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How to Fix Gaps Between Tiles and Wall Corners (Silicone Sealing Guide)
When you notice a thin gap between your floor tiles and the wall corner, or that little opening right where two tiled walls meet, it’s easy to think it’s just a cosmetic issue.
But those gaps can lead to water seepage, mold, cracked tiles, and even structural deterioration over time.
This is why homeowners often search things like:
- “How do I fill gaps between tiles and wall?”
- “Should I use silicone or grout at corners?”
- “Why do gaps appear between tiles?”
- “What is the best sealant for tile corners?”
- “How to fix tile corner gaps without removing tiles?”
This guide covers everything: why gaps appear, what material to use, how to apply silicone like a pro, and how to keep it long-lasting.
Why Gaps Form Between Tiles and Wall Corners
Those tiny tile-to-wall corner gaps don’t happen randomly, there are real reasons behind them.
Movement of building materials
Tiles don’t move, but walls do.
Temperature changes, settling, vibrations, or slight structural shifts cause the wall and floor to expand differently.
Result? A visible gap. For homes where repeated moisture exposure has already damaged flooring shine, you may also explore our marble polishing service for full surface restoration.
Grout cracking at corners
Professional tile installers never use grout in corners.
Why?
Corners are “movement joints,” and grout is rigid. It cracks → crumbles → falls out → forms a gap.
Poor installation or uneven wall corners
If the base surface wasn’t perfectly plumb or level, a small difference can show up later as a corner gap.
Shrinkage of previous filler
Cheap or old cement-based fillers shrink when they dry, leading to an opening at the tile edge.
Understanding the cause is half the fix- because corners always need flexible sealing, not grout.
Silicone vs Grout: Which One Should You Use for Tile Corners?
Let’s make this simple:
Use silicone sealant for corners. Always. Here’s why.
Grout
- Hard and rigid
- Cracks in movement joints
- Not waterproof on its own
- Good for tile-to-tile joints, NOT tile-to-wall corners
Silicone Sealant
- Flexible (absorbs movement)
- 100% waterproof
- Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and tile corners
- Prevents mould growth if you use a fungicide-treated one
- Creates a smooth, clean finish. If your corner issues come with paint cracking or moisture patches, our waterproofing services can help prevent long-term seepage and protect your walls from future damage.
What type of silicone should you choose?
Look for:
✔ Neutral-cure silicone (safe for tiles and less odour)
✔ Fungus-resistant for wet areas
✔ Flexible, high-elasticity types
✔ Brands like Dr. Fixit, GE, Asian Paints, Ardex, Fosroc, Selleys
If you’ve tried cement or grout before and the gap still reappears, don’t worry- silicone is the correct long-term fix.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Tile Corner Gaps With Silicone (Pro Method)
Here’s the exact method professionals use.
Step 1: Clean the gap thoroughly
- Remove loose grout, dust, or old silicone
- Use a scraper or utility knife
- Vacuum the gap to remove tiny particles
The cleaner the gap, the better the adhesion. For areas like kitchens and bathrooms that gather grime quickly, our kitchen cleaning service ensures spotless surfaces before any sealing work.
Step 2: Tape the edges for a clean finish
Use masking tape along both sides of the joint.
This ensures the silicone line comes out perfectly straight.
Step 3: Load silicone into a caulking gun
Cut the nozzle at a 45° angle.
A small opening gives you more control.
Step 4: Apply silicone into the gap
Move slowly and press the silicone deep into the joint.
Fill evenly- don’t leave air pockets.
Step 5: Smooth the silicone
Dip your finger or a finishing tool in soapy water.
Run it across the bead to shape it cleanly.
Step 6: Remove the tape
Do it immediately while the silicone is still wet.
You’ll get a sharp, professional-looking line.
Step 7: Allow it to cure
Do NOT touch it for 24 hours. Avoid water contact for at least 12 hours.
That’s it. A neat, waterproof, flexible joint that won’t crack. If the gap is part of a larger tile failure in the room, our tiles & stone replacement service can restore the entire surface professionally.
Common Mistakes People Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Even small errors can ruin the sealing job. Here are the most common ones:
Using grout instead of silicone
This is the #1 cause of reappearing cracks.
Applying silicone on a wet, dusty or oily surface
Silicone won’t bond → will peel off early.
Not removing old silicone
Silicone sticks only to clean surfaces, not to old silicone.
Leaving gaps unfilled in bathrooms
Water seeps in → leads to mold → discolours tiles → damages walls.
Using acidic silicone on natural stone
It stains marble or granite.
Neutral-cure silicone is always safer.
Touching or using water too early
Early disturbance ruins the seal and causes gaps later. Avoid these, and your silicone line will last 5-10 years easily. Homes with recurring wall issues from seepage or movement may also benefit from a professional home inspection service before attempting repairs again.
Final Word
Fixing gaps between tiles and wall corners isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade- it’s a preventive repair that protects your home from moisture damage, mold, and tile detachment.
Using the right silicone, applying it correctly, and understanding why corners need flexible sealing ensures a clean, durable, professional finish.
At Clean Fanatics, we handle silicone sealing, tile gap repairs, bathroom sealing, and complete tile maintenance using industry-grade materials and expert surface prep- so your home stays protected and perfectly finished.
FAQs
Silicone. Corners require flexible filler; grout cracks.
Building movement, shrinkage, poor installation, or cracked grout.
Good-quality silicone lasts 5-10 years depending on moisture and cleaning.
Yes- if you prep properly. But professionals give a cleaner, longer-lasting finish.
Avoid water contact for at least 12 hours; full curing takes 24 hours.