Some tiles were about to fall off the front of the bathroom counter. Since we don’t have any replacement tiles, I removed the loose tiles before they broke. I hope to fix whatever caused the problem and re-install the same tiles.
Thing is, I don’t know what caused the problem. The mortar is still stuck to the back of the tiles, but it wasn’t sticking to anything else. Only the grout kept the tiles from falling.
I’ve attached a picture of what I found. What is the best way to secure the tiles?
Janet
Replies
I'd be inclined to use something besides tile--some sort of wood or even "plastic" trim and glue and brad nail it. I have put tiles back up with silicone before, but since you are having trouble with sticking now, I would be reluctant to try silicone there.
I'm better off making as few changes as possible. Different question, then: When you're putting bullnose tile on the front edge of a counter, what usually goes under it?
You mean if you edge the counter top with bullnose, what supports the front of the bullnose? I'm not really a tiling expert--I've done some, but not an expert. I think the horizontal bullnose would be supported by the backer board to the very edge, then another bullnose would run (vertically) on the edge up to the first, so the edge is sort of rounded. There is a web site for tiling called http://www.Johnbridge.com. That may help you.
I think you could also support the bullnose with a regular tile (vertical) so the edge is just under the bullnose. Hope this makes sense. Maybe others who know more will see this and respond.
Edited 12/5/2007 9:13 pm ET by Danno
What's that paper layer in front of the plywood? It looks to me like the ? layer is probably cement board (Durock ?). I don't think thinset (mortar?) is the right stuff to use to adhere tile to the edge of plywood. Mastic might adhere better here, but mastic will not stand up to getting wet.
If it needs to withstand getting wet, seal the edges of the plywood before using thinset so it doesn't dry before it cures.
I don't know what the paper is. It's mostly mottled beige, with a black area to the right, but I don't know if it started out beige and got mildewed, or started out black and got moldy!
I'd just cut the paper out ...
clean up everything ...
and stick it back on with PL Premium construction adhesive.
not under a whole lotta foot traffic there ...
stick it and tape it in place till she sets.
"regrout" with grout caulking.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
another diyer with an untested, unproven solution but here goes.
Thinking the cause is water getting behind it
There is a polyurethane construction adhesive that claims to be able to bond "everything" together... and follow up as suggested (ie tape in place until set & re-grout).