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Upstairs shower tiles squeaking

Laurens
Building a Reputation

Upstairs shower tiles squeaking

My newly renovated shower is doing something really weird.

The shower base was waterproofed multiple times before being tiled by a professional.

Now, some 6 weeks later I noticed a slight squeak in one or two of the tiles when I shower. I ignored it at first then when I was talking to someone about it and demonstrating that there is no obvious movement in the tiles, I noticed that when I pressed hard on the tiles some water came up between the tiles. Not much but certainly noticeable.

I am trying not to stress about the possibilities especially as the recent shower renovation was a huge job replacing flooring and adding extra flooring to raise the level before waterproofing.

The good thing is that it does not leak (no signs of water on the ceiling directly below but I dont want to leave it that long

Recommendations appreciated

 

Laurens
Building a Reputation

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

Its been a long haul and I have made no headway trying to get the problem fixed.

Today I removed the grouting and lifted the tiles. Its a mess.

It appears that the tiler partially blocked the 'secondary drain' (the one where the water which might get under the tiles drains away) consequently the water accumulated under the tiles and appears to have even penetrated under one of the waterproof layers.

Lifting the tiles has damaged the water seal as well.

I have not removed the grout from under the edge tiles yetShower Base.jpg

I would be very interested in suggestions/recommendations on where to go from here.

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

I'm sorry to hear you're still struggling with this issue, @Laurens.

 

Since the waterproofing membrane is compromised, you need to remove the bottom rows of tiles and re-waterproof the recess according to standards. This is due to needing one homogeneous and continuous layer of waterproofing across the floor and right up the walls. You can't just patch the floor and re-apply waterproofer there. You'd likely find someone willing to do just the floor, but there is no way of telling whether the corner joints will be sealed adequately without removing the tiles.

 

It would be my advice to get a few quotes from some tradespeople that specialise in waterproofing and see what approach they would take to resolve this situation and the cost. You'll then have a fairly good idea of what will be involved and whether you'd like to attempt that yourself. 

 

You should find this step-by-step guide useful: How to waterproof a shower

 

Please let me know if you have questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Laurens
Building a Reputation

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

I feared/suspected that the lower row of tiles would have to be removed and the waterproofing redone. It will be a mongrel of a job. I shall contemplate it for a while before deciding how I will tackle it.

Thank you

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

Consider getting those quotes @Laurens. Even if you don't go ahead with any of them, you'll find out a whole heap of information on how to best tackle the job.

 

Mitchell

 

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Laurens
Building a Reputation

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

Bathroom Tile removal.JPG

How do I remove the old tile glue/cement without an extraordinary amount of effort.
It pains me that I had done all the preparation and it was the tiler who has left me with a massive repair problem.
I have even considered removing all the newly laid tiles and starting again

 

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Upstairs shower tiles

That chisel/scraper and hammer will likely be one of the few ways to remove the adhesive @Laurens. Keep the scraper at a shallow angle to the wall and see if you can chip the glue off without too much damage to the sheeting behind. Be careful as if you damage the sheeting, you'll need to replace it as well.

 

An angle grinder and diamond grinding cup would be the most effective tool to use. Alternatively, the Ozito 300W Multi Function Tool comes with a couple of bits designed for cutting out grout. They might work reasonably well at removing the glue, but it's incredibly hard stuff. 

 

Let me mention a few of our knowledgeable members @TedBear, @diy_hausdesigns, @ProjectPete, @Remarka6le and @tom_builds, to see if they have any thoughts.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: Upstairs shower tiles

I've used an Ocilating tool with a scraper attachment when removing that stuff from our Laundry, I then used a wirebrush attachment for our drill to smooth out anything I missed. 

Remarka6le
GC9114
Getting Established

Re: Upstairs shower tiles squeaking

HI

I don't want to add to your worries but you mention that 'extra' flooring was added to build up the floor level.  If the flooring was not fixed (screwed/nailed) properly this can cause squeaking where the flooring moves up and down very slightly when pressure is put on it.  

Simon

Laurens
Building a Reputation

Re: Upstairs shower tiles squeaking

It was screwed down and now that I have removed the tiles I can assure you that it is not moving. It was something the tiler did or used to flat lay the tiles on the floor of the shower that allowed the water to seep in and stay under the tiles.
I had a waterproofer come out to have a look and he has offered to repair the job and use fibreglass to waterproof the under tile area. He is having to do that as the water seal I had laid down was damaged getting the tiles up. It is now a patch work of water seal and timber, with the water seal being laborious to remove

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