grouting around a window

[Todd]

Hi there

When I re-sided my house outside the bathroom window, I pulled on the window too hard & cracked the grout between the marble tile and the vinyl window. The window is in the SHOWER so is inherently a danger for mold, rot, etc. (that's why I had to reside my house!). We will be installing a shower curtain w/clips to keep water out of the window. However, I have to replace the grout.

So far, I pulled out all the grout and caulk. It looked like someone had mixed the grout with the caulk somehow (the caulk was very discolored and thicker than plain caulk).

Now I'm trying to figure out my next step. Two days ago I installed a layer of Silicon II caulk deep within the crack, thinking that might provide an extra layer of sealing/protection if the grout fails. On the sides of the window there is still about 3/8-1/2" depth for the grout. On the flat horizontal surface, there is about 1/8-1/4" depth remaining.

Was my layer of caulk a stupid idea? Should I rip out the caulking I just put in? What's the best way to do this? The window is vinyl & I'm worried the grout won't bond well to the vinyl, plus the window will expand/contract since it's on the outside of the house, ultimately cracking the grout. Either way, I'll seal the grout and then caulk the joint between the window & the grout.

I've heard of epoxy grout--is this worth looking into? I read that it doesn't require sealing. Thanks for any help you can give me.

-Todd

[Bob F]

You should probably use just the caulk to allow for movement and flexing which will occur. You can order caulk to match grout at tile stores.

Bob

[marks542004]

I agree , grout is fine between pieces that dont move , but for a window I would use caulk.

I would not try to fill the gap, but apply a bead of caulk big enough to bridge between the wall and the window.

[Norminn]

Caulk is not one of those "more is better" products, so you don't pack a space with it. Probably no harm done. When there is a gap to be filled, there is a product to use before caulking. Round foam strip, found in caulk dept. You just need a very clean and dry base to apply the right caulk to - silicone is the pop choice for bath/shower enclosures.

[thetiler]

I'd pack those large gaps with a solid strong filler like sanded grout, which won't shrink. Then when that dries you can use caulking as a final bead between the tile and window.

thetiler

Todd wrote: