Tiling On Tiles

[bobey53]

Hi,anyone tell me if i can tile over existing wall tiles successfully,or should i strip the existing ones off first,ta:confused_smile:

 

[grumpygrouter]

Most important thing with this is ensuring that the substrate underneath the existing tiles is in very good condition. If you can be absolutely sure it is and the tiles are adhered well to it then there is not much of a problem, except for the extra weight the walls must support. If you can't be sure, then the only way really is to remove the old tiles and start afresh. This may well mean remedial work required to bring the walls back up to standard.

Personally I would look to the second option. Much safer in the long run.

Oh! and welcome to the forums

Grumpy

 

[Fekin]

It is better to strip the old off and then lay the new tiles, and as Grumpy said you somehow need to know is the substrat behind the old tiles is good enough.

A lot of people do tile over old tiles for a couple of reasons.

Taking old tiles off that are rock solidly fixed to the walls can damage the substrat, making the need to make ready the walls once removed, and secondly if the old tiles have been layed well, generally you'll have a nice near perfectly level wall to tile straight onto.

Only things to consider tiling over old tiles are, it will close the room in a little depending on tile thickness, whether you notic it is another matter.
Plasterboard and plain plaster do have maximum load bearing weights to consider.

When tiling over exsisting tiles always try and lay the new tiles so they overlap atleast 2 exsisting old tiles, so the load weight of the new tile and adhesive is spread over more than just one old tile.

With the extra thickness of walls that you are going to get, look out for how they will look once butted upto door and window frames\ skirting boards etc.

Make sure old tiles are de-greased by washing them down with sugar soap, scoring the old tiles for extra grip is useful too.

Hope this helps