In a commercial washroom, sealant gets far more use than at home. Showers run all day, basins are splashed constantly and cleaning is frequent and thorough. Failed sealant shows quickly as black mould, gaps and leaks, and it reflects on the whole building. This guide covers why commercial sealant fails, how to keep it in good order and how to plan a programme of work with as little disruption as possible.
Why commercial sealant fails faster
- Heavy use. Showers and basins are used many more times a day than at home.
- Strong cleaning. Harsh chemicals and abrasive pads can wear a bead down and roughen it.
- Poor ventilation. Changing rooms and welfare showers often stay humid.
- Movement. Slim-line trays, wall-hung basins and accessible fittings can flex more than domestic ones.
- Quick fixes. Sealant applied over old sealant to tidy up before an inspection rarely lasts.
Keeping it in good order
Simple steps help:
- Brief cleaning staff to use products suitable for silicone and soft cloths rather than scouring pads.
- Make sure extractor fans work and are left on long enough after use.
- Add sealant to routine inspections, alongside taps, drains and tiling.
- Deal with gaps and mould early, before water gets behind panels and tiles.
Planning a programme of work
On a busy site, resealing is easier to manage as a planned programme than as a string of call-outs. A good programme starts with a walk-round to list the areas, agree the order and decide what can be out of use at any one time.
Things to agree before work starts:
- Which rooms are done on which days, and in what order
- How long each area must stay out of use while the sealant cures
- Whether work needs to happen outside normal hours. Out-of-hours working can be arranged on commercial jobs.
- Who on site signs off each area
Our commercial sealant service plans work room by room for offices, welfare facilities, schools, hotels and other sites.
Need it done properly? Mr Mastic covers the South East, London and Scotland, with a one-year guarantee on every job. Call or email for a quick quote.
A real example
At an office in Manor Royal, Crawley, we resealed the welfare facilities ahead of a health and safety audit: two staff shower rooms, a kitchen and an accessible wet room. The work was done early in the morning, outside normal hours, using an anti-bacterial silicone.
Asbestos and older buildings
If your building was built or refurbished before 2000, it may contain asbestos, and the duty holder for non-domestic premises must manage it (HSE: duty to manage asbestos). HSE notes that some older mastics and sealants can contain asbestos. Before any old sealant is removed, check your asbestos register and share it with your contractor. Our asbestos guide has more.
Choosing the right products
Commercial washrooms need a sanitary silicone suited to heavy use, with an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial additive. Floors need a sealant that copes with foot traffic and wet cleaning. Around pipes, panels and fittings, the joint must be clean and dry before sealing, which on a busy site often means closing the area for a period beforehand.
We use Arbo and Everbuild products and are an ARBOMaster approved applicator. Where a washroom also has fire-stopping in walls or ceilings, that is a separate specification. See our guide to fire-rated sealant.
Quick answers
Can washroom work be done out of hours?
Out-of-hours working can be arranged on commercial jobs. Talk to us about your site’s needs when you ask for a quote.
How long are washrooms out of use?
Each area needs to stay dry for the sealant’s cure time, usually around 24 hours. Planning room by room keeps facilities available.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes. Every job comes with our one-year guarantee.
Do you work outside the South East?
We cover London, the South East and all of Scotland.
Related services
More advice
- Resealing Hotel Bathrooms With Less Disruption
- What Is Fire-Rated Sealant? A Plain Guide
- Could Old Mastic Contain Asbestos?
- All advice
This guide is general information about sealant work. It isn’t legal, fire-safety or structural advice; for those, speak to a qualified professional.