Tub Surround Over Existing Drywall?

DrHicks · 11-13-2012, 01:32 PM

Okay first of all, don't crucify me here...

My daughter & her husband just bought their first house. As you can see by the picture, the "surround" in the bathroom leaves *ehemm* a little bit to be desired.

My son-in-law & I are going to install white ceramic subway tiles.

Here's my thinking, and my question... Can I remove the plastic sheets & all adhesive, screw 1/4" backer board right to the existing wall, and tile over that?

They're operating on a very tight budget, and time is of the essence (baby on the way soon). Also, this house was blown full of cellulose insulation - both attic and all walls - so removing old drywall/plaster in order to install 1/2" backer board right to the studs would be an issue.

What are your thoughts?

joecaption · 11-13-2012, 01:53 PM

If it was mine the first thing I would do is get rid of the window, gut it to the studs, reinsulate and use 1/2" tile board. Most likly a house that old will need shims over the studs so the wall will come out even with the old walls.

DrHicks · 11-13-2012, 03:27 PM

^ Well... They are both on a tight budget, and a tight time frame, so nothing as drastic as removing the window is going to happen.

What I'm really asking is if 1/4" backer board can be attached to the existing "drywall" well enough to make for a successful tile tub surround.

joecaption · 11-13-2012, 04:50 PM

Nope, #1 it would be 1/2 tile board that's used on a wall and tile board should never be installed over drywall.
Leaving that window is not going to do anyone any favors. A very real chance of leaks, sure to be a cleaning and on going mold issue, going to complicate installing the tile board and the tiles. Depending on the siding your talking less then $100.00 in materails to remove it, frame insulate and fix the siding.

No real tile guy I know of would ever warrenty a tile job done over sheetrock.

Donnie D. · 11-13-2012, 06:00 PM

yea i wouldnt recommend it either...gut the tub surround at least 5 feet up on the side (that way a 5x3 hard 1/2 backer will fit)..and the wall when the wind is..enough to put to 5x3 backer boards so about 6feet up..give ur self alittle play to get the backer boards in..if u do it the way u want u will have alot of problems in the long run and have to do it again..soo

1.gut to studs..
2.re insulate with non papered insullation
3.install 1/2 backer board hardie backer or durarock cement boards
4.use proper screws for the backer u choose
5.when installing the backer boards place them down to the lip of the tub about a 1/8 inch off of it
6.use a waterproof membrane like redguard
now ur ready for tile..make sure u use a thin set mortar (not a mastic!)

Dean CRCNA · 11-15-2012, 03:22 PM

On another note ... with a baby on the way, you may want to test the tub to see if it is leaching lead (toxic metal). You can buy a test swab (like LeadCheck) and then rub it on the interior side and bottom of the tub. If it shows positive ... you have lead film on the surface of the tub.

Not something you will be wanting your grandchild to be in.

If positive you have a few choices. 1 - don't let the baby use it. 2 - refinish the tub. 3 - replace it.

**oh'mike** · 11-15-2012, 08:39 PM

Doc----read some of Jazmans threads on Schluter Kerdi----using that will allow the use of tile right oner the existing plaster----

I also suggest you look into Hydroban by Latacrete---a paint on water proofing that I use frequently---

Nice old house----tile will be the easiest with those windows-----

Donnie D. · 11-15-2012, 10:14 PM

well yea he cant go wrong to just gut the bathroom down to the studs and start fresh

DrHicks · 11-15-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

Doc----read some of Jazmans threads on Schluter Kerdi----using that will allow the use of tile right oner the existing plaster----

I also suggest you look into Hydroban by Latacrete---a paint on water proofing that I use frequently---

Nice old house----tile will be the easiest with those windows-----

Thanks Mike.

Have you ever used RedGard? How does that compare to other liquid membranes?

**oh'mike** · 11-16-2012, 06:34 AM

Red guard is good for walls----and would do what you want---there are several paint on waterproofing membranes---all are good for walls---

I would not trust Red guard for a shower floor pan---but for walls--yes.

Blondesense · 11-18-2012, 01:05 PM

Between the window and that seam right underneath it, there is a fair chance you may find mold or damage when you pull the plastic sheets.
What you find underneath may limit your options.
If at all possible, I'd want to know this before making plans and spending the money.

Edited to add: If the window is staying, and they're using a shower curtain, buy two and modify one into a window treatment to protect the window and trim.