recaulking the tile line

[james-m]

I had a company come out last year and caulk the tile line. they removed the old caulk and applied a new one
this year it is already almost gone, and of course it does not really help the concrete right above the tile.

I'd like to understand what I can do to do it right, they (the company) obviously did not really know what they were doing since they said: 6-7 years you won't see any problem with it.

I can remove the remaining caulk. But then I call to experts here to tell me what I should / could do.

1. Is there a binding layer I should apply before applying a new caulk? If yes, what should I use?
2. Which caulk I should use?
3. Any other thoughts / tips on what not to do?

Thank you!

 

[ajw22]

A pool is not a bathtub. Caulk is not the correct product to use outdoors on stone and plaster.

You should be using Type S Mortar or pool grout to fill joints between the coping and the bond beam.

It is not clear to me where your expansion joint is. Cracking in that area may be indicative of a compromised expansion joints.

Expansion Joints and Coping - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[james-m]

apparently people who take money for it do think it is a bathtub

ok, "Type S Mortar", that's helpful.

what are the steps though? what should I do to close the perimeter joint: remove, bind, reapply?

I am not sure where my expansion joint is, potentially under the deck, since from the link you sent it looks more like "Cantilevered Deck". Here is the same spot from different angles:

 

[ajw22]

If you have a cantilevered deck then your expansion joint should be filled with flexible mastic and not any hard products. You need to identify the expansion joint versus other joints you may be filling.

Deck-O-Seal is often used for expansion joints. DECK-O-SEAL is used for caulking and sealing joints subject to movement to provide a firm, flexible, weather-tight seal. It is ideal for sealing joints on swimming pool decks.

DECK-O-SEAL - Polysulfide-Based Joint Sealant

Seal all cracks and joints with DECK-O-SEAL two-part, elastomeric, polysulfide-based joint sealant. DECK-O-SEAL is used for caulking and sealing joints subject to concrete movement to provide a firm, flexible, weather-tight seal. It is ideal for sealing joints around swimming pools, and for...

www.deckoseal.com

 

[james-m]

hm.. then I suspect they did use it, since it does look like what Deck-O-Seal looks in youtube videos.

but.. it does not hold. so what did they do wrong, and hence how do I make it right?

 

[cowboycasey]

Well at least they tried doing it correctly but they used the wrong stuff.. A high quality pool silicon should last 5 to 10 years.. It looks like they used bathtub caulk and that will not last and should never be used on a pool... the better stuff to use is below..

The area between the coping and the tile should never be done with grout..

I would do it as @ajw22 said.. use expansion joint sealant.. Sikaflex 1A is what you want..

Sikaflex®-1A

Sikaflex-1a is a premium-grade, high-performance, moisture-cured, 1-component, polyurethane-based, non-sag elastomeric sealant. Sikaflex-1a can be used in green and damp concrete applications.

usa.sika.com

Sikaflex 1A - Polyurethane Construction Sealant and Adhesive, 10 oz Tubes

Sikaflex 1a is a premium grade, high performance, moisture cured, one component, polyurethane based, non sag elastomeric sealant. Sikaflex 1a has excellent adhesion and bonds to most construction materials without a primer. It has resistance to aging and weathering and can be used in green and...

www.awarehousefull.com

Sikaflex coverage..


If you want to stay with a silicone here is a list of products.. I would not for many reasons, it is almost impossible to remove silicone once it is applied and it will need to be replied in 5 to 10 years...

 

[james-m]

thanks

so what are the steps:

1. remove existing caulk
2. any binding layer
3. apply "Sikaflex 1A"

?

also how can you tell they used bathroom caulk, is it evident from the picture above?

 

[cowboycasey]

100% silicone would never do this, the only thing I have seen do that is bathroom caulk... Did you look at what was used?




As for prep I am not exactly sure, there should be nothing left of the caulk and the area should be clean and dry...

 

[ajw22]

Key is scraping out all old grout and caulk and whatever else is in the joint and cleaning it well. Surface prep is 80% of the work. Deck-O-Seal and Sikafkex are very sticky.

 

[james-m]

@cowboycasey

Did you look at what was used?

I did not

@ajw22

Key is scraping out all old grout and caulk and whatever else is in the joint and cleaning it well.
Surface prep is 80% of the work. Deck-O-Seal and Sikafkex are very sticky.

thanks, that helps.

so between "Deck-O-Seal" and "Sikaflex 1A"... which one?

 

[ajw22]

so between "Deck-O-Seal" and "Sikaflex 1A"... which one?

They both work fine initially. Deck-O-Seal seems to hold up better long term.

 

[cowboycasey]

Deck-o-seal also has a version called one step.. I have not used either of them.. I am also debating on what one to use...

DECK-O-SEAL ONE STEP - Polymer-Based Sealing Compound

#788 PDF Print Version SDS – Various Colors CSI 13 11 00 Request Sample Color […]

www.deckoseal.com

 

[MyAZPool]

Watching cause I'm also thinking about having this done over the winter.