Silicone or Caulk, Which one to use and why.

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So when you have finished your tile installation, it has been all grouted and you are ready to caulk the corners to have that nice soft movement joint to allow for movement, what should you use, Acrylic Latex Caulk, or 100% silicone sealant. In this video I show you what the real performance difference is. Silicone is the correct choice for your tile shower corners, tub joint or anywhere tile meets a tile in a corner or another type of material. You never want to just grout in your corners, this can create problems, at the very least you will have cracked corners, at the worst it will cause your tile job to fail. Silicone sealant is the correct choice, look up ANSI EJ171 for all the details. An alternative Siliconized Acrylic Caulk, but it is not as flexible and will not last anywhere near as long as a Silicone caulk joint will. Silicone is much more flexible and has a much stronger bond, however it is not easy to clean and can leave a mess if you don't know the secret how to get it done quick and easy. Unlike acrylic caulks, which can be easily cleaned with water, silicone caulk needs a bit more care and know how to get a professional looking clean even joint. In this video I demonstrate an easy method that with a little practice will have you caulking with silicone in no time.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
#tile #transformthetrade #howtotile #installingtile #howtoinstalltile #Schlutersystems #TCNA

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[shogun]

If people only understood the toll tiling takes on your body, they would recognize the fact that Sal is a rare breed.Not to mention the fact that he works alone.
Salute Sal!

[justinrhodes]

Some of these commenters are so rude! Sal, you do a great job and are the best tile guy on YouTube hands down!

[andreyzagoruyko]

I am impressed the silicone sticks to the side of tile so well; good to know. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but other things to consider are that in dry conditions latex will shrink and continue getting harder, in wet it can expand (though temporarily may be okay) but will deteriorate. Silicone keeps its shape no matter the moisture content or age.

[jodysanders]

Have done quite a bit of tile in my day, and I respect a man who has been able to make a successful career of it. It is physically brutal on the body, takes near-infinite patience, and materials are constantly changing. Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge with us—

[franksmiley]

You have thought how to work clean, professional and, respect the job that I am doing. Not only in tiling which is not my profession in everything. Thanks for all the years of hardwork that you have done for many years and you put them all in one video for us. I am a member on your site and I thank you for everything that you have and are doing for us. I cannot ever be like you but for sure I am glad there is one like you in this world. Thanks again Mr.

[CRpatriot]

BEST TEACHER EVER🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼Silicones the winner!! amazing demonstration 🙏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼👏🏼

[michaelmonitor]

Thank you Sal. You're a true craftsman and you share invaluable knowledge. So much respect for you as a person, a true hero of the internet.

[maomao]

Excellent experiment! You have me completely convinced to go with silicone for my exterior window frame and its wood trim repair. Thank you so much!

[mommyhelen]

This is the exact video I was looking for!!! I want to recaulk my shower and some videos were saying silicone and others caulking. I was confused as to when to use which one! Thank you so much for this!!

[dattdude]

THANK YOU Finally I got a great comparison of the two types ... I’ve been wanting the results of the silicon for years and when ever faced with the job of deciding which one I was 2 afraid to go with one or the other fearing they both weren’t what I was looking for ... I want the rubbery material and now I can have it ... thanks again !!!

[Lukesh]

Acrylic latex caulk should be used if the area you are caulking does not see a lot of water, or you need to use a colored caulk or one that can be painted to match. Acrylic caulk works well for painting applications as it fills in any gaps between walls, ceilings, and woodwork trim, silicone is not paintable but very waterproof good for changes of plain in the corners

[HaydenAlerte]

Probably one of the most useful videos I accidentally stumbled upon... (going to use this advice this weekend).

Thank you.

[ricrdop]

Very informative video. Thank you Sal for taking the time to teach us (DIY's) to do the work right

[YamiFoxx]

I'm a DIY newbie so this video was extremely helpful, I loved the demonstration and thorough explanation, thanks!

[matthewholland]

Sal, you’re the G.O.A.T.! Very helpful videos helped guide me through a kitchen floor tile job. Thanks.

[whitetiger]

Well that settles that question. I will be using silicone to seal my tub to the tile for a water tight joint! Thanks for the demonstration, very informative.

[jerryhernandez]

Sal you're the best. I grew up on the west coast (don't hold it against me) moved to Iowa though. Don't know if that negates it. You remind me of Harold Cunningham from Happy Days. I just smile as I learn from you Sal. God bless ya. Don’t know if you know Jesus, but I pray you do. You are a craftsman and I've learned alor from you. Thanks for taking the time to do all this work it is a continuing education for sure. Blessings Sal

[Evaaaaaaan...]

Thank you for such a informative video old man, i watched a bunch of videos on Silicon vs Caulk and this is the only one that provided such clear understanding. If any one wants to just know what is the the difference between Silicon and Caulk, go no further.

[mikepi]

Thanks Sal, for your time and knowledge, , Sealing up my enclosed trailer and silicone 100% is the way to go, , YOU saved me time, money. If not seeing your video I would have bought the cheaper, acrylic, , , , Had to reseal in a year or so, , , bouncing trailer, , , Manufacturer, last owner did NOT use the right caulk, silicone, , , Rust, moisture on inside ribs, , ,
Thanks again Sal, ,

[chuckp]

Sal is my go to tiling guy for my projects. Thanks for sharing all of your immense knowledge .