How to remove laundry splashback tiles and waterproof?

[nugley]

I'm looking to renovate the laundry and I'm hoping to replace the laundry cabinet and splashback tiles but keep the floor tiles and tile skirting. The waterproofing extends from the floor tiles behind the laundry cabinet and tile splashback. I expect removing the splashback tiles will affect the waterproofing directly behind it and the subfloor is a concrete slab. But is it possible to remove the splashback tiles without affecting the waterproofing under the skirting and floor tiles?

We're also looking to install hybrid floorboards over the floor tiles and raise the floor waste. The floor waste also has waterproofing underneath. I'm wondering if it's possible to raise the floor waste?

 

[EricL]

Hello @nugley 

Due to the tiles adhesive it's a given that the waterproofing membrane will get damaged once the tiles are lifted off the wall. I'm currently unaware of a method where you can remove the tiles without damaging the waterproofing membrane. Because the waterproofing is linked to your floor, once that homogenous layer has been broken it will need to be fully reapplied. Therefore, the tiles on the floor will need to be removed as well. I suggest consulting a waterproofing agent in your area regarding this.      

In regards to the level of the floor waste, yes, it can be raised. Since it involves plumbing works it will need to be carried out by a registered plumber for safety and compliance. 

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 @nugley personally I would have no issue removing the splashback tiles. I've never waterproofed that high in a laundry. The trough will be essentially sitting on the floor with possibly basic fastenings possibly just to the wall. Sealing them off with an epoxy silicone will repair those.

Nailbag

[nugley]

Thanks @Nailbag. Appreciate your insight. I had a chat with others online and they had similar thoughts to you. They didn't have much issues with removing the splashback tiles. There will be damage to the waterproofing directly behind it, but waterproofing on the floor and skirting should be ok. Basically, just need to resheet the damaged parts and if needing to waterproof, just make sure to have plenty of overlap of new waterproofing over old waterproofing. Sounds like most just waterproof the floor and up the wall for the skirting.

I'd totally understand that this would be a different story if this was a shower though

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @nugley 

I would be tempted to foolow along with remove and silastic the edge as well. It depends on what you are wanting from your insurance/loan agreement is about the only hiccup I can imagine. As always working in a wet area it would be wise to see what the walls are made of before attempting to remove those tiles. Asbestos hides all over the place. 

Dave

[nugley]

Good point about the possible hiccup. Solid pick up about checking for asbestos. The house was built in 1988 and previous trades and builders have never mentioned asbestos when doing wall repairs, though that was in non-wet areas. Wet areas are a bit different. Do you have any recommendations for asbestos testing?

[EricL]

Hello @nugley 

If your home was built or renovated before 1990, there is a good chance it has asbestos. Before you begin any work around the home, it's important to find out where it is and what you need to do to protect yourself, your family and those around your home. Here is some advice on where you might find asbestos in your home. 

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency asbestossafety.gov.au has a range of resources to be asbestos safe, including how to find a licensed asbestos assessor and/or removalist in your state.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[nugley]

Thank you for sharing that with me @EricL. I'll definitely look into this more. Appreciate your help.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @nugley 

@EricL has beaten me to the info Its the same place I would suggest.

Dave