I had to remove one row of tiles above the bathroom tub (The first row) .I found the sheetrock was deteriated. I removed the old sheetrock down to the bare studs. My question ,the matereal that bonded the tile to sheetrock looks like cement and is about one half inch thick. What can I use to bond the old tiles back on to the new sheetrock? There will be about about a one half inch space between the back of the tile and the sheetrock. (Home built in 1975).

 

if there is 1/2 gap between the tile and the new sheetrock then add another layer of sheetrock or even better use some durarock or another form of c.b.u. then use thin-set

 

In areas where there will be moisture like in a shower, concrete underlayment board is recommended for the walls to prevent future problems with moisture. Removing mortar and grout from old tiles is a real challenge, and in this time consuming process you will more than likely damage some tiles. In my opinion, it is best if you purchase new tiles.

 

I was thinking of 2 layers of sheetrock, The grout and that cement stuff comes off easy. But what is the bonding material that I have on the old tiles. Any old timers around?. I could get new tile but I would have to cut 2 pieces in half . (8-4x4's) No tools. In fact I think I have some that was left over from when the house was built.(Up in the attac). Thanks for the quick reply.

 

there is not much it could be.Is it a sandy mixture?could be sand/cement.Is it more of a plastic look/feel?could be mastic.Then it could be thinset.Unless you want to do this again real soon use a cemntitious backer board and thin set it will save you alot of problems in the future

 

"Old Timers"???

Hey...I resemble that remark.

Not intending to beat a dead horse but for those that are just lurking with interest...sheetrock/drywall is a very bad choice for a shower or tub surround. I know I know, it's being done all the time everywhere but we are trying to change that.

...and don't let anybody tell you that "greenboard"/"blueboard/"MR"drywall is OK because it is not. These so called "moisture resistant" drywall products won't last much longer than the non-moisture resistant stuff.

You are well-advised to do as floorman recommends.

 

I resemble that remark, too. Bud Cline always is on target with his advice. The green board or whatever they call it in your area is water resistant but not water proof. That's why concrete underlayment board is recommended. It is marketed with different names, but it is made out of concrete.

You should remove all the tiles and replace the underlayment material with concrete underlayment board. Trying to patch the deteriorated area where moisture penetrated into the wall board behind the bottom rows of tiles will be a temporary fix. Again, trying to clean the old cementious mortar from the old tiles is going to be time consuming and a pain. Those 4x4 bathroom tiles aren't that expensive. Using a grinder and chisel to clean up old tiles will be time consuming and may be detrimental to the survival of the tiles. Starting new with concrete underlayment and new tiles, you should have a job that is professionally done and should last you a life time. Keep the new grout sealed to prevent moisture penetration and soiling.

Keep us posted on how you decide to do your project. Bud Cline and others are here to help you with your project.

 

4*4 tiles....2 to cut.....


Purchase a glass cutter at a homecenter for under $5.00.....

put some light oil (cooking will do) on the score wheel...Score the finish side of the tile once. Use a straight edge as a guide. Place the bottom of the tile onto a pencil which is directly under the score line and press down.

 

An excellent suggestion, StephenS. A glass cutter will cut 4x4 tiles? Why has someone not suggested that before? And the oil, as recommended in glass and mirror cutting, will make for a smoother cut. Thank you for your wonderful input.

 

That will certainly work for those tiles.

Or you could take your tile and measurements to a local tile store or Home Center and ask them to cut them for you. The Big Box stores will do this for you if there are only a couple of tiles to cut.