Where does silicone go instead of grout in Ottawa?

Silicone caulk replaces grout anywhere two surfaces meet at a change of plane or where movement is expected — essentially every inside corner and transition joint in your bathroom.

The key locations where silicone belongs instead of grout are the inside corners where walls meet the floor, where walls meet each other, and where the tile field meets any fixture like a tub deck, shower base, or curb. These joints experience constant movement from thermal expansion, building settlement, and the flex of the structure beneath. Grout is rigid and will crack at these locations — sometimes within months — allowing water to penetrate behind the tile.

In a shower or tub surround, the most critical silicone joints are along the tub ledge where tile meets the tub rim, all four vertical inside corners of the shower walls, and the cove joint at the shower floor perimeter. These are the highest-risk water infiltration points in any bathroom. A failed grout joint at the tub ledge is one of the most common causes of water damage behind walls in Ottawa homes.

On the floor, the perimeter joint where floor tile meets the baseboard or wall tile should also be silicone rather than grout, for the same movement reasons.

For colour matching, quality silicone caulk is available in a wide range of colours to match your grout. Brands like Mapei and Laticrete offer colour-matched caulk specifically designed to pair with their grout lines, so the joint is nearly invisible when done properly.

From a maintenance standpoint, silicone in a shower will typically last 5–10 years before it needs refreshing. It's one of the few bathroom maintenance tasks a handy homeowner can tackle themselves — remove the old silicone completely, clean the joint thoroughly, and apply new caulk with a steady hand. If you're doing a full tile renovation though, having your contractor apply the silicone as part of the job ensures proper joint sizing and adhesion from day one. For a free estimate on a tile or shower project, feel free to request a quote from Ottawa Bathrooms.