Replace Bathtub tiles walls
#1
05-28-12, 12:01 PM
Replace Bathtub tiles walls
The tile walls in my bathtub have failed. While searching for the source of the leak, I took down the adjacent closet wall to expose the back of the water wall. I found the bottom 12" or so of the greenboard to be heavily water damaged.. time to rip it all out and re-do it properly. Looking for input on a few questions before I start.
traditional cement backerboard: Are there any (recomended) modern replacements for use in shower walls. Are products such as Wonderboard or Hardibacker suitable (or better) alternatives for this application? I read the sales literature, but looking for some hands on advice.
Vapor Barrier. I plan to install a 4 or 6 mil vapor barrier to the studs before the backerboard. From what I can see, the tub has no flange. Without a flange, where do I take the bottom edge of the vaporbarrier?
All input is appreciated
Thx
traditional cement backerboard: Are there any (recomended) modern replacements for use in shower walls. Are products such as Wonderboard or Hardibacker suitable (or better) alternatives for this application? I read the sales literature, but looking for some hands on advice.
Vapor Barrier. I plan to install a 4 or 6 mil vapor barrier to the studs before the backerboard. From what I can see, the tub has no flange. Without a flange, where do I take the bottom edge of the vaporbarrier?
All input is appreciated
Thx
#2
05-28-12, 03:21 PM
You are correct in trying to do the job right. Greenboard is not an approved wet area backer. Both Durock and Hardibacker are excellent backers. NOW, no flange on the tub, that's a problem. Would it be possible for you to snap a couple of pictures of what you have as far as the tub/tile meeting place? It may help us to help you. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
#3
05-29-12, 07:20 AM
Thanks Chandler.
tried a photo. Its not much good until I further open up the walls and expose more.
Here is what I did figure out. The tub is a 'drop-in' (jetted tub). The front edge is installed as a drop-in on a contructed tile ledge. But the sides and back are installed as a traditional alcove with the edges adjacent to the tile.
I took a look at home depot and see that some of the tubs are being sold to support both Alcove and drop in installation (same unit). I downloaded the user guide for their MAAX brand and sure enough under alove installation the they skip right over the crucail steps of securing to the wall and tiling.
I did find on another forum a fellow that posted instructions for tiling a flangeless tub. 1.) Leave backerboard 1/4 " above tub edge. Insert backerrod in the gap and caulk with 100% silicone. Tiles to leave 1/8" space and caulk as per normal.
tried a photo. Its not much good until I further open up the walls and expose more.
Here is what I did figure out. The tub is a 'drop-in' (jetted tub). The front edge is installed as a drop-in on a contructed tile ledge. But the sides and back are installed as a traditional alcove with the edges adjacent to the tile.
I took a look at home depot and see that some of the tubs are being sold to support both Alcove and drop in installation (same unit). I downloaded the user guide for their MAAX brand and sure enough under alove installation the they skip right over the crucail steps of securing to the wall and tiling.
I did find on another forum a fellow that posted instructions for tiling a flangeless tub. 1.) Leave backerboard 1/4 " above tub edge. Insert backerrod in the gap and caulk with 100% silicone. Tiles to leave 1/8" space and caulk as per normal.
