We purchased a 5-year old home with walk-in marble tile shower that has
developed small cracks between the tile walls and tile floor and also
vertically between the side and back walls. The areas were originally
grouted rather than caulked but I've been advised they should be
caulked. Do I need to remove the existing grout first? Also, any advice
on what's best to clean the marble around the joint before caulking?

bbvol wrote:
We purchased a 5-year old home with walk-in marble tile shower that has
developed small cracks between the tile walls and tile floor and also
vertically between the side and back walls. The areas were originally
grouted rather than caulked but I've been advised they should be
caulked. Do I need to remove the existing grout first? Also, any advice
on what's best to clean the marble around the joint before caulking?


There is colored sanded caulking available if it's sanded grout.
otherwise the standard tub and tile caulk in white. It wouldn't hurt to
scratch out at least some of the grout if possible.

Mix household detergent with a little water to make a paste cleaner. No
vinegar!

We purchased a 5-year old home with walk-in marble tile shower that has
developed small cracks between the tile walls and tile floor and also
vertically between the side and back walls.

An important question to ask is why are they cracking? Are the tiles
properly mounted on backerboard or did someone just slap them up onto
drywall? You can seal all you like but if the wall behind them is bad then
you're just postponing the inevitable.

Re-grouting would probably be better. They make tools to remove the old
grout. Scrape it out and apply fresh grout. If they joints aren't tiny
then it shouldn't be all that difficult.

Thanks! I think the tiles are installed properly - the cracks are only
at the corners of the walls and where the floor and wall meet. I'll try
removing some of the grout and then caulking.