Mould and mildew in bathrooms are both unattractive and unhygienic. They can also present problems to anybody with allergies, causing sore throats, coughing and eye irritation. Mildew loves warm and damp conditions and our bathrooms and kitchens contain the ideal environments for it to develop. If mildew does develop it can also lead to further problems causing damage to woodwork and possibly leading to rot. Bathrooms in particular are susceptible as they can be the most humid rooms in our homes.
An effective bathroom sealant will help to combat the development of mould or mildew; the most vulnerable areas in a bathroom are baths, sinks, showers and toilets. If moisture is allowed to penetrate into cracks and joints that can be found between these features and the walls of the room, it will lead to the formation of moulds and mildew in the cavities around and below them. These areas will be difficult, if not impossible, to access for cleaning and must therefore be sealed properly.
Bathroom sealant is manufactured from silicone, which provides a strong, permanent rubber seal. Sealant is a straightforward product to use, whether you are experienced in DIY or not. Modern varieties of bathroom sealant are supplied in many different colours – so can be easily matched to any decorating scheme – though white or clear products remain the most common and most popular.
Normally supplied in tubes of 300 – 500ml Bathroom Sealant will come with a simple application nozzle, and the product is best used in conjunction with a decorator’s gun. Once fitted to the gun, the nozzle should be cut at a diagonal angle. You will not need a large hole in the nozzle to produce an adequate bead of the material – it is better to cut a small hole at first which can be enlarged if required.
Before application ensure the surfaces are clean and dry. Silicone has good adhesive qualities, but dust or damp will affect its performance. To apply the silicone, tilt the gun at an angle of 45 degrees. To create an even bead of the silicone apply a light pressure to the gun and try to finish each run in one single stroke, keeping an even pressure on the gun. This should result in a single uniform bead of the material. The easiest method for then smoothing the material to create a neat finish is simply to dampen the tip of your finger and run it along the bead; check that the seal is complete and leave to dry. Modern silicone products will dry quickly at room temperature – for individual products check the manufacturers’ instructions before using baths and showers.
Once applied the silicone will provide a hygienic and attractive finish to your bathroom, the materials durability should mean that it will protect your bathroom for many years. If future re-applications are needed the material can be easily removed and replaced. To ensure the ‘health’ of your bathroom apply a good quality bathroom sealant to prevent dampness, mildew and mould from developing. Sealant Manufacturers