Retiling bathroom walls to deal with mould issues or OK to tile over existing tiles?

JJAM

First of all, a disclosure - I am clueless about anything to DIY, so excuse my ignorance!

I'm having my bathroom redone very soon. It's in a bit of a state and getting it sorted has been long overdue (it's been neglected by me), but the most concerning thing for me is some black mould in the shower (just along and slightly above the shower tray). It's not that much, but I've been getting so many colds and sore throats this year that I can't help but wonder if it's a response to the mould.

I am getting in a professional plumber to do the job, highly recommended by someone I know. He has mentioned the option of tiling over the existing tiles, but surely this wouldn't necessarily deal with the exisiting mould issue?

Whilst I'd also be happier just having all the tiles off and new ones put on, I'm a bit concerned by not knowing what state the walls are in until the tiles come off. The walls either side of the shower are not solid - in fact, only one of the walls in the bathroom is solid - and there is a crack between the wall and ceiling (not major) that pretty much runs around the sides of the shower enclosure. Not too keen on the worst case scenario of the bathroom ceiling collapsing!

Any advice is much appreciated!

flashg67

If you have hollow walls, it is likely some damage will be caused removing the old tiles - your tiler should be able to advise on this. Perhaps this he's suggested tiling over tile, which is do-able (though some tilers frown upon it). Mould is caused by damp, so re-tiling won't cure this - better ventilation and regular use of mould remover will help.

andyhop

Professional and highly regarded doesn't go with tiling over tiles

Adding more weight to an already poor substrate

Sounds like a bodger to me

phill99

^^^ Plus One.


Professional tilers wont tile over tiles. Its an amateur thing to do. If the substrata is poor, then the added weight of extra tiles will only lead to tiles coming off.


There is only one way to do a job and that is properly. Tiling over tiles isn't it.

JJAM

Well, I've told the plumber that I'll use a specialist tiler for the tiles. Currently looking for one...