Note: This DIY article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to take the place of product-specific installation procedures; always follow applicable manufacturers’ instructions. Depending on your home’s age and condition, location within the home, and other potential factors, repairs and/or upgrades or other services may be necessary prior to the beginning and/or completion of your project that may involve the services of a home improvement professional. This article does not include advice pertaining to local building codes and/or any related inspections.
When warm air meets cold surfaces, every joint moves. Old sealant strains and cracks, letting moisture in and heat escape. Check your silicone sealant now, and reseal once for a cleaner, tighter finish that lasts through winter.
Why year-end is the ideal time to act
Cold weather often reveals what warm months hide. When indoor heat meets cold tile or glass, joints in your kitchen and bath begin to flex. Humidity rises, surfaces sweat, and older beads start to pull away. This is when weak silicone sealant shows its age: edges lift, mold shadows appear, and water creeps beneath.
The freeze–thaw cycle adds stress. Daily temperature swings in your home expand and contract surfaces, testing how well the joints move. High-grade silicones rated Class 50 (built to handle wide expansion and contraction) can stretch and recover. However, older material often can’t.
Moisture and use both tend to peak late in the year. More cooking, more showers, more steam. Even small gaps can quickly turn into damp corners. Doing silicone sealant maintenance before the end of the year holds back moisture and drafts and helps protect your home through the season ahead.
Most seals start to fail where you can’t see them. A short inspection now can stop moisture and cold air before they spread.
Inspection checklist: how to tell when to replace sealant
Sealant failure doesn’t happen all at once. It starts small, then spreads quietly over time. Use this short inspection to spot early signs before damage sets in:
- Visual checks: Look for hairline cracks or missing sections where water can enter. If the bead feels chalky, shows stains that reappear soon after cleaning, or has mold showing through, it’s reached the end of its useful life.
- Tactile checks: Run a gloved finger or lightly press the edge, and feel for movement or brittleness. A sound bead feels flexible and slightly firm. A failing one feels dry to the touch and may flake or lift when you test the edge. Pinholes or tiny voids that hold moisture are another warning.
- Functional signs: A musty odor, damp drywall, or any draft at trim lines means the seal has opened or air is finding a way in.
If you see any of these signs, especially cracks, lifting edges, or recurring mold, the silicone sealant has reached its limit. Knowing when to replace sealant helps prevent moisture damage and keeps your surfaces protected year-round.
Kitchen and bath: high-moisture joints that fail first
In most homes, the kitchen and bath take the heaviest use. They see frequent water, steam, cleaning, and temperature swings, so weak joints usually show up here first. As part of your silicone sealant maintenance routine, a quick check in these spaces now can catch small issues before they mark grout or soften drywall.
Where to look
Start at the tub-to-tile joints in your shower, then scan inside corners and along shower door frames. Check around your faucets and sinks, along the backsplash, and at the base of the toilet where mop water or condensation can sit. These edges see regular splash and standing moisture.
Why year-end matters
Cooler air outside and warm, moist air inside make these joints move more and stay damp longer. Heavier cooking and longer showers through the colder months raise humidity, so loose or lifted beads tend to show up faster.
What a good seal looks like
The bead runs smoothly and evenly, bonded at both edges with no breaks, gaps, or pulled edges. If a joint no longer looks like this, go back to the inspection checklist to decide when to replace the sealant in that area.
Windows and doors: where heat loss and moisture show up
Windows and doors are often where comfort leaks first. A weak bead here can let in cold air and push warm air out.
Where to look
Inspect interior trim perimeters, exterior casing joints, sill ends, and spots where materials meet, including metal to wood, vinyl to drywall, or brick to trim. Check for light, gaps, or movement that signal an open joint.
Why year-end matters
Cooler weather makes it easier to feel drafts. When warm indoor air meets cold outdoor air, condensation can highlight or stain areas where seals have failed, marking trim and dulling finishes. Prolonged dampness tends to weaken adhesion over time, so early repair keeps edges sound.
What a good seal looks like
A continuous perimeter bead bonded cleanly on both edges with no cracks or voids. If the seal feels loose or moisture keeps returning, revisit the inspection checklist to confirm when to replace the sealant.
How to choose the right GE silicone sealant for maintenance
Before you reseal, match each joint to the sealant built for its conditions. Wet areas, paintable trim, and exterior frames do not face the same load, so one product will not cover every job.
Wet, unpainted areas: your tubs, showers, and sinks
If the surface faces constant water and doesn’t need painting, use Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant. It’s a 100% silicone rated for high movement. It’s 100% waterproof, provides lifetime mold-free protection when used as directed, and is water-ready in about 30 minutes.
Near moisture but must paint: trim by your backsplash or sink
If the surface is close to splash but needs painting, choose Pro Seal Max Kitchen & Bath. This paintable hybrid sealant flexes in humid conditions and maintains a tight, long-lasting seal.
Weather-exposed joints: around your exterior windows and doors
For outdoor exposure to temperature shifts or wind-driven rain, use Supreme Silicone Window & Door Sealant. This 100% silicone sealant can stand up to weather without shrinking or pulling away.
Painted trim: interior or exterior in non-wet zones
For painted or composite trim that expands and contracts with temperature, use Pro Seal Max Window & Door. It is designed to remain flexible and weatherproof on moving, paintable trim
Remove, prepare, and reseal silicone sealant correctly
Once you’ve identified where to reseal, execution is straightforward. A clean surface, the right product, and time for proper cure are instrumental in how long your new seal will last.
1. Remove fully
Cut and lift away every strip of old material using the GE Sealant Remover Tool. It’s shaped to lift silicone without scratching tile, glass, or metal. Avoid knives or sharp blades that can damage the surface or leave residue. A clean edge ensures a stronger bond for the new sealant.
2. Dry out and clean
Allow the joint to dry completely before resealing. Disinfect the area, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove soap film, oils, or dust. Any film left behind can weaken adhesion and shorten the seal’s life.
3. Apply the new bead
Cut the nozzle to match the joint width. If you’re using a cartridge, the 2-in-1 GE Cartridge Opener & Smoothing Tool can safely open the tip for a precise bead size. Hold the caulk gun at a steady angle and apply a continuous, even line of silicone sealant. Keep the bead balanced so it cures evenly and bonds along both edges.
4. Tool the bead
Smooth the bead immediately with the GE Sealant Smoothing Tool (or the 2-in-1 opener and smoothing tool above if you already have it). The tool’s curved edges shape the bead evenly and help avoid air pockets.
5. Allow full cure
Check the product label for readiness. For Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath, water contact is safe in about 30 minutes, but waiting longer before full use ensures top performance.
After curing, inspect the bead for uniform contact and remove any stray film. Regular silicone sealant maintenance, such as checking and cleaning the bead every few months, helps keep joints flexible, clean, and watertight through the seasons.
Ready to reseal before year-end? Keep your kitchen, bath, and windows sealed tight with GE silicone products built for lasting performance. Find GE sealants at a retailer near you in the U.S. or Canada.
