When to Replace Your Bathroom Silicone: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Learn the key warning signs that your caulking needs replacing before minor issues become costly repairs.
Caulking doesn't last forever. Even the best sealants break down over time due to UV exposure, movement, and moisture. Here are five signs it's time to re-caulk your home or building.
1. Cracking or Splitting
The most obvious sign of sealant failure is visible cracking. As caulking ages, it loses flexibility and can no longer accommodate the natural movement of your building. Hairline cracks quickly become larger fissures that allow water, air, and pests to enter. Check around windows, doors, and wet area perimeters for any signs of splitting.
2. Discolouration or Mould Growth
If your bathroom or kitchen caulking has turned dark, yellow, or shows visible mould, it's compromised. While surface mould can sometimes be cleaned, deep discolouration usually means moisture has penetrated behind the sealant. Mould-resistant silicone should be used in all wet area re-seals.
3. Peeling or Pulling Away
When caulking begins to pull away from one or both surfaces, it's lost adhesion. This is common around bathtubs, shower screens, and external joints where thermal movement is significant. The underlying substrate may need re-preparation before new sealant is applied for a lasting bond.
4. Water Stains or Leaks
If you notice water stains on ceilings below bathrooms, or damp patches around windows, failed caulking is often the culprit. Water finds the smallest gaps, and even minor sealant failures can lead to significant moisture damage over time. Addressing leaks early prevents costly structural repairs.
5. Age — Over 5-10 Years
Most sealants have a functional lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the product, location, and exposure. High-UV areas, pool surrounds, and constantly wet zones degrade faster. If your caulking hasn't been replaced in a decade, a professional inspection is worthwhile even if no visible issues are present.
At CaulkTech, we specialise in remedial strip-out and re-sealing — diagnosing failures, preparing substrates properly, and reinstating with the right product for each application. Contact us for a free assessment of your property's sealing condition.