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Can Mouldy Silicone Be Cleaned or Should It Be Replaced?

How long does silicone sealant last in a bathroom?

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READING TIME

3 Minutes

How long does silicone sealant last in a bathroom?

Silicone sealant is one of those things most people don’t think about until it starts failing.

In most bathrooms, sealant is constantly exposed to water, steam, cleaning products, and daily use. Over time, this naturally affects how well it performs and how it looks.

So how long should bathroom sealant actually last, and when should it be replaced?

Typical Lifespan of Bathroom Sealant

In general, good-quality silicone sealant in a bathroom will last around 5 to 10 years.

However, this varies depending on:

  • how well it was originally applied
  • the level of moisture in the room
  • ventilation quality
  • cleaning products used
  • how often the area is used

Poorly applied sealant can fail much sooner, sometimes within 1–2 years.

 

Signs Your Bathroom Sealant Is Reaching the End of Its Life

Even if sealant hasn’t completely failed, there are clear signs it may need replacing soon:

  • black mould that keeps returning
  • cracks or splits in the silicone
  • sealant pulling away from tiles or fittings
  • gaps around baths or shower trays
  • discolouration that won’t clean off
  • water starting to escape during use

Once these issues appear, cleaning alone is usually not enough to fix them.

 

Why Bathroom Sealant Fails Over Time

Bathroom sealant doesn’t usually fail suddenly. It breaks down gradually due to everyday conditions such as:

  • constant exposure to water and steam
  • movement in baths, trays, and wall joints
  • cleaning chemicals weakening the surface
  • natural ageing of the silicone material
  • poor surface preparation during installation

Once sealant loses its bond, it can no longer provide a fully waterproof barrier.

Can You Extend the Life of Sealant?

There are a few ways to help sealant last longer:

  • keep bathrooms well ventilated
  • remove standing water after use
  • avoid harsh chemical cleaners on silicone
  • clean mould early before it spreads
  • check joints regularly for early signs of wear

However, even with good maintenance, sealant will still eventually need replacing.

 

Can Old Sealant Be Repaired?

In most cases, no.

Once silicone starts to fail, the most effective solution is:

  • complete removal of old sealant
  • thorough surface preparation
  • application of fresh sanitary-grade silicone

Applying new sealant over old material rarely produces a long-lasting result.

 

When Should You Call a Professional?

You should consider professional resealing if:

  • mould keeps returning after cleaning
  • water is escaping around bath or shower areas
  • sealant looks cracked, loose, or aged
  • you want a clean, refreshed finish in the bathroom

Professional resealing not only restores waterproof protection but also improves the overall appearance of the space.

 

Looking for Professional Sealant Services?

If your bathroom sealant is showing signs of age or failure, ROSEAL provides professional bathroom resealing & sealing services across Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Devon.

We deliver clean, precise finishes designed to improve both appearance and long-term protection of your property.

Why Is My Shower Leaking Through the Floor?

Why is my shower leaking through the floor?

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READING TIME

Less than 1 minute Minutes

Why is my shower leaking through the floor?

Finding water outside the shower or noticing damp patches on the ceiling below can be frustrating and worrying.

Many people immediately assume the shower tray is cracked or that plumbing behind the wall has failed. While that can happen, one of the most overlooked causes is actually failing sealant.

Small gaps in silicone around a shower tray, enclosure, screen, or tiled joints can allow water to slowly escape behind surfaces. Over time, even a minor leak can become a much bigger problem.

Common Reasons a Shower Starts Leaking

A leaking shower isn’t always obvious at first.

You may notice:

  • water appearing on the bathroom floor
  • damp smells
  • peeling paint downstairs
  • staining on ceilings
  • mould developing around the shower
  • silicone becoming black or detached

Several issues can cause this.

 

Failed Silicone Sealant

This is one of the most common causes.

Silicone sealant around shower trays and enclosures naturally ages over time. Daily exposure to water, cleaning products, movement, and temperature changes gradually reduces its performance.

Signs of failed sealant include:

Once water starts finding a route behind the silicone, leaks often become worse gradually rather than suddenly.

Gaps Around the Shower Tray

Movement in floors and normal use can sometimes create small separations between the tray and surrounding surfaces.

Even tiny openings may allow surprising amounts of water to escape over time.

Professional resealing can often solve the issue before more extensive repairs become necessary.

