Bad tiling on window sill. What to do.

[Japster]

Hi all. Hope this is the right place to post this.

We had our bathroom done last year and over time we noticed that water was getting underneath the tiles on the window sill. The window sill is above a bath which has a shower so it gets quite wet after use. We're pretty good at cleaning off but water has still.got inside. The tiles have started to lift up a bit and there's a crack on one of the wall tiles. The builder and tiler that did the work are no longer contactable.

We're unsure what to do next. We had thought about putting some uPVC window board over the top but it's a shame. Also fitted glass was suggested. But again, it's a shame.

Can anyone recommend what we can do? We want to be able to use the shower still without any further issues. We also want something that looks good.

 

[J K Tiling Cornwall]

The cracked tile will need replacing not sure what has caused it to go, has it only appeared recently? Guessing it is a block wall (could be plaster board dot and dabbed) the easiest solution would be a uPVC sill over the tiles but not ideal. If you are replacing one tile might as well lift the ones on the sill. Even if water has got in not sure why it has lifted, if a cement based adhesive was used onto block/render would have stayed put even if submersed! Maybe the original wooden sill was tiled over and has expanded. All depends on if you have any spare tiles?

 

[Steve6690]

The cracked tile will have to come off and where you go from there will depend what you find underneath. It doesn't look the best job to be honest. The grout has gone so the water will just seep underneath and cause more damage. Others on here will know better than I, but my view would be that it sounds like it's effectively a wet area and should be prepared as such.

 

[Dumbo]

It needs retailing, repairing whatever is necessary but when the new tiles go in make sure they have a positive fall so any water that falls on it runs towards the bath and make sure the trim is fitted well so it didn't hinder the waters passage

 

[Japster]

Thanks a lot for the replies. Sorry for the late reply.

To answer the questions:

We noticed it after about 6 months of using it. The wall behind is all brick. They removed the old tiles and put new ones on. Window sill was back to the original brickwork I believe so I don't there isnt any wood below.

I'm pleased you've all suggested to repair it. Thank God we have some spare tiles. We'll look for a decent tiler to get it done.

Couple more questions:

- Is it a big job to replace the lifted and cracked tiles?

- Do you think if the lifted tiles were replaced the same problem would happen again?

- Do you think the trim used has contributed to the issues?

 

[Dumbo]

If it's done well and you have a fall so the water runs off , it won't be a problem

 

[Japster]

If it's done well and you have a fall so the water runs off , it won't be a problem

Thanks, that's a relief, I'll look into getting this done soon. Pleased not to have to put a board over the top.