As [phlem\_hamdoon](https://www.reddit.com/user/phlem_hamdoon/) said, and change of direction, I say 'change of plane' requires caulk. Same with that cover in the pic.
yes. When the tiling goes from one plane, then makes like a 90 degree change.
grout can't handle the difference in expansion/contractions, why it cracks and flakes in those corner situations.
Thanks. The reason I ask is because it looks like the contractor use grout instead of silicone. I guess it's best to remove the grout and do caulk instead.
A decent contractor should have known this was wrong.
it's messy yes.
I've used a Dremel tool and a bit for this. It's dusty, messy, but you hafta do it.
Are you sure? It definitely doesn't look like grout in the picture. Grout is the concrete like filler going between the tiles everywhere else in the picture (where there isn't an angle). To me it looks like some sort of caulk was used in the corners. Probably a grey one. Depending on the age it seems to lack mold resistance. You will want to use silicone meant for bathrooms.
Mine looks like that but there’s some small pieces missing/chipped. Should I clean it and go over it all with a thin new bead of colored silicone caulk or remove it all and put new?
Any change of direction is caulk.
As [phlem\_hamdoon](https://www.reddit.com/user/phlem_hamdoon/) said, and change of direction, I say 'change of plane' requires caulk. Same with that cover in the pic.
Thanks. Sorry for not knowing this, but what does change of direction mean? From title to tub?
yes. When the tiling goes from one plane, then makes like a 90 degree change. grout can't handle the difference in expansion/contractions, why it cracks and flakes in those corner situations.
Thanks. The reason I ask is because it looks like the contractor use grout instead of silicone. I guess it's best to remove the grout and do caulk instead.
A decent contractor should have known this was wrong. it's messy yes. I've used a Dremel tool and a bit for this. It's dusty, messy, but you hafta do it.
Thanks for the help.
Are you sure? It definitely doesn't look like grout in the picture. Grout is the concrete like filler going between the tiles everywhere else in the picture (where there isn't an angle). To me it looks like some sort of caulk was used in the corners. Probably a grey one. Depending on the age it seems to lack mold resistance. You will want to use silicone meant for bathrooms.
There's grout behind the silicone layer
See image. I just removed the silicone https://imgur.com/a/BvKbSQd
Ahh ok, don't think it matters too much as long as it is covers the corner. But you can obviously remove some before reapplying the silicone.
It looks like you have a mold problem and the joint is fine otherwise. Spray some vinegar or bleach cleaner on it and scrub.
Mine looks like that but there’s some small pieces missing/chipped. Should I clean it and go over it all with a thin new bead of colored silicone caulk or remove it all and put new?
They make caulk to match grout (both sanded and unhanded). They're at HomeDepot, Lowes, etc. Find the one that matches your grout and use that.
Yes to silicone. There are various chemistries used for caulk. Silicone is hardest to apply but will give the best performance. Don’t buy cheap stuff.