Caulking and re-caulking in Chattanooga
We seal the gaps around tubs, sinks, windows and doors so water and outside air stay where they belong in your home.
$59 for one hour of small fixes and a full-home checklist with photos.
- Insured
- Uniformed local crew
- Photo report after every visit
- Upfront pricing
Caulk is the thin bead that fills the seam where two surfaces meet. You find it around tubs, showers, sinks, counters, window frames and door trim. When it is fresh, it keeps water out of the joints and stops outside air from slipping in. Over time, most caulk dries out, shrinks, pulls away or grows mildew. Then it stops doing its job, even if it still looks like it is there.
Fortress Home Services handles caulking and re-caulking for homes in Chattanooga, Hixson, Ooltewah, Collegedale, Signal Mountain, East Brainerd, Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold. We cut out the old bead, clean the joint, let it dry and lay down a neat new line. If you have been searching for a handyman near me to fix a stained tub line, this is a good place to start.
Signs your caulk needs attention
- Gaps or cracks along the tub or shower line
- Dark spots in the caulk that will not scrub off
- Caulk that peels away when you press on it
- A draft or a thin line of daylight at the edge of a window frame
- Hard, yellowed caulk around the kitchen sink
- Water stains on the floor or wall next to the tub
What the crew does
- Cut out and scrape away old, failing caulk
- Clean the joint and remove mildew before resealing
- Let the surface dry so the new bead sticks
- Use a mildew-resistant caulk in wet areas and an outdoor-rated one outside
- Tool the bead smooth so the line looks clean
- Seal outside gaps at window and door trim
- Tell you how long to wait before the area gets wet
Why it is worth doing before it fails
A small gap in a tub or shower seam can let water run behind the tile or into the floor every time someone bathes. That water often goes unseen for months. By the time a soft spot or stain shows up, the fix can be much bigger than a new bead of caulk.
Outside, caulk at windows and doors takes sun, rain and temperature swings. Chattanooga summers are hot and humid, and winters bring cold snaps, so joints expand and shrink through the year. Many outdoor caulks last several years, but that varies a lot by product and by how much sun the spot gets. Checking the seams each spring and fall catches cracks while they are still small. It also helps keep drafts and bugs from finding a way in.
Caulking is built into the Quarter Round Plan. The Spring Refresh includes sealing gaps outside at windows and doors, and the Summer Tune-Up includes re-caulking tubs, showers and sinks. Both happen inside the 2-hour visit, so you only pay for materials. Not a member yet? The $59 Fix-It Hour is an easy way to get one tired tub line redone and see how we work.
Caulking and re-caulking questions
How often should a tub or shower be re-caulked?
There is no single rule. Many homes need it every few years, and sooner if the bathroom stays damp or the caulk was not put on well. A good sign it is time is caulk that is cracked, peeling or stained in a way cleaning will not fix. We look at these seams during visits and let you know when they are close.
Can you just put new caulk over the old caulk?
We do not recommend it. New caulk does not stick well to old caulk, and laying a fresh bead on top can trap mildew and moisture underneath. It may look fine for a short time, then peel. Removing the old bead first takes longer, but it gives the new one a clean, dry surface to grab.
How long before I can use the shower again?
It depends on the product. Many bathroom caulks need about a day before they get wet, and some ask for longer. The crew will tell you the cure time for what we used before they leave. Plan the visit for a day when you can use another shower or wait until the next morning.
Often on the same list
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Tell us what needs doing when you book. Your tech starts on it during your Fix-It Hour and adds anything else to your home checklist.
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