6 Reasons to Choose Flexible Trim Strips Over Traditional Caulk
Traditionally, we’ve always seen our bathtubs, shower corners, and sinks sealed with caulk, whether that is acrylic or silicone caulk. Not only is the process messy and time-consuming, but it also becomes dirty and turns into a hub for collecting grime after a certain amount of time. What is worse, it even turns black or red and gives your bathroom an unkempt, dirty appearance even when it’s as clean as you can possibly make it. There are now newer alternatives to caulking, which are much more efficient, reliable, and easier to carry out, such as using InstaTrim flexible vinyl edge trim. Here are some more reasons why you should make the switch from traditional caulk to flexible and bendable trim instead.
Traditional Caulk Is Always Just A Temporary Fix
That’s right, as time-consuming and tiring of a task it is, caulking doesn’t even address the real issues that cause leaks and damage in the first place. When your old caulking gets damaged, all you need is to remove it and redo the tub or shower with a new application of caulk. While this solves the problem temporarily, it doesn’t have an end in sight. You will have to go through the same process again when the current layer of caulk starts getting old. Flexible trim strips are a more sturdy alternative because they don’t need to be replaced frequently, and they provide a permanent solution to the problem. When there are solutions that last longer, don’t need regular touch-ups, and are more convenient, there’s no question that traditional caulk can’t compete.
Traditional Caulk Isn’t Resilient
Your tub and shower areas are subject to many temperature changes. Be it changes from hot to cold water, or even changes in the environment, such as humidity or dampness after the hot water has been running for too long. Traditional caulk isn’t resilient enough to withstand these constant changes, which means it’ll either start wearing down, peeling, or even just build up mold and bacteria that will give it an unpleasant appearance. On top of this, it also stops doing its job. When the caulk starts stripping off, it no longer offers the protection your shower and tub need from water seepage and leaks. It can also expand and contract with the changes in temperature levels, which leads to cracks along the surface that allows water to enter. Flexible vinyl edge trim doesn’t change with the weather because it is temperature resistant. It can withstand changes from hot to cold without losing its durability, its hold on the shower and tub corners, and doesn’t let the dampness lead to mold and bacteria outbreaks. This means it won’t crack and require frequent touch-ups.
Traditional Caulk Is Pretty Unappealing
Lets admit it, traditional caulk, even when freshly applied, looks bad. Even when you’ve done the best job you can and made it as even and smoothened out as possible, it gives off a look of a hastily done job and usually takes away from your bathroom’s overall appearance. Caulk sticks out from the corners and edges of your bathtub, shower, or sink, and it usually isn’t the same color as the rest of your tiles and appliances. This means that it sticks out like a sore thumb, even when its perfectly clean. And when it starts to collect bacteria and change color, it requires an immediate change.
Traditional Caulk Doesn’t Adapt to Change Very Well
We’ve mentioned this before, but traditional caulk can dry out and crack with changes in temperature—it’s also damaged by chemicals, such as the chemicals you use to clean your bathroom. When you’re cleaning your bathtub, the chemicals that come into contact with the caulk cause it to lose its grip on the edges and start peeling off. While it peels off, mold starts growing in the spaces. Not only will you have to thoroughly replace the old caulk, but you’ll have to give the area a good clean before redoing it and make sure you get all the mold out. Newer methods are more resistant to chemicals because they are made of materials that don’t undergo chemical changes in their composition when they come into contact with cleaners.
Using Traditional Caulk Takes Time
Every time you want to redo your old caulk, you’ll have to go through the lengthy procedure of removing the previous layer of caulk, filling your tub and getting the caulk into the crevices of your tub or shower. Its a pain in the neck, and back, and it doesn’t even give you the results to make it worthwhile. Using a caulking alternative like InstaTrim Flexible Trim Strips is easier and quicker, especially if you’re applying it for the first time. It doesn’t break, crumble, or become a mess over time.
Flexible Trim Is Safer Than Traditional Caulk
When you’re applying caulk, you also have to be wary of the fumes that you’re inhaling during the application procedure. You have to make sure the windows and doors are open, and even have a fan or exhaust fan nearby to increase the ventilation. Inhaling the fumes is bad for your lungs, but even touching the caulk can be damaging to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. You should wear protective eyewear and gloves when using caulk because it can irritate your eyes. While this is a necessary safety measure, it also makes it difficult to neatly apply the caulk from a safe distance. There are no harmful fumes with InstaTrim.
In summary, you might not be completely sure about making the switch from old caulking methods to flexible trim when you’ve been caulking for years. However, once you get the hang of it with our support, FAQs, and how-tos, you’ll soon realize that this was a necessary change that saves you unnecessary time and stress while making your bathroom look better and more sanitary as well.
