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Can I leave cornice intact with bathroom renovation?

After finishing my ensuite renovation late last year it is now time to start on the main bathroom.

My question is whether it is possible to demo the bathroom including the existing tile and cement boards underneath, but I was wondering if it possible to keep the existing ceiling and top part of cement sheeting with the cornice still intact?

One of the many lessons I learned from the last reno was that cleaning off cornice glue sucks and replacing it also sucks.

This time around I was hoping to avoid doing this by leaving the cornice intact.

Can I simply buy the cement sheeting up to this and the tiler can waterproof and tile over the top?

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JacobZ

Hi @Helmutson,

There's a simple answer to your question, which I'm sure you'll be happy to hear.

Yes, you can leave the cornice in place and simply butt the new fibre cement sheeting up to it then waterproof and tile over it. In a shower area, the waterproofing membrane must extend a minimum of 1800mm above the finished floor height. I would assume the ceiling is much higher than this, so your waterproofing won't need to extend this high.

You'll just have to be careful when demoing the existing tiles to ensure you don't damage the cornice. You can do this by cutting out the grout lines around the top row of tiles using a Professional Grout Saw and then levering this top row of tiles off. Once this top row is off, you'll be able to cut the sheeting below this and remove it.

Good luck with the renovation, please don't forget to share some photos when it is complete.

If you'd like any further assistance along the way, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob

Helmutson

Thanks heaps for your reply Jacob. The tile came away pretty easily from the cornice. Didn't have to cut the grout, just gave all the tiles a good bit of hammer time and the grout broke before the cornice.

So do you think it is best to cut the cement sheeting flush with the cornice or should I cut it lower and leave say 100mm of cement sheeting so the join us in the middle of a tile rather than at the top of the tile?

Cheers,

Leon

JacobZ

Hi @Helmutson,

It would be best to cut it off around 100mm below the cornice and add screws along that bottom edge.

This will ensure everything is locked in place well.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Helmutson

Thanks again Jacob.

I've now come across this old waterproofing under the floor tile. It feels like a fibreglass type material and is peeling up in sheets. Please tell me this is safe to handle and is not some old asbestos waterproofing membrane?

EricL

Hello @Helmutson

In the interest of health and safety, I propose pausing your renovation efforts and having the panels in the room tested for asbestos this includes your flooring as well. This would be the best course of action moving forward. If the results are positive, you'll need to engage the services of an asbestos removal specialist. If they come back negative, then you can continue your renovation plans. Although there may be a delay of a few days it would be safer for you in the long run.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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