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ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 06:52 AM

Hi can anyone tell me if there is any type of waterproof paint that would be good on a shower wall.my shower walls were completely tiled until Friday and then disaster struck ,I heard a loud cracking noise and when I checked one wall of tiles had bent and moved away from the wall.irevoved them and I am now left with a bare wall.is there any way I can waterproof it without tiling it again.

amricca · Mar 24, 2008, 07:16 AM

I would be worried more tiles will start to pop off if you don't replace them. Are you just going to leave it as-is or will you eventually re-do the tiles?

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 07:53 AM

I don't think any more tiles will fall off as they are well stuck.I don't know what to do as I don't know how to tile.the bathroom is only five years old and in no way damp.any suggestions?

ballengerb1 · Mar 24, 2008, 08:00 AM

Two things to think about here and neither will involve paint. It is fairly simple to clean and reinstall the old tile if it isn't cracked or broken. If you are unsure of the installation process just tell us. The second thing to think about is what caused that cracking sound. Cracking sounds generally mean movement and stress. A tile that just failed would not make noise, other than falling in the shower floor, it would likely stay in place due to the grout. Some part of your home moved, maybe due to settling or repair/construction going on. I can't begin to guess but something pushed pressure on that tile and that doesn't sound good to me.

massplumber2008 · Mar 24, 2008, 08:03 AM

Ademus:

Why did tiled wall pull away from the wall? Is this a real old wall? Is this a real NEW wall.. What type wall was under the tile... concrete, concrete board, or greenboard??

I would advise you strongly not to attempt to water proof wall with anything except tile OR could purchase a sheet of MYLAR (water resistant wall panel used in bathtubs/showers as surround walls... but does not last like tile).

Answer Amricca's question and then mine... let us know your thoughts... Mark

HI BOB...was posting same time you were...sorry.
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hkstroud · Mar 24, 2008, 08:07 AM

Now wait a minute. That just doesn't happen. Tell us more. What kind of tiles are they, did they come apart, or are they still stuck to one another, What does the wall look like? Is there signs of any kind of adhesive on the back of the tiles or the wall? Inquiring minds want to know.

ballengerb1 · Mar 24, 2008, 08:13 AM

Stuff like this only "happens" when my kid is around.

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 08:17 AM

Here's my answer.they all stayed stuck together and moved in like a sheet.I think the reason is that last year my neighbour got some work done on a utility room which is on the other side of that wall.I remember the drilling noise coming from there.the wall is very old as its part of the original house but the bathroom is new.I can see no damage to the wall at all.when this happened I was cleaning the shower stall .I pulled down all the tiles on that side of the wall for safety sake.I really don't know what happened,I don't have the tiles any more they went out in the bin this morning.

amricca · Mar 24, 2008, 08:21 AM

In that case you should tile the whole thing again, or get a liner of some sort. If it was your neighbor that made them fail maybe he should re-do it for you.

ballengerb1 · Mar 24, 2008, 08:23 AM

Your neighbors repairs are the likely source of the movement and force. Is this an apartment or condo that you rent/own?

hkstroud · Mar 24, 2008, 08:23 AM

What do you see now, the wall board or 2x4 studs?

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 08:26 AM

It's a very old refurbished cottage.I can't afford to get someone in to do the tiles and I am unable to do them myself.I am not very good at repairs.painting yes repairs no.

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 08:28 AM

What I can see now is a concrete wall that has been plastered.

hkstroud · Mar 24, 2008, 08:35 AM

Do you see any signs of adhesive on that wall. There is a cement board that is quite often used around shower walls. Could it be that. Is there paint on the wall. Can you post a picture? Is the wall smooth or rough?

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 08:45 AM

The wall is smooth.it is definitely a solid wall that has been plastrerd,there is no sign of adhesive on the wall and there is no paint either.

hkstroud · Mar 24, 2008, 09:10 AM

OK if it is a plastered wall is it gray or white. I know tile can be set directly white coat of plaster walls. Don't know if they can be set on the grey coat. No adhesive or cement on the walls means the bond between the adhesive and the wall gave away or the surface of the plaster came off. Look on the back some of the tiles to see how much adhesive is there and if any of the wall surface came off with the tile.

Scratch the wall with a screwdriver to see if the surface comes off like sand.

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 09:24 AM

I don't have any of the tiles left.there was a good bit of adhesive on the back of them and a little plaster.the wall is neither grey or white its kind of terracotta.maybe different parts of the world have different colours.I am in dublin ireland

hkstroud · Mar 24, 2008, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by ademus

maybe different parts of the world have different colours.i am in dublin ireland

You are so right on that, something that we sometimes forget.

However, I think you have identified what the real problem is. The wall surface is not suitable for tiling directly. Perhaps some kind of sealer is required. Perhaps some other type of wall surface preparation should have been done. It appears that the tiles did not separate from the wall but that the surface of the wall came off.

ademus · Mar 24, 2008, 09:56 AM

Thanks for your help.nowis there anything you can recommend

massplumber2008 · Mar 24, 2008, 12:01 PM

Ademus:

I am not sure if they sell waterproof panel board in Ireland, but over here they do.

It is called marlite panelling and it is used as a tub surround material sometimes. Here, you adhere the panel (comes in 4' x 8' sheets) to wall and caulk around the edges. About the greatest skill required here is a measure, cut panel, adhere panel, caulk edges (just be sure to use the right adhesive for marlite.. the wrong kind can discolor the plastic coating over time). See what you can find at the local home supply store over there.

They also sell real cheap tub surround wall panels... cheap plastic, multi piece sections that again get adhered to wall, and then have edges caulked tight to tub (if don't want to cover other walls... then don't. Just use end panel). I think they sell them over here for about $75.00 for the real cheap stuff... BUT it is waterproof and will last for some time.

Tiling is best, of course, and tiling is easier then you think... perhaps? Tiles can be purchased for under 1.00/ft2.. and then set in adhesive, and then grout... but anyway... I presented a couple other options for you.

Good luck with it all. If we can help anymore let us know... Mark

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