Hi folks
We have a leak in our ensuite shower and it is to do with inadequate waterproofing at the base of the shower (or it could potentially be in the waterproofing of the walls - wonder if there is a way of knowing - the leak itself is presenting at the join of the floor and wall tiles).... anyway......
We are in the middle of battling to have it rectified. I have been advised that all the tiles need to be ripped up (and all the boards because we can see from under the house they are damaged) and then the waterproofing all re done, and the tiles relaid.
But I am wondering... does this also mean that the wall tiles need to be come off? Is it possible to get floor tiles up without having to remove the wall tiles - esp the ones at the bottom of the wall that butt up against the floor tiles? And even if it is possible to do so, given that the waterproofing needs to be re-done, would this mean wall tiles HAVE to come off so that the waterproofing can go up the walls slightly? Or given that it is just the waterproofing on the floor that is the issue, is it OK to just waterproof the floor and not have any 'lip' up the walls (If I am making any sense?).
I am worried that if the builder tries to get away with just removing the floor tiles, that the waterproofing will still have a gap or a crack along the edging and allow water back through - I thought that it should be one continuous 'seal' that goes up the wall slightly.
And, if wall tiles do have to come off - would this then mean he can just remove the bottom layer or does the entire wall(s) have to come off? (Not sure what is possible when dealing with removing/fixing behind tiles).
It looks like the builder is responsible to fix this, but I am just wondering what level of repair work we should be expecting and trying to ensure he doesn't cut corners (ie, by only ripping up the floor if it requires more than that).
And... not that this is my motivation for asking (my motivation is as I said above, trying to be informed so that we can monitor any work being done is done properly and thoroughly)... but.... if he does have to rip off all tiles, we were thinking of taking the opportunity of buying a different tile to have relaid. Would that be possible do you think? (Or paying for any price difference). And also there is no where in the shower to put shampoo/soap etc so we have to hang a daggy shower caddy over the side of the screen - we would also like to take the opportunity to put a recess in the shower wall (at our expense). Not sure if this might be pushing it but if all tiles are off, perfect opportunity.
HHCIB