tiling OVER tiles

[Londoncalling]

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 ?

[Stephen H]

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

[NewsOnline]

"Londoncalling" <london...@btopenworld.com> wrote in message
news:qdedne5TN_qDkebS...@bt.com...

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

[the_constructor]

"Stephen H" <ilov...@pleasespamme.com> wrote in message
news:EiGer.122319$jE5....@fx15.am4...

> On 03/04/2012 15:41, Londoncalling wrote:
>> 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!!!!
>

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

[7]

Stephen H wrote:

> On 03/04/2012 15:41, Londoncalling wrote:
>> 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.

+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.

[Mal Travers]

On 03/04/2012 15:41, Londoncalling wrote:

Have you considered alternatives to tiles like Wetwall or Multipanel?

http://www.wetwall.com/why.htm

http://www.multipanel.co.uk/
Mal