Tiling / wall question

[CraigH]

Hi Guys,

New here so hope this is in the right place. I am about to start ripping out my En suite. Now im not a tiler but am fairly compotent and have done tiling before, although on a smaller scale.

By shower is currently on a raised tray with 3 stud walls surrounding it. the space between the tiles across the tray measures 720mm.

I am assuming at this point that as trays seem to eb either 700 or 760, that it is a 760mm tray that is sat under the wall. (The tiles sit on top of the tray so it goes under these at least).

Anyway, the plan is to take the room right down to the stud and re board the walls. So am i right in saying the following.

1. Fit a 760mm square tray.
2. Board the walls with them sat on top of the tray (Using Knauf Aqua board and leaving a small gap).
3. Fill the gaps with the Knauf Jointing adhesive and Knauf tape (As per the Knauf website)
4. Tile direct to the boards.

Is this correct? I am aware of the people saying these boards should still be tanked, some saying they dont etc so am a little confused.

Also whats the best adhesive/grout that is up to the job? Have always used Al Murads own brands to be honest but never tiled a shower cubicle before, just odd walls here and there that dont get wet (just steam/condensation).

Thanks

 

[Old Mod]

Hi Craig,
and welcome to the forum.

That is correct, Aqua panels still need tanking, they are not waterproof.
Their boards keep their integrity when fully immersed in water, in the same way as hardibacker.
Although hardi has a greater weight carrying capacity.
The question of whether to tank or not, in a domestic situation, is an on going debate.
However, I always strongly recommend tanking to all my clients, especially for a first or second floor installation.
The increase cost in the grand scheme of things and the extra piece of mind it gives, I believe to be truly negligible.
If you are using aqua panel, you can dispense with the jointing compound and tape, (cost saving there) and just tank straight over all the boards using the jointing tape and compound supplied with the tanking kit.
Personally for diy I'd suggest Ardex WP1 kit or a membrane system, there are several to choose from.
For connection of your tray to wall, to prevent water or moisture ingress, there are products like
'Classi Seal' which give 100% protection, installed correctly. Then just tank over the lot.
It's far cheaper than a ceiling repair if things go south.
There's a huge selection o products available on the market to choose from, but for me, from a diy perspective, these are simplest to use.
Mainly because of their colour, missed areas are immediately evident.

 

[CraigH]

Hi Craig,
and welcome to the forum.

That is correct, Aqua panels still need tanking, they are not waterproof.
Their boards keep their integrity when fully immersed in water, in the same way as hardibacker.
Although hardi has a greater weight carrying capacity.
The question of whether to tank or not, in a domestic situation, is an on going debate.
However, I always strongly recommend tanking to all my clients, especially for a first or second floor installation.
The increase cost in the grand scheme of things and the extra piece of mind it gives, I believe to be truly negligible.
If you are using aqua panel, you can dispense with the jointing compound and tape, (cost saving there) and just tank straight over all the boards using the jointing tape and compound supplied with the tanking kit.
Personally for diy I'd suggest Ardex WP1 kit or a membrane system, there are several to choose from.
For connection of your tray to wall, to prevent water or moisture ingress, there are products like
'Classi Seal' which give 100% protection, installed correctly. Then just tank over the lot.
It's far cheaper than a ceiling repair if things go south.
There's a huge selection o products available on the market to choose from, but for me, from a diy perspective, these are simplest to use.
Mainly because of their colour, missed areas are immediately evident.

Thanks for that, seems im on the right track at least.

Tanking doesnt seem like much extra cost at all. So i guess i just do the shower cubicle area and the rest of the room should be fine?

Just one thing on the classi seal, just had a look and looks straightforward. But as my shower is under the wall so to speak where do i apply it?

Does it sit at the side of the shower tray then under the wall then stick to the front face of the wall? if that makes any sense? (Ends up like an S shaped profile i guess). Although that doesnt sound quite right