Sealing Tiles in Bathroom

tommyh1977

Hi, have just purchased a property. The tiling over the bath is just fixed to a plain gypsum slab. There is a power shower and screen over the bath. I am concerned that over time the tile and grout will eventually allow water spray from the shower to penetrate through to the slab. Any ideas how to try and prevent this happening?

TopTec

The only way to waterproof this area is to remove all the tiles and tank the substructure. You could replace the plasterboard with proper waterproof board but that is a messy job unless the plasterboard is destroyed by the removal of the tiles.

This could be left until you have a problem with water damage anyway.

Personally I doubt any claims of a waterproofer working on ceramics or porcelain.

TT

whizbang

Properly grouted ceramic tiles are as waterproof as anything else. Its the joints that make the job.

CJhaughey

whizbang wrote: »

Properly grouted ceramic tiles are as waterproof as anything else. Its the joints that make the job.

True, but its inevitable that vibration and moisture will make the bond between tile and grout break at some point, then moisture gets in and the whole lot bulges off the wall at the bottom.
It sounds like a bad job OP and I would just use it until there is a problem and then redo the whole lot with proper cement board or waterproof slab.

Joey the lips

whizbang wrote: »

Properly grouted ceramic tiles are as waterproof as anything else. Its the joints that make the job.

Bang on.

No sense taking them down till a problem arises.

tommyh1977

Cheers guys, I'll just wait till the s**t hits the fan, then re do the slabbing.

Tom Joad

tommyh1977 wrote: »

Cheers guys, I'll just wait till the s**t hits the fan, then re do the slabbing.

Not much more you can do tbh - cross that bridge IF and when you come to it.