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thebicman · May 28, 2007, 10:11 PM

I just replaced my shower and put in slate tile on floor and walls. I tried to put in a sloped mortar floor before putting in the tile but I did not put enough slope in it and of coarse did not check it before laying the tile. Now I have a beautiful shower with water that sits and doesn't drain properly. Any ideas? Do I have to completely re-build the floor or is there any way to add something on top that can help slope it?

glavine · May 29, 2007, 01:55 PM

Ive Got To Say No On That One, I Guess You Could Lay More Tile On Top Of Your Floor But You Have To Deal With The Drain And The Tile That Is Cut Around It.

If You Can Remove The Drain And Still Reinstall It Where Its Not Going To Leak , Id Say Just Remove It And Lay Some New Tile On Top Of What You've Already Done, But To Be Honest Im Not To Big A Fan Of That,

Tear It Out , Fix It Right

thebicman · May 29, 2007, 09:23 PM

I was afraid of that... I was hoping there might be some kind of clear material I could put on top of the low area... all I need is about 1/4 inch and I would be okay. Can I put another layer of thin mortar on top of the slate and tile over that? Or do you think I should pull out the first layer and start from scratch... will new mortar bond to the first layer of mortar?

glavine · May 30, 2007, 04:46 PM

Did you put a pan liner in first before you started tiling?
Its going to be tough to remove the tile without damaging the liner.
If you tear out you'd have to go all the way back to the sub floor and start over, even some of the wall tile would have to come down so you can lap the rubber membrane up the wall.

Kstar4u · May 30, 2007, 09:04 PM

Here's an "off-the-wall" idea for you to consider... I suppose it may be worth trying before you tear out the new slate or try something to cover it... I've never done this (or even heard of it being done, for that matter) but what have you got to lose? If the slate tile is at least 1/4" thick... the slope correction doesn't have to be much and you can lower your drain a little bit... maybe you can use a diamond blade on your saw and cut some slots or grooves shallow at the high point(s) going deeper toward the drain and thereby provide a channel (or channels) that will carry the water to the drain. I don't know, but it may be worth a try. If it works... I'm sure you'll have to apply a sealant to the cut slate in the slots to prevent any absorption of water.

Good luck!

thebicman · May 30, 2007, 10:07 PM

Yes... I put in a mortar bed first, then a liner which I continued up the wall about 18 inches, then put in the final mortar on top of that... so I guess I can pull out the slate and it shouldn't hurt the liner... I assume I will then just be able to add a new layer of mortar over the low area and re-tile... would I be crazy to just add another layer of tile on top of the slate?

thebicman · May 30, 2007, 10:17 PM

I kind of like the idea of cutting a channel... I am not sure if it would work either but I may
Try it before I rip the floor out... I will let you know if it works.

glavine · May 31, 2007, 04:56 AM

I Just Talked To My Tile Guy, He Mentioned If You Can Remove The Drain Then Just Run Another Layer Of Tile And This Time Give It The Slop You Need,
His Biggest Concern Was Making Sure The Drain Was Waterproof Again
But Is Is Ok To Lay The Tile Ontop Of The Other Tile.

thebicman · May 31, 2007, 10:37 PM

Thanks. I think that is what I will try to do... I will let you know how it comes out. If any other ideas please keep them coming.