Renovating a tile shower stall. The tile is sound and was applied to concrete board, backs up to unfished space. The owner hates the tile and wants to replace with new tile. Can I apply new cement board over the tile? I can use longer screws and attached through the old tile and backer board in to studs.
Any thoughts?
Thank you.
Replies
Actually (though it makes me gag to see it done), you can apply new tile directly over the old tile, using mastic rather than thinset. The problem with tileboard then tile is that you get a lot of added thickness, and you may run into problems where the tile meets the tub, etc.
Haave you considered if the added wall thickness will affect the finctionality of the supply valve? Will the trim kit still fit, etc? As well as any other plumbing projections?
It's pretty easy to demo cement backer board walls to the studs, but if you're set on tiling over what's there, I recommend:
1) Scoring the face of the existing tile with an angle grinder. You can sometimes have success with a belt sander and a low-grit belt. This will give the new adhesive something to grab a hold of.
2) Use modified thinset, but modify it yourself. Meaning, buy dryset and mix it with a liquid admix.
3) With the modified thinset being sandwiched between twl layers of tile, it may take longer for the admix components of the thinset to dry. So give it a few days before grouting.
Tear it out...
Been involved in construction for 45 years...architect for 40... Everytime, on every project where I have asked myself this question, I have always regretted not tearing out the item, whether it be old drywall or plaster ceilings in an othwise gutted room, or a drywall wall on one side of a kitchen where all the other walls are being torn out. It's inevetible that had that surface been pulled, access to electrical would have been better or client requests to drop in pot lights that were not in the budget when we started, etc.. Never seems to add much cost to the project and all surfaces are new and substrata gets inspected.
Imagine the worst outcome...what happens if it doesn't work well. What if there's unseen rot behind that existing tile (happens all the time)? To me, it's just not worth the half day time savings that you or the client are trying to avoid. Also, it gives the homeowner an oportunity to upgrade an older shower valve with a new model...and to inspect all the piping..
Just my opinion..