Thinking about getting around to replacing bathroom suite , thing thats putting me off is ENTIRE bathroom has tiles , floor to ceiling , every wall
A friend said its OK to tile OVER existing tiles
Any opinions ?
DO NOT DO THAT!!!!
When I did my bathroom and kitchen (at different times) I was advised by so called professionals to simply tile on top of the old.....
I ignored their advice and took off the old tiles. I found that the grout had failed, leading to water seeping into the plasterboard behind. The plasterboard was so soft I could push holes in it using my fingers and the old tiles fell off easily.
I ended up taking the failed plasterboard off and putting aquaboard in its place. I chose aquaboard instead of new plasterboard so that if the new grout failed, it would not take the plasterboard with it as aquaboard is resistant to water.
If I has stuck the new tiles on top of the old, the weight would have been too much for it and the whole lot would have fallen off the wall, two lots of tiles (new and old) and the plasterboard.
Also when you tile, you reduce the room dimensions.
Stephen
FWIW, I did exactly that in a flat we rent out. It too was floor to ceiling tiles and we haven't had any problems in around 10 years. It's not ideal as you know, but if you spend some time to think it through - like you're doing, it can be done. Obvious things to consider is how well the existing tiles are bonded to the wall - a tap test will give you some idea. If sections of the wall sounds hollow, it's best to carefully remove those areas. Also, you need to think of what effect the extra depth of tile and adhesive will make to things like basins, baths, skirting boards, architraves, shower cubicles and controls, etc. If they're big tiles, I wouldn't do it - normal-sized tiles are better suited for you purposes. Also - and this is important, don't try to line up the grout line with the existing tiles and don't do it on a plasterboard studded wall. The wall in our flat was brick and plaster
A tiler I spoke to suggested that I should wash down the existing tiles with sugar soap and use Sontex adhesive which came in a bag rather than the ready made tub stuff. If you go to their web site which is the usual + sontex/info you'll see an Applications tab. Not sure if it's OK to give URLs here, but as I'm not connected with the company it might be of help to you. I'm not a pro tiler - just a DIYer, but I'm sure there are people here who do a lot of tiling, so I'd listen to them. Just thought I'd let you know that it can be done successfully if you use the right stuff on a suitable wall and plan it right.
Good luck!
Steve
I'll echo that. It is the cheap skates method of tiling and could lead to serious problems. If a job is worth doing, do it properly to start with and save all the heart ache. Jim G
+1
Had exactly the same problems.
Tiles can look visibly safe and leak proof but in three different bathrooms I had exactly the same issue. Over the years, the grout develops invisible hairline cracks and allows water to gush in in surprisingly large quantities. Trying scrape between the gaps with a tungsten tool is one (time consuming method) and then refilling. I ended up having it taken all off and putting new tiles or new plasterboard and new tiles after getting the surfaces repaired.
Have you considered alternatives to tiles like Wetwall or Multipanel?
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