Caulking work we do
- Old caulk removed down to clean surfaces, not caulked over
- Mildew in the joint cleaned and the gap left to dry before sealing
- Tub-to-tile, shower pan, corner and sink-to-wall joints sealed
- Backer rod set in gaps too wide for caulk alone
- Short stretches of cracked grout raked out and refilled to match
Older bathrooms and moisture
San Gabriel’s housing leans old: the 2020–2024 Census survey counts 7,600 homes built before 1960 out of 13,818. Many of those bathrooms have older tile around a tub that’s been recaulked more than once. Each layer laid over the last one traps moisture, which is why we take it all out.
Moisture is what matters. EPA’s guide to mold and moisture advises: “Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.” For bathrooms, it suggests that mold that keeps coming back can usually be held off by “increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently.”
In a pre-war bathroom without an exhaust fan, the window is doing that job. Crack it open after a shower, and a fresh caulk line stays white far longer.
When caulk isn’t the fix
Tiles that move when pressed, a wall that feels soft behind the tub, or water showing up on the ceiling below mean the damage is past the caulk line. That calls for a tile setter or plumber to open it up. We can tell you what we see and recaulk once the repair is done.
Send a couple of photos
Text a photo of each caulk line you want redone, close enough to see the gap, plus one of the whole tub or shower, to (626) 684-3505.
Caulking questions
Do I hear from you before the visit?
Yes. We text before we head over to you.
What if the grout is in worse shape than the caulk?
We point it out and ask before touching it. Anything beyond the quote waits for your okay and comes with its price.
Can I pick the caulk color?
Sure. Materials depend on the job; white, almond and clear cover most bathrooms, and the quote says what we’ll use.
What can I pay with?
Most common payment options are fine. If you want to check yours, ask when you book.
What if it pulls away again?
Tell us. If our work isn’t right, we come back and redo it.
Bathroom guides
- Resealing the tub and tile in an older bathroomHow we remove old caulk and reseal tubs, vintage tile and pedestal sinks in older San Gabriel bathrooms to keep water out of the walls.
- Getting a thick-walled house ready for winter rainA fall checklist for older San Gabriel homes with thick walls and deep windows: sills, doors, drains, caulking and outdoor outlets.
This job sits in our drywall, plaster and paint touch-ups group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.