Is mold under shower sealant urgent to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bathroom in our Jumeirah apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black and green mold growing underneath it. With the humidity lately, it seems to be getting worse. How urgent is it that I get this professionally removed, and is this something my building management should handle or do I need to call a specialist myself?
Posted by Brian Martin
Asked on March 25, 2026 3:31 am
Yes, discovering mold growth underneath silicone sealant in a Dubai bathroom is a situation that warrants immediate professional attention. The high ambient humidity, combined with condensation from showers and year-round air conditioning, creates a perfect microenvironment for mold proliferation. This is not merely a surface issue; the mold has likely penetrated the porous grout and substrate behind the tiles, which you cannot effectively address with DIY cleaning.

From a health perspective, this hidden colony is the source of the persistent musty odor and is continuously releasing microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) and potential spores into your indoor air, which can aggravate respiratory conditions and allergies. The urgency is high because the problem will only escalate, potentially leading to structural damage to drywall and underlying structures.

Regarding responsibility, your building management is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the building and common areas. However, internal fixtures like shower sealant and the associated waterproofing within your apartment are most often the responsibility of the tenant or owner, as per standard tenancy contracts. We frequently encounter this distinction in Jumeirah and across Dubai.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection and remediation. Our certified technicians use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the full extent of the damage behind the tiles. Remediation involves complete removal of the contaminated sealant and grout, professional antifungal treatment of the substrate, and reinstatement with high-grade, mold-resistant sealants. For a definitive assessment and to prevent further damage, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 2:34 pm