Damaged Grout or Wall Joints

People often focus on the shower itself and forget surrounding surfaces.

Cracked grout, damaged corners, and deteriorated joints can allow moisture behind tiles where it may travel before becoming visible elsewhere.

Plumbing Issues Behind the Wall

If sealant appears in good condition but leaking continues, plumbing connections behind walls may require investigation.

Typical signs include:

  • leaking even without shower use
  • unexplained water pressure changes
  • persistent damp areas

When Should You Replace Shower Sealant?

You should consider replacing shower sealant if:

  • mould keeps returning
  • silicone feels loose
  • visible gaps appear
  • water escapes during use
  • sealant looks brittle or aged

Waiting too long can allow moisture to affect surrounding materials and increase repair costs.

 

Can You Seal Over Existing Silicone?

Applying fresh silicone over old sealant rarely produces a reliable result.

Old contamination, trapped moisture, and poor adhesion underneath often cause the new sealant to fail more quickly.

Professional removal before replacement generally produces a cleaner and longer-lasting finish.

 

Preventing Future Shower Leaks

Simple maintenance can help extend sealant life:

  • Keep shower areas ventilated
  • Remove standing water where possible
  • Check joints periodically
  • Replace deteriorated sealant early
  • Avoid excessive aggressive cleaning products

Sealant is often one of the smallest details in a bathroom until it stops doing its job.

 

Need Professional Shower Resealing?

If your shower is leaking, mould keeps returning, or your sealant looks past its best, ROSEAL provides professional sealant replacement designed to help restore waterproof protection and improve appearance.

Why Is My Shower Leaking Around the Tray?

Why is my shower leaking around the tray?

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READING TIME

3 Minutes

Why Is My Shower Leaking Around the Tray?

A leaking shower isn’t always caused by faulty plumbing.

In many cases, the problem starts with something much simpler — failed sealant around the shower tray, enclosure, or surrounding joints. What often begins as a small gap or crack can gradually allow water to escape behind surfaces, leading to damp patches, mould growth, and damage that isn’t immediately visible.

The good news? In many situations, the solution is far less disruptive than homeowners expect.

The Most Common Cause of Shower Leaks

Shower trays and enclosures are designed to keep water contained within the shower area. The sealant surrounding these joints plays a vital role in preventing moisture from escaping.

Over time, silicone can begin to:

  • Crack
  • Shrink
  • Peel away from surfaces
  • Develop mould
  • Lose flexibility

Once gaps appear, even small amounts of water can work their way behind the tray or wall panels.

Because this often happens gradually, many homeowners don’t notice the problem until signs of damage start appearing elsewhere.

 

Signs Your Shower Sealant May Be Failing

One of the easiest ways to identify a sealant issue is by inspecting the silicone around the shower tray.

Common warning signs include:

  • Black mould within the sealant
  • Cracked or split silicone
  • Peeling edges
  • Discolouration
  • Visible gaps between surfaces
  • Water collecting outside the shower area

If any of these issues are present, the sealant may no longer be providing effective waterproof protection.

 

Could the Leak Be Coming From Somewhere Else?

Possibly.

While failed silicone is one of the most common causes of shower leaks, there are situations where the issue may be related to:

  • Damaged grout
  • Plumbing connections
  • Faulty shower trays
  • Loose fittings
  • Structural movement

A professional inspection can usually identify whether the sealant is the source of the problem or if further investigation is required.

 

Why Adding More Silicone Isn’t Always the Answer

A common mistake is applying new sealant directly over old silicone.

Although it may appear to solve the problem temporarily, old sealant often contains trapped moisture, mould, and weakened adhesion. Applying fresh silicone over the top can result in poor bonding and further failure.

For long-lasting results, the existing sealant should be fully removed before new silicone is applied.

Can Mouldy Silicone Be Cleaned or Should It Be Replaced?

What Happens If You Ignore It?

Small leaks have a habit of becoming larger problems.

Water penetrating behind shower trays or wall panels can eventually lead to:

  • Damp patches
  • Mould growth
  • Damaged plasterboard
  • Loose tiles
  • Stained surfaces
  • Costly repairs

Addressing failing sealant early is often far more affordable than repairing water damage later.

When Should Shower Sealant Be Replaced?

There is no exact lifespan because every bathroom experiences different levels of use, ventilation, and moisture exposure.

