| Author |
Message |
    
deborahg
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 703
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 10:46 am: |     |
The tiles around our bathtub have begun to fall off the wall, revealing rotted wood and who knows what else beneath. We can't afford to get the bathroom retiled, and I don't know if it makes sense to just replace these few tiles when there is clearly some big problemo under them. Any thoughts for a quick way to cover the unsightly area, and/or a long-term solution? Right now we are using the shower in the other bathroom, and that's fine for now, but this is our only bathtub so we need to use it!
We don't want to go with a molded tub/shower, as far as I can see they cost nearly as much as retiling. |
lydial
Citizen
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 153
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 11:14 am: | |
deborahg -
The rotted wood underneath sounds ominous, I'll let JGBerkeley weigh in with the the real solution.
Tiling is really easy and kind of fun. If you only have a little section to re-tile you can do it yourself and it will look good. You'll have to allow the wood underneath to dry out first though.
Privateline me and I'll show you how to tile, I have a little project I wanted to do this week. |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3207
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 3:26 pm: | |
Funny, I just finished exactly that job for someone here in town.
We can talk as to how, do you have the tiles? Can you match what you have?
I have a tile saw which makes this a lot quicker. |
deborahg
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 704
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 4:45 pm: | |
Thanks to both of you--this would be great! I have the tiles, and don't think a saw would be needed--nothing broken, the original tiles just aren't in their places anymore. But should we even replace the tiles when the stuff underneath is such a mess? |
deborahg
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 705
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 4:45 pm: | |
PS JGB, you mean you still have time to do this sort of thing?! Cool! |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3209
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 9:18 pm: | |
Yes, I have the time, an hour here an hour there. Then I have most weekends and yes most the work in under the tiles up in the walls.
The job I just finished. I had to remove even more tiles, cracked three pulling them off. Then rebuild the internal wall 2x4 structure from the hole in the shower, then build out the structure with Backer board so that the finish tile would match the existing tile. Then grind clean the old tiles and adjust (saw) a couple of new ones, mount, grout and caulk. Then I took a shot at staining the grout to match the rest of the wall, burnished the scale off a shower door glass and bright brass work to make it all look pretty, and I was done.
Started 9/3 finished today. An hour here and an hour there.
I'm not quick, but I'm one of the few who do this kind of repair. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 293
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 9:35 pm: | |
JGBerkeley --
I have done the same in 2 of my 3 bathrooms. I've always boiled the old tiles -- that loosens the mastic and glue. So it can be easily scraped off. Is grinding a better way to go? never thought of it!
Also -- I have a shower upstairs in a space that was to have been for a bathtub. If I were to switch to a tub (which I might do rather than rebuild the shower pan) -- do you know if the ceiling underneath has to be opened up for the tub drain plumbing? Its right above my living room -- and not sure I would tackle this project before the holidays if I'd also have to open up and patch that ceiling!
Thanks (sorry for the thread hijack!)
Pete |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3211
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2003 - 9:59 pm: | |
I have boiled old tile. I like to add some soap and vinegar. Works ok. But then, I have this big nasty grinder and if you have a light hand, it is quick.
Your shower/tub thing. What kind of tub? A claw foot tub may be easier, but a full sided tub, how are you going to get your hands in to wrench all the pipes together??
Me thinks you are going to open a hole to the below room.
Wait around for other ideas. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 48
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 11:30 am: | |
Can you send me the tiling instructions? I have some tiles which look nasty and I would like to replace them. They are all buckled. I have some spares. |
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