Bathroom caulk deteriorating — Hilversum, Noord-Holland

Cracked, peeling, or discolored caulk around bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets is more than ugly — it's an open invitation for water to seep behind walls and under floors, causing hidden mold growth, subfloor rot, and costly structural damage. Caulk typically lasts 5–10 years before it dries out, shrinks, and loses its seal. Re-caulking is a straightforward repair: the old caulk must be completely removed, the surfaces cleaned and dried, and new 100% silicone caulk applied in a continuous bead. A handyman can re-caulk an entire bathroom in 1–2 hours.