However, if the sealant is visibly mouldy, cracked, peeling, or allowing water to escape, replacement is usually the most effective solution.

Professional resealing restores the waterproof barrier while improving the overall appearance of the shower area.

Professional Shower Resealing Services

ROSEAL provides professional shower resealing services across the South West, replacing failed silicone with premium-quality sanitary sealants designed for durability and long-term performance.

Whether you’re dealing with mouldy silicone, visible gaps, or a suspected shower leak, replacing deteriorated sealant can help protect your bathroom and prevent further problems from developing.

Areas We Cover

ROSEAL provides professional silicone services throughout Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, and Hampshire, including Yeovil, Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, and Bath.

roseal sealing a kitchen in Taunton

How to stop mould coming back on silicone

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READING TIME

Less than 1 minute Minutes

How to Stop Mould Coming Back on Silicone

You clean the silicone. It looks better for a few days. Then slowly, the black marks begin returning around the shower, bath, or sink again.

It’s one of the most common bathroom problems homeowners deal with, and unfortunately, cleaning alone often doesn’t solve the actual cause.

Mould returning on silicone usually means the sealant itself has started failing.

Why Mould Keeps Returning

Bathrooms naturally create heat, moisture, and condensation every single day. Over time, this constant exposure allows mould to develop around silicone joints, especially in poorly ventilated areas.

Once mould begins penetrating into the sealant itself, surface cleaning products may only improve the appearance temporarily.

Common causes include:

  • poor bathroom ventilation
  • ageing silicone
  • moisture compenetration trough cracked grout / leaky pipes behind tiles
  • damaged sealant
  • low-quality previous application

In many cases, the mould is already embedded beneath the surface of the silicone.

Can You Clean Mould Off Silicone Permanently?

Surface staining can sometimes be reduced using specialist cleaning products, but deeply affected silicone often continues to discolour and deteriorate underneath.

If mould keeps returning quickly after cleaning, replacement is usually the best long-term solution.

Applying fresh silicone over existing mouldy sealant rarely works properly and often leads to the problem returning again.

How to Stop Mould Coming Back on Silicone

How to Help Prevent Mould Returning

While no bathroom is completely immune to moisture, a few simple steps can help reduce future mould growth:

  • improving ventilation
  • opening windows after showers
  • using extractor fans regularly
  • reducing excess condensation
  • keeping joints clean and dry where possible

Most importantly, replacing failed sealant early helps prevent moisture becoming trapped behind surfaces.

When Should Silicone Be Replaced?

Sealant replacement is usually recommended when:

  • black mould keeps returning
  • silicone is cracked or peeling
  • joints are separating
  • sealant looks permanently stained
  • water may be reaching behind surfaces

Replacing deteriorated silicone not only improves appearance but also restores proper waterproof protection around baths, showers, sinks, and tiled areas.

Professional Bathroom & Shower Resealing

ROSEAL provides professional:

across Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and surrounding areas.

We carefully remove failed sealant before applying premium-quality sanitary silicone designed for long-lasting performance and clean professional finishing.

Can Mouldy Silicone Be Cleaned or Should It Be Replaced?

Can mouldy silicone be cleaned or should It be replaced?

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READING TIME

Less than 1 minute Minutes

Can Mouldy Silicone Be Cleaned?

Mould on bathroom sealant is one of the most common problems homeowners experience. While surface staining can sometimes be improved with cleaning products, mould that has penetrated deep into the silicone usually cannot be fully removed permanently.

This is why black staining often returns shortly after cleaning.

When Silicone Should Be Replaced

Sealant replacement is usually recommended when:

  • mould keeps returning
  • silicone is cracked or peeling
  • joints are separating
  • water can reach behind surfaces
  • the sealant looks permanently stained

Replacing failed silicone properly helps restore waterproof protection and improves the overall appearance of the bathroom or kitchen.

Can Mouldy Silicone Be Cleaned or Should It Be Replaced?

Why Replacing Sealant Properly Matters

Applying fresh silicone over old mouldy sealant rarely solves the problem long-term. Existing contamination and weak adhesion underneath can quickly lead to further failure.

Professional removal and replacement creates a cleaner finish and more durable result.

Professional Silicone Replacement Services

ROSEAL provides bathroom resealing, shower sealing, kitchen silicone replacement, and commercial sealant services across the South West.

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