re-sealing the bathtub

[ColinR]

I'm trying to re-seal my bathtub.

The tiles at the top end of the bathtub have come unstuck from the plank underneath them. That plank itself isn't well secured.

How easy is it to remove the dried tile glue (grey) from the back of those tiles? (If it's easy enough, it would save me the trouble of sourcing and cutting new tiles.)

Right next to the bathtub is a wooden box that allows access to the sink's isolating valves. I'd like it to be waterproof (so that shower water doesn't run down into it) but still want to be able to remove the lid without too much trouble. Is there a standard way of doing this?

Thank you,

Colin

p.s. I've attached photos.

[dewaltdisney]

Take the tiles off and soak them in a bucket of water. The glue goes pasty and you can easily scrape it off. Wood is not the best substrate for tiles as it always moves and the tiles eventually pop. Aquapanel is good but at £40 a sheet it is a bit of an overkill.

On access panels see https://www.buildingmaterials.co.uk/rev ... panel.html?

DWD

[Gadget]

If water-proof adhesive was used, no amount of soaking will soften it and the tiles will be useless.

[big-all]

i personally would aim for the tiles to be about 2mm higher than the sink and use a 2mm bead between tiles and sink
this would allow some old adhesive to be in place when refitted
if the timbers are particularly wet let them dry before fitting the tiles as that can cause movement and shrinkage

[ColinR]

Thanks all.

I'm soaking the tiles now.

@Gadget: if the adhesive is water-proof, are you saying that this will damage the tiles, or just not help? http://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-reu ... 37276.html suggested using muriatic acid to dissolve mortar.

@dewaltdisney: thanks for the Aquapanel suggestion, which I didn't know about. Is it too cheap of me to wonder if a could get cast-offs at a builders' merchants? (I need about 2'x3".)

@big-all: the access panel's a good idea. The idea is to then seal the top, but leave the access panel (on the side) unsealed?

Ta!

[dewaltdisney]

Shame, I recently junked a piece of Aquapanel that would have suited you. Sometimes you can be lucky and get a half or broken board in the sheds.

DWD

[Gadget]

[quote="ColinR"]Thanks all.

I'm soaking the tiles now.

@Gadget: if the adhesive is water-proof, are you saying that this will damage the tiles, or just not help? http://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-reu ... 37276.html suggested using muriatic acid to dissolve mortar.


No, I'm saying the waterproof adhesive will not soften when soaked in water and you will probably damage the tiles trying to remove it.

[ColinR]

Thanks @Gadget.

You're right: overnight soak hasn't done anything to the adhesive. Muriatic acid on its way...

[Nigel 206]

If you've got a mini angle-grinder with a masonary disc, and thick gloves,and eye protection
you could hand-hold the tiles and grind off the old adhesive.
Usually comes off very easily.