I just finished a renovation for a good customer which included prepping the shower stall and bathroom floor so that it was ready for tiles. We hung 1/2″ Hardi Backer on the walls and ceiling, did a mud shower pan. The floor was a new cement slab so the decision was that the tiles would be set atop the new floor.
The problem started when the customer decided to do his own tile job instead of me getting a qualifed sub to do the job. The tiles were a 1×1 dark blue glass tile and probably the thinnest tile I have ever seen. Needless to say, when the job was done, it was a total mess. Hardened thinset oozed between the tiles, everything off line. Not a plumb set in the whole bathroom. His wife is PIS*ED OFF! She called me in the other day for advice.
My thoughts were to do a thinset scratch over the newly installed tiles (they are not grouted yet) and install new 1/4″ Hardi Backer over the tile for a new, fresh start. I would also try and get as many screws into the studs as possible. This, to me, would be easier than demo’ing out the shower stall to the studs (it’s a large stall…5 1/2 x 4 with a built in bench).
Any other advice or comments on how to best correct this situation? As always, your responses are greatly appreciated.
Brian…..Bayview Renovations
Replies
F them, demo it or walk. Typical "I saw them do it on TV one w/e crap".
The one time I did glass mosaic, similiar to what you have possibly, the maufacturer was very specific about using additive WITH the top shelf thin set. I think I used all Mapei Products.
I would think that you might be able to thinset new tile over the old. I wouldn't do it in anyones house. Last resort would be adding yet another layer of backer then more tile on top of that.
They screwed up, let chew on it a while (save some money up to pay you to fix it) and see what happens.
It's still probably your fault!
Eric
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With the tile being so small, thin and delicate, I don't think the end result would be very good it new tile were installed directly over the messed up job.
So you don't think there would be a problem in scratching thinset over the existing and installing new backer?
....and at least the wife doesn't think its my fault!
Brian...Bayview Renovations
So you don't think there would be a problem in scratching thinset over the existing and installing new backer?
I would look at i t this way;
You need new backer, it needs to be installed. The only part missing now is ripping out the old mess. I would give them a price and go gonzo on it, what's it gonna take, a day? I would say the floors could be tiled over tile.
Float out a thin layer of thinset and let it set up good and hard for a couple of days efore laying new tile.
Don't throw good money after bad.......tear it out and be done with it.
Stop hesitating, procrastinating, vasilating...........
It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
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Tear it out! I think skim coating and then new hardibacker, and drilling holes and trying to hit studs would be just as much work as tearing out. plus that way, there are no 'maybes' or 'ifs' about it. You might be able to get by with skim coating over on the floor....but i'm a little wary of the glass tile---not sure how well the thinset will bond to it? I've skimcoated rough concrete with thinset with good results......If it were me i'd bust of all the floor tile too, scrape it as smooth as possible, skim it with thin set, and make them pay me for it! It was the HO's screw up!