How to install PVC panels over existing tiles?

[HeatherP]

My bathroom wall tiles are in very sound condition but ugly colour.  To save on cost I'd like to install PVC panels over, however due to the age of my home I can't say for absolute certain how good the waterproof membrane would have been.  I know the PVC panels can be applied directly over tiles but there's no mention (that I can find) of applying a waterproof layer first. To be totally safe I'd like to apply a new membrane over the old tiles before installing the PVC panels.  Are you able to provide any advise about what I'm considering doing please ?

[HeatherP]

Can you please explain why I can't apply a waterproof membrane over existing tiles that are completely sound (just ugly colour), then install the PVC wall panels over that.

[EricL]

Hello @HeatherP 

Wall tiles have a non-porous surface and therefore nothing for the waterproofing membrane to anchor onto. Unlike Gyprock CSR 2400 x 1200 x 10mm 2.88sqm Aquachek™ Plasterboard RE which has a rough, porous surface which waterproofing will easily anchor onto. If you were to waterproof the surface of the tile, the waterproof membrane would simply peel off once it cures.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[EricL]

Hello @HeatherP 

I've given you advice in regards to your query about water proofing over tiles in this link Applying wet area PVC panels over existing tiles. However, in regards to the process the tiles must be removed first and a panel such as Gyprock CSR 2400 x 1200 x 10mm 2.88sqm Aquachek™ Plasterboard RE must be installed, then followed by water proofing and then the wet wall art panel. Waterproofing must be applied as a single homogenous layer. It must be installed by a trained and registered agent as it will need to be sighted and signed off. 

If you are not yet ready to have the tiles removed and the panels replaced, I propose postponing your project until your budget can cover the tile removal, plaster boarding and waterproofing. Bathroom renovations don't happen often and its best to do it properly so that there will be no issues in the following years to come.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @HeatherP 

What you could do to check if the current waterproofing is sound, is have a leak detection service check the walls. If given the all-clear you should be right to install the PVC panels directly over without any further waterproofing. If the shower panels exceed the shower recess area then there will be only one corner join to content with. If siliconed correctly, then your only point of water ingress between the tiles and PVC should be secure.

Nailbag

[HeatherP]

Thank you for your practical suggestion.  I do still have the same question though which is: can I apply a waterproofing membrane over the existing tiles before applying the PVC panels.  Even if there are no leaks detected from the professional leak detector, I'd still like to waterproof again simply due to the age of the building (wall and tiles).  I can't afford to completely remove the tiles and walling especially as everything is in such good condition, so looking for a reasonable option with an added layer of safety. 

[HeatherP]

Hi Eric,  according to Ardex a waterproof membrane can be applied over tiles if the procedure is correctly followed .. 

grind the glaze on the tile surface to provide a better key. If this is done, the surface must be vacuumed afterward. Remove any old sealants from the corners. With a flat-bladed trowel, apply a skim coat of ARDEX OPTIMA tile adhesive to the tile surface. This skim coat needs to be around 1.0mm thick, cover the full surface, and be worked into the grout lines. After 24 hours of curing, the ARDEX WPM002 or WPM155 Rapid Plus membrane can be applied to the surface as per the product instructions and detailing methods.

Question: Assuming this is done correctly, can I then apply a PVC panel over do you think ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @HeatherP,

You are correct that Ardex have released a technical bulletin detailing a method they say is "technically feasible"; however, there are caveats to this.

I note that in the disclaimer at the bottom, they state - 

"No warranty is implied or given as to its completeness or accuracy in describing the performance or suitability of a product for a particular application."

If you wanted to use this method, I would suggest contacting a licensed waterproofer for their assistance to ensure it is done correctly.

Assuming this is done correctly, I don't see a reason you couldn't install a PVC panel over it, but ultimately, removing the tiles and installing a membrane over plasterboard or fibre cement sheeting would be the more common approach.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @HeatherP 

Going through the responses it has firmed up my questions as well. 

When @EricL said that adding waterproofing over a tiled surface it wont bond to the tile, so if you then try and bond the sheet to the waterproofing then to the tile then the sheet would peel away easier.

I agree with @Nailbag about getting the waterproof checked first, then you will know if its ok. If it is then the paneling can be secured to the tiles as @EricL has suggested.

I have a cream bathroom tile set that I would love to cover and the sheets are something I have looked at. The issue I keep coming back to isnt the waterproofing, its the transition from tiles 2/3rds up the wall to no tiles above that. I keep umming an ahhing and ending up decideding to save my money until I can do it properly.

Dave

[HeatherP]

Morning Dave and all    I don't entirely agree with you that waterproof paint (membrane) doesn't really adhere to tile - for two reasons:  An earlier post described how this can be done successfully prior to tiling over old tiles ... see post from: PlumbMaster-Zee Building a Reputation Re: "Can you waterproof when tiling over existing tiles?" Date: June 2024

The second reason is: I had gloss tiles in another bathroom repainted a number of years ago, and it's still well bonded and in excellent condition.  It was done properly with sanding the gloss surface, applying a primer coat, etc...  So I feel that a waterproof membrane, if properly/professionally done, can be applied successfully over wall tiles.  But I also appreciate it's not a common, accepted thing to do