Hi Everyone,

I just started installing tiles on the wall in
my bathroom which is on the second floor. I am
somewhat worried about adding too much weight
(since I am putting heavy marble tiles both on
the floor and the walls) and was wondering if
I can install the tiles directly over the green
drywall? The old tiles which I removed were also
directly on the drywall. Based on that I thought
directly installing on the drywall would not be
problem. I have already installed a few
tiles and they seem to be holding well.

I have used waterproof patching compound and
epoxy mortar to set the tiles. I kind of scared
now that I have screwed up by not using the backer
board after reading the installation guides on
this web site. (Excellent website by the way...
Why didn't I find it before? )

Can someone with more knowledge (which must mean
everyone!) tell me if this is serious enough
problem which would require me to pull down the
tiles and replace the sheetrock and start all
over again? Or should I take some additional
precaution?

- Hirendu

 

Hello Hirendu;
If it were I, the greenboard would either come down or be covered up with a backerboard rated for ceramic tile Installation. If this is around a tub or shower I would put plastic sheeting under the backerboard to protect the studs underneath. Greenboard is not the stuff to use in any "wet" area. Around a tub I would strip it down to the studs install sheeting (plastic) and then put up backerboard. In a shower You could leave the greenboard up, install plastic and then put up the backerboard. Believe me if there is one place for greenboard its in the garbage can, (Boy! US Gypsum and other companies would be fuming with that one.) especially in wet areas! I take that back greenboard is ok for a backsplash.
Let us know how you make out!
Happy Holidays,

Rich Gately(Tileman1)

http://www.gatelytilecompany.homestead.com

 

Hear, hear! Rich is right on. Greenboard is caw caw poo poo unless it is covered with either backer (cbu) or lath and mortar (mud). Start over, and if it's a shower, have you installed a shower pan?

John (And I'll back you up, Rich, when the greenboard goons come after you. Just remember I said "back" you up.)

http://www.johnbridge.com

 

Thank you John; I appreciate the support, that sounds like "we're not retreating we're just advancing in the opposite direction"
When the greenboard goons arrive you distract them with a piece of Hardi and I'll throw water on them. Maybe they will disintegrate like their product does in water.
Just a little lightheartedness during the holiday season don't cha know!
Regards,
Rich Gately
http://www.gatelytilecompany.homestead.com