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REPAIR TIP OF THE MONTH Home Repair Resource Center offers advice to do-it-yourselfers, through both our Nuts & Bolts newsletter and handouts in our Resource Library. Here is a sample of the information we provide: MAINTAINING CERAMIC TILE WALLS surrounding your tub or shower March, 2010 Ceramic tile walls surrounding a tub or shower need periodic maintenance. Cracks in the grout can absorb water, allowing the moisture to penetrate behind the tile and destroy the underlying plaster or drywall. Many of the leaks that appear on the ceiling below a bathroom aren’t the fault of a leaking water supply or drain pipe; rather, they are caused by poor grout conditions. Sealing the grout and caulking the seam between the tile and the tub or shower floor pan will stop these leaks and prevent damage to the walls and ceiling below. Start by cleaning the entire area, removing soap scum and mold. Inspect the grout between the tiles for cracks and loose or missing sections. Scrape out any loose pieces, and then fill the seams with new grout as needed. (Pre-mixed grout is available in squeeze tubes or in small tubs; install it with a sponge or grout squeege.) Wipe off any excess with a damp sponge after it has set. Clean out deteriorated grout with a grout saw Don’t use grout to fill the seam between the tile and the tub or the shower floor pan. The sealant you use here--silicone caulk is your best choice--needs to be flexible, to allow the tub to expand and contract. Scrape the old caulk out of the seam, and then fill it in with fresh caulk. Faucet escutcheons and tub spouts should meet the wall snugly, so that water cannot flow in behind the tiles. Many plumbers use clear silicone caulk around the fixtures to make a better seal to the wall. Let the new grout and caulk cure completely, usually for three days. Then, liberally apply a grout sealer (available at all tile stores and most building materials centers) over the entire tile area, and let it set for about an hour. Wipe off the excess sealer, and your shower is ready to be used once again.   In addition to this month's tip, you can check out previous articles from Project Repair. And, we'll be back next month with another repair tip...