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Bathroom surround problem... Experts only

wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,201 ✭✭✭
edited September 2012 in General Discussion
Had a problem a few years back traditional 4" x 4" tiles around the tub going bad. The fix was a 3 panel vinyl glue up surround...

Now that fix has failed the vinyl got old and is cracking.

Any guru's know of a good way to remove the old vinyl without making it a disaster area?

Thanks!
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Comments

  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have done all 3 in my home. It all started with 1 loose tile.

    I ripped it out to the studs, installed new green sheet board, and installed the fiberglass surround. I also raised the showerhead by 1 ft.

    Problem solved permanently!

    If your sheetrock is still good, powersand the glue off and put in the fiberglass surround. But, since it is a damp environlemt, green rock is still better. Only need a sheet or two. I used a mastic to seal the seams on the board. I trimmed the edges of the fiberglass with tile.

    In my case, this led to a new toilet, tub, tile floors, new cabinet, faucet, and painted the whole bathroom.
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  • SperrySperry Member Posts: 5,006 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You'll just yank off the old surround and put up a new one. You haven't much other choice.
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  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    It's going to be a disaster area to fix it, so prepare for that. Have fixed a couple showers. Topkick nailed it.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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  • k.stanonikk.stