on sealant is common in bathrooms with limited ventilation, especially in older Newcastle terraces and flats with small windows. Mould grows into the silicone itself, which is why bleach and scrubbing only lighten it for a while. Once it is inside, the only real fix is to cut it out and start again.

Sealant also fails when it has been applied over old silicone, onto a damp surface or across a gap that moves. Acrylic baths flex when they fill with water, so if the bath was sealed when empty, the bead can tear. Andrew can fill the bath with water before sealing to allow for that movement. Improving ventilation, using an extractor fan and wiping the joint after showers all help new sealant stay cleaner for longer.

Looking after your new sealant

New silicone needs time to cure before it gets wet. Andrew will tell you how long the particular product needs, which is commonly around a day, though it varies with temperature and humidity. Using the shower too soon can leave the bead soft or marked.

Once it has cured, a few simple habits help it last:

• Run the extractor fan or open a window during and after bathing
• Wipe or squeegee the joint after showers so water does not sit
• Clean with a mild bathroom cleaner rather than harsh abrasive pads
• Keep shampoo bottles off the sealant line

If mould returns quickly, the room may need better ventilation, which is worth looking at before the next reseal.

What affects the price

• Number of joints, such as bath, shower tray, basin or kitchen sink
• Length of sealant run and shape of the bath or shower enclosure
• How difficult the old sealant is to remove
• Whether grout around the bath also needs cleaning or replacing
• Any repairs needed first, such as a loose bath or shower screen
• Colour of silicone required