Tile above fiberglass surround

Need some general info on placing tiles over the shower surround. Can I just use some of the waterproofing membrane and place the tiles with thinset? Or do I have to rip out the wallboard and go from the studs out? Don't really want to make this a long time project. Just trying to satisfy the wife......

 

You should not have regular wallboard or even greenboard inside the shower surround. If water gets to the edges of the board it will suck up the water and start to break down, then there goes your tiled wall. Best thing would be a 4 mil plastic dropcloth stapled to the studs then 1/2" cement board (Hardibacker, Durock, Wonderboard to name a few that are commonly available) screwed into the studs.

I suppose you could have some limited success by applying a paint on waterproof membrane to the wall board and caulking all corners and the edge fully where it meets the shower pan. I would not do it and all warranties/claims for defects would go out the window. Also, you would have to keep a close eye on all tiled corners to make sure the caulking applied over the tiled corner is doing its job, keeping any water from getting behind the tile. If the caulk splits open it will need to be repalced immediately.

Bottom line, if the wife is all over you to just get it done then tell her to start saving up now for a full replacement of the shower area in a few years after the wallboard breaks apart and the studs start to mold and rot.

 

Thanks, but this is an existing bath/shower surround 'bout 5' high. Unknown what wallboard is under the paint. She's just looking to have tiles above the fiberglass about 2 1/2' to the ceiling.

 

Just like a ceiling, that area doesn't see a lot of water, so if you get some Redquard and seal it up, it will work for you. Just remember, like Bob said, water will wick up from the bottom edge where the surround ends and the wallboard starts...so this is an area you have to keep an eye on. Make sure you caulk that joint so no water will ever get into the wall board from this point.

 

No problem, just tile away, if the paint if a high gloss, sand it up some, otherwise just place your tile and make the Wife happy.

 

Thanks Guys, you've made my life bearable.