The ultimate goal of preparing a wall for tile is to create a flat dry solid structurally sound surface firmly attached to the wall studs with no flexibility or movement that could damage installed tile and grout.
Wall under tile is wet.
Leaks typically start along the bottom of the wall where the tile meets the top of the tub or shower pan.
Wet walls will be cheaper to install easier to clean and easier to replace if you change your mind.
Jun 4 2012 1 hi there we ve had a damp problem in our bathroom which has manifested with discoloured patches on the walls in the room directly below the bathroom.
Ceramic and porcelain tile more than almost any other surface material needs a stable flat flex free substrate.
Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it.
Install a damp proof course.
I started fitting wet walks and mermaid boards in hotels years ago because there is t grout to go black and the ease as stated above.
In addition because showers and bathtubs are wet areas they need a substrate that will not be damaged by moisture just in case a crack in the tile or grout lets water through.
Learn how to prep a shower wall for tile.
Check there s enough room under the floorboards for moisture to evaporate from the soil below and pass out through sub floor wall vents.
Learn how to repair shower tile after leaks by following the ideas below.
The first step to repair shower tile after a leak is to assess the damage to determine how much of the wall has gotten wet.