TILE REPAIR

I.  TILE REPAIR    WALL PROTECTION:
Leakage around tile joints is extremely common.  When tile is set in mastic against gypsum drywall, maintenance of tile grout and caulking is more critical.  Water is often drawn up into the backing board where it loosens the tile (Fig. I1, Item A).  Mastic is considered to be water soluble and will allow water to pass through it, deteriorating the drywall (Fig. I1, Item B). When tile that is attached to gypsum wallboard is in need of repair, the gypsum board should be replaced with a more durable material.

When a tub is converted to a shower, the surrounding wall surfaces must be protected from water.  Often waterproofing is applied but only to a minimum height (Fig. I1, Item C) which readily allows seepage behind materials.  Most building codes require waterproofing materials to extend a minimum of six feet above the floor level. Waterproof materials should be at least as high as the shower nozzle.  Waterproof protection can be accomplished with several materials and methods.  The least expensive materials are the smooth faced, thin, masonite backed, board materials.  These materials must be well sealed at the edges and don’t last that long.  Eventually their surfaces wear and admit water.  Heavier board materials that are rigid last longer.  Tile is usually best installed using the “thin set” method. This mortar is epoxy modified and does not tend to disintegrate with moisture.  A thin backing of fiberglass, reinforced cement board behind thin set tile, will provide a very durable shower wall protection.

WHAT TO:    HOW TO:
Using a fiberglass cement board as replacement for gypsum board, and an epoxy modified mortar rather than mastic, will almost always make a more permanent repair. Always save any tiles that fall off or loosen from the wall. Soaking them in water overnight will usually loosen mastic adhesives and prepare them for reuse.  This will avoid having to search for matching tiles.

Shower surrounds must always be kept well caulked and grouted.  Older sheet goods can absorb water through their surfaces and should be replaced.  Problems with wallboard or supporting surface materials should always be repaired prior to any tile repairs.

REFERENCE: I13

APPLICABLE PRODUCTS: PP2