Expert Help Needed - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

sg54la · 29-05-2007

Ok - I have a disaster on my hands.

3 years ago I had a double shower cubicle installed with a Aqualisa Pump & Shower.

A Year later we noticed damp coming through into the back bedroom from behind the shower.

The insurer's sent out some cowboys and I don't use that term lightly to rectify the matter. Their answer was to put drying machines in which eventually dried out the tiles but caused cracking in the grouting.

After waiting another 6 months the contractors started to remove the tiles and set about repairing the damage.

Guess what? I'm back to square one, the damp is re-appearing and I can only assume that they have done a botched job.

What I need to know is does the tiles ned to be sealed before use, because I'm almost certain they haven't.

I use the shower every day so I need a shower room that is robust.

Any body have any ideas as to what I need to do.

**uug197h** · 29-05-2007

? are you sure its damp through the tiles or have you got a leaking pipe/jount from the shower? have the walls had tanking (protects walls and floors from water damage) on before tiling? what tiles have you got?

GazTech · 29-05-2007

sounds like the problem could be pipework,what tiles are they?if ceramic, water shouldn't penetrare. Therefore may be getting through the grout or where siliconed,removing and tanking before re-tiling would be the only solution as uug197 rightly said[IMG]http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/images/icons/icon14.gif[/IMG]

**Dan** · 29-05-2007

You need to tank the shower area. Then re-tile. See the tanking and wetroms forum for some more info on tanking.

**Dave** · 29-05-2007

hi there, if the problem isn't a leak, then yes sounds like water ingression to me aswell.
remove tiles until you find all the affected aeas cut out any damaged areas and re-do and then tank the areas and retile, also check the siliconing area around the shower tray itself and re-seal as necessary before you tile and then seal tiles after tiling. GOOD LUCK!......

sg54la · 29-05-2007

I think the problem is as stated "Water Ingression", there are no pipes around the area affected.

The last tiler (Ah ha) removed the tiles approx 3ft sq and removed sodden plaster.

The next day he replaced, grouted and left. I never seen any treatment of the plaster let alone the tiles.

Looks like I'll have to find a "Master Tiler", my missus ain't happy that's for sure.

How large an area do you think I should make sure he (when I find him) does.
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What does "Tank the Shower Area" Mean?

**uug197h** · 29-05-2007

Tanking the shower area means the walls where shower sprays are covered with the tanking (like a paint) then tiled over. this may seem daft but is the damp at floor level if it is can you check the floor as it may be the waste pipe leaking and soking up the wall.
If you need a Tiler they are listed on this site and may be in your area.

**laurami tiling** · 29-05-2007

tanking is a waterproofing system

Waterproofing Showers.com

click on this link and it will show you what and how to go on

good luck

**Varley** · 29-05-2007

As for whether the tiles need sealing, depends what type of tile they are?

**Dave** · 29-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varley

As for whether the tiles need sealing, depends what type of tile they are?

hi varley mate. wot i meant was gap sealed were tiles meet shower tray. sorry for confusion everyone..

**Varley** · 29-05-2007

I was referring to the original question m8

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg54la

What I need to know is does the tiles ned to be sealed before use, because I'm almost certain they haven't.

tony TLC · 29-05-2007

sound like the shower tray might have settled causeing the silicone seal to fail cutting out the damp and renewing was a good idea but tanking would have been advisable and if the tiles are ceramic or porcelane they do not require sealing (depending on type) give us some piccys and well take a look and give more advice

no sugar thx