RE: [A/S] What caulk to use for a 1979 shower stall? Caulking Caveat

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Contrary to common (?) folklore, caulk is designed to caulk NOT be a
structural adhesive.

Therefore, if the mating surfaces (which now leak) are not securely fastened
to each other by mechanical means (screws, bolt, rivets, glue, etc.) no
caulk is going to keep the joint sealed IF IT IS SUBJECTED TO MECHANICAL
STRESS.

The rigors of traveling, and the vibrations and shocks of "bouncing down the
road" can easily open a caulked seam, if its motion is not constrained by
fasteners. Ditto standing on a loose shower pan could separate it from the
shower sides.

So, figure out what is loose and moving, and fix that first before caulking.

Sure, some caulks have good adhesion, but you can't count on this to do the
job by itself,

Oliver Filippi