Hello,

I just purchased a house and I have to do minor bathroom reno's. I have a house that is about 50 years old, and the bathroom has the old black and white tiles, which are in perfect shape.

In the shower, from the top of the tiles to the ceiling is about 3.5 feet of drywall. My dilema is that a contractor suggested I would need to tile to the ceiling in order to prevent water damage. I do not want to tear down the tile and start from scratch.

Can I leave it as is and paint the drywall with a good bathroom paint, or should I put up cement board and finish that?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paint it with a good mildew resistant bathroom paint.
If you cause water damage above the tiles, you need to change the way you shower.

If there is no exhaust fan, you may want to consider installing one to help control the moisture in the bathroom while showering.

I agree with use of a powerful exhaust fan.

My wife takes hot showers, and the showerhead throws fairly fine "mist". If she doesn't run the fan, the walls are wet forever and its easy to get mildew in the upper corners. If she runs the fan, it makes a big difference.