Tile repair question--looks like the backing behind the tiles has some issues
#1
06-18-11, 04:47 AM
Tile repair question--looks like the backing behind the tiles has some issues
Hi All,
We've got a bathtub/shower where some tiles were coming loose. I pulled out the loose tiles, ready to scrape the old mortar out, and put new mortar in to re-attach the files.
Well, this is what I found. You can see that the concrete backer board (where it exists) is crumbling to pieces, then there's plywood off to the right, and then there are spots where is no backing at all! The backing is completely missing in the corner (on the righthand side), and between the concrete backer board and the plywood.
By the way, the plywood was black with mold--I sanded a lot of it away. But I thought I would pause and come here for advice. Can I mortar this up and put the tiles back, or am I just asking for heartache later by doing that? Do I have to (gulp) rip all the tiles out in this quadrant of the shower, put up new backerboard, and then re-tile it?
Thanks for any insights!
-Josh
We've got a bathtub/shower where some tiles were coming loose. I pulled out the loose tiles, ready to scrape the old mortar out, and put new mortar in to re-attach the files.
Well, this is what I found. You can see that the concrete backer board (where it exists) is crumbling to pieces, then there's plywood off to the right, and then there are spots where is no backing at all! The backing is completely missing in the corner (on the righthand side), and between the concrete backer board and the plywood.
By the way, the plywood was black with mold--I sanded a lot of it away. But I thought I would pause and come here for advice. Can I mortar this up and put the tiles back, or am I just asking for heartache later by doing that? Do I have to (gulp) rip all the tiles out in this quadrant of the shower, put up new backerboard, and then re-tile it?
Thanks for any insights!
-Josh
#2
06-19-11, 05:45 AM
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#3
06-19-11, 06:08 AM
Second opinion coming up.....tear it all out!! First of all, tile can't be applied over OSB. Once you take it all down, install insulation, a vapor barrier and 1/2" concrete backer underlayment. THEN, you will be free to install tile. Now, by ripping it all out, we mean from edge to edge on ALL the tile. ALL the OSB must be removed. Your new CBU will butt up next to the existing sheetrock, so no problem, there.
While you are in there, you may want to upgrade to a single handle more modern faucet set, riser and shower head. Be sure to attach them firmly to backer lumber as per instructions. Hey, you knee deep into a "remodel", so you will be able to do it right.
While you are in there, you may want to upgrade to a single handle more modern faucet set, riser and shower head. Be sure to attach them firmly to backer lumber as per instructions. Hey, you knee deep into a "remodel", so you will be able to do it right.
#4
06-19-11, 10:13 AM
Well, we're on our way to tearing it all out.
We're going to replace the fixtures as well, since we're ripping it all out anyway. Seems like a good time. The tub is old but functional... I'm inclined to try cleaning it up and fixing it. Cast-iron tubs are supposed to a good long time, aren't they?
We're going to replace the fixtures as well, since we're ripping it all out anyway. Seems like a good time. The tub is old but functional... I'm inclined to try cleaning it up and fixing it. Cast-iron tubs are supposed to a good long time, aren't they?
#5
06-19-11, 05:37 PM
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yeah, usually they last nearly forever. but in your case, if there is ANYTHING wrong with it, i would get a new one. no offence, but that thing is butt ugly. and its outdated, as far as style goes.
oh. do yourself a favor. remove the drywall all the way to the ceiling.
oh. do yourself a favor. remove the drywall all the way to the ceiling.
#6
06-19-11, 06:30 PM
What's the reason to take the drywall all the way back to the ceiling? I was actually thinking of leaving it at about the height I've got it in the last pictures I posted--at that height, the seam where the new greenboard meets the current drywall will be hidden by the surround. If I took it all the way back to the ceiling, the seam would be visible... ???
#7
06-19-11, 07:17 PM
By not taking it to the ceiling, you won't be able to tile all the way to the ceiling and will have an area of sheetrock and paint that will need attention year after year due to the humidity. With tile all the way, all that goes away.
No greenboard in a wet area. See post #3.
Wait a minute....did you bring up the word "surround"??? Surely you aren't not going to retile this after all your work?
No greenboard in a wet area. See post #3.
Wait a minute....did you bring up the word "surround"??? Surely you aren't not going to retile this after all your work?
#8
06-20-11, 05:44 AM
Yes, we're planning on doing a fiberglass surround. This is in a rental that the current occupants are away from, until Thursday, and we're feeling some pressure to have their bathroom fixed before we get back! What started out as a minor tile repair job has turned into something quite a bit larger!
