Unlike the rest of the home, the bathroom has to cope with high levels of humidity. This is hardly a surprise, since we are all aware what effect a hot bath or shower has on the room, filling it with steam and causing considerable condensation to gather on mirrors, windows, the ceiling and the walls. This is especially true in the winter months, but it nevertheless places a heavy dependence on a quality silicone sealant all year round.

This too is no surprise, but there are more products needed to fully protect the walls, ceilings, windows and tiles than just sealant. Also important are tile adhesives that can guarantee tiles stay where they are supposed to, despite the ravages that the environment may have on them.  

And with the effects of condensation on the paints and ceiling plaster, where mould can develop over a relatively short period of time, there is also a need to use anti mould substances and products, such as HG mould spray, for example. These items do not just offer advantages to a bathroom, but are essential to it.

There are many types of sealants available on the market, but silicone has proven itself to be not just capable but also very popular. Every sealant has a very simple principal purpose, which is to form an impenetrable barrier between the elements and a protected surface. Normally, the surface is being protected against moisture or even light, but sealants are also used to protect areas from gas, odour, noise and smoke.

However, there are two other complementary purposes, which are to simply plug a gap between two surfaces, and to provide a long time seal to protect the surface for a considerable period of time, despite the prevalent environmental conditions. The reason why silicone is favoured to its alternatives is that it is the more reliable in extreme conditions.

For example, silicone is used in the rubber that seals ovens because of its resistance to extreme heat. Therefore, dealing with a little moisture is no problem at all. Silicone is also long lasting, meaning that once the sealant is applied properly, it will not peel or tear or break away from the surface it is placed over. The trick is to apply it properly, without air getting trapped beneath. Great care, therefore, should be taken when applying the sealant.

Of course, sealants cannot do very much to solve the problem of mould building up on the walls and ceiling. It is easy to spot as the mould is particularly ugly, usually appearing is greenish black spots, growing steadily over time. If the mould is left long enough, then even after removal, a stain remains, which is why it is important to catch it early.

And this is where mould spray comes in, destroying not just mould but other moisture loving entities, like algae, fungus and moss. As one would expect, there is no shortage of chemicals in the make up of the spray, but it is in essence a bleaching liquid, which is why the black and green stains are also effectively removed.

The third substance is, of course, the adhesive to ensure that the tiles in the bathroom stay on the walls. The adhesive is actually quite similar to sealant, in that it too is quite resilient. However, the key differences are that sealant is not very effective at bonding two separate surfaces, while the adhesive is more susceptible to moisture over time and can break down.

That is why it is advisable to add a layer of silicone sealantat the edges of the tiled area, to ensure that moisture does not seep in and under the tiles, leading to them eventually fall off the wall. The grouting between the individual tiles can also resist moisture to a point, but it is a much better idea to cover this area with sealant too.

While tile adhesive and grout are limited in what they are resistant too, the sealant is just as susceptible to mould and algae development, though only creating an ugly sight more than any danger to the stability of the tiles. That is why HG mould sprayis so essential on sealant, a fact that completes the circle of interdependence that bathroom decorators need to be aware of.