Revamping your decade-old bathroom doesn’t require an arm and a leg.
No matter how unfixable a bathroom looks, the Kerdi-fix sealant is always a top recommendation by professionals due to its superior caulk technology, odor-neutral composition, and waterproof bonding control.
However, people are always looking for KERDI-FIX alternatives, which can offer the closest and similar benefits.
What is KERDI-FIX and When is it Used?
KERDI-FIX is a unique sealant made by Schluter Systems specifically for use with their KERDI waterproofing membranes and shower systems.
It is designed to bond and seal seams and joints in shower assemblies, create watertight seals around penetrations, and adhere bonding flanges of shower drains.
KERDI-FIX has a smooth, creamy consistency and quick 45 minute drying time. It forms a flexible, watertight seal that bonds strongly to a variety of materials including metal, PVC, acrylic, fiberglass, and wood. Key features and benefits include:
- Flexible adhesive sealant
- Mold resistant – prevents mold growth
- Bonds to a variety of surfaces
- Waterproof and vapor-tight seal
- Easy to apply with standard caulking gun
- Quick 45 minute drying time
- Used for shower assemblies, seams, joints, drains
While KERDI-FIX works extremely well, some homeowners and contractors may be looking for alternative products that offer similar sealing and waterproofing abilities. The most common uses where KERDI-FIX alternatives can come into play are:
- Sealing Seams and Joints – When waterproofing shower walls and pan floors with KERDI membrane, KERDI-FIX is used to seal seams between adjoining membranes. Alternatives can provide the same water-tight seal.
- Waterproofing Penetrations – When plumbing, valves, or fixtures penetrate a waterproofing membrane, KERDI-FIX seals around the penetration. Substitute sealants can serve the same function.
- Bonding Drain Flanges – KERDI-FIX bonds shower drain flanges to the KERDI shower pan for a watertight seal. Other adhesives can securely bond drains as well.
- Sealing Corners – Waterproof corners in shower assemblies using KERDI-FIX and seam tape. Alternative sealants and tapes can achieve the same results.
- Minor Repairs – KERDI-FIX is used to patch small holes, cracks, or tears in KERDI membrane. Substitute sealants can repair defects in other waterproofing membranes.
Thus, we’re here to unveil familiar substitutes that accompany you in every minor or significant bathroom remodeling project.
Let’s get into it!
SIKA Ultimate Grab
Click On Image To View On AmazonThe Sikabond adhesive stands out because of its extensive, versatile usage. It’s an excellent substitute adhesion that can be used on possibly all platforms indoors and outdoors.
Moreover, the polyurethane base makes it a quick-drying formula and eliminates all needs for extra screws, bolts, and nails on windows, doors, or bathrooms.
The Sikabond is also perfect for fixing vertical items, as it’s a one-component, all-rounder, instant grab bind.
Product Specifications:
- Compatible Material: Stone, Rubber, Ceramic, Glass, Brick, Wood
- Item Volume: 10.1 fluid ounces
- Color: Gray
- Capacity: 300 milliliters
- Product Dimension: 15.84 ounces, 11.5 x 2 x 11.5 inches
Key Features of SIKA 476098 Ultimate Grab:
- Waterproof
The Sikabond sealant is incredibly durable because of its water-resistant specification. So much so that once the bond hardens, the materials can be immersed fully in water, and it still won’t hamper the bond’s sturdiness.
- Uses
This one pack can serve users everywhere, indoors and outdoors, starting from bricks, polyester, wood, bathrooms to metal, faux stone, masonry veneer, and even drywall.
Furthermore, this sealant can also be painted over with rubber, oil, or water-based paints once it hardens.
- Support
Once this glue is applied, you can reposition the material for up to 30 minutes afterward. But the best part is that this sealant can commit to the job alone without extra support via screws and nails.
Once it dries down, it won’t budge and will provide a seamless and sturdy finish.
Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk
Click On Image To View On AmazonIt’s not news that Gorilla is one of the best-selling silicone sealants all around the globe.
Not only is it the first and most renowned choice, but its features are praiseworthy too because of its unbreakable bonding technology and a user-friendly nature that can seal and mend windows, doors, bathrooms, and more.
Thus, it’s no wonder that this high and consistent performing brand is a close second to the Kerdi-fix sealant.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Silicone
- Item Weight: 0.16 pounds
- Color: Clear
- Product Dimension: 1.41 x 3.75 x 7.63 inches
- Style: 1-pack
Key Features of Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant:
- Water Resistant
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, time and again, the Gorilla sealant has stood against it all because of its 100% water-resistant properties. The complete protection against water makes it even more versatile and safe for use anywhere.
- Quick Drying
Luckily, you don’t have to wait an entire day for the sealant to dry down. Gorilla sealants only require 30 minutes’ maximum to evolve into a sturdy adhesive barrier.
- Color
The absence of any yellow or other tint is a fresh breath of air with this adhesive. The formula doesn’t dry down or change its hue, which sometimes interrupts the bathroom’s whole appeal.
Its long-lasting capabilities also prohibit the bond from breaking down or changing color due to mold or corrosion.
Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant
Click On Image To View On AmazonA universal fit with bonds is quite rare to find but not impossible. The Permatex substitute brings users abundant usability and application possibilities along with its top-notch low odor formula.
But, the black silicone also stands out in this list because of its value, waterproofing abilities, temperature resistance, and all-around general-purpose fits like a glove with the features of Kerdi-fix sealants.
Product Specifications:
- Compatible Material: Fabric, Metal, Plastic, Glass
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Color: Black
- Product Dimension: 8 x 4 x 2 inches
- Item Volume: 1920 cubic inches
Key Features:
- Sensor-safe
The general purpose of this black sealant is to serve both indoors and outdoors. It’s also water, weather, and vibration-proof, making the bonding firm.
- Usability
The best part about this Permatex sealant is that it can repair and protect electrical wiring without any adverse reaction.
Besides that unique feature, it’s also applicable on weather strips, vinyl tops, roofs, seams, doors, and bathrooms.
- Flexibility
The silicone can effectively resist weather, water, and vibration. But most importantly, it also comes with a specific temperature range and universal fit type. It is also easy to use and remove if needed.
| KERDI-FIX Or Equivalent Sealant Names | Pros | Cons |
| Gorilla Clear 100% Silicone Sealant Caulk | 1) Extremely durable and long-lasting. 2) Doesn’t have any tint to it, even after drying down. 3)Dries within 30 minutes. 4) 100% water resistant | 1) Has a bit of an odor |
| SIKA 476098 Ultimate Grab | 1) Applicable on all kinds of bases, indoors and outdoors. 2) Allows repositioning after application. 3) Durable and budge-free after drying. 4) Non-corrosive and non-odor | 1) Might not accommodate well in hot weather |
| Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant | 1) Can be removed on demand. 2) Finish is solid yet flexible. 3) Excellent waterproof adhesion. 4) Universal fit type. | 1) Bit too sticky so tricky to control. 2)The quantity could be more. |
Kerdi-fix doesn’t stick to thin sets. Therefore, pre-treating the backs of these would be a terrible idea.
Kerdi-fix is needed to bond with the Kerdi membrane of the stainless steel. These are great and a one-step fix for door frames, window panels, bathtubs, and more. Simply apply a coat of Kerdi-fix, spread it evenly, and let it dry.
Generally, they recommend that users must wait for at least a day after Kerdi has been applied. This allows the final layer of the mortar to dry and ensure a water-resistant and durable performance.
Kerdi-fix sealants are UV, weather, and odor resistant. Moreover, the product is solvent-free with elastomeric properties, which provides a sturdy bond on many synthetic materials and glass, metal, concrete, etc. Kerdi-fix can thus, accept layers of paint such as dispersion or alkyd resin paint without any issues.
Some of the most similar products to KERDI-FIX are Loctite Polyseamseal tub and tile caulk, GE Silicone II bath and kitchen sealant, and Red Devil general purpose silicone sealant. These provide flexible, watertight seals for bath and shower applications at a more affordable price point.
No, KERDI-FIX is not required. It is a proprietary sealant made specifically for use in Schluter shower assemblies with KERDI membrane and shower kits. There are a number of quality alternatives that can provide similar sealing and waterproofing performance for bath and shower projects.
Popular options include silicone or polyurethane sealants from reputable brands like Loctite, Red Devil, GE, 3M, and Oatey.
Conclusion
Sealants are undoubtedly one of the quickest pathways to assist you in bathroom DIYs. The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to be a professional to use it efficiently. It’s a no-brainer that Kerdi-fix sealants have taken the DIY world by storm.
However, our KERDI-FIX substitutes’ list is not far behind in the game either.
These sealants are equally drying, long-lasting and durable and provide extensive value over the price point. So choose one that fits your needs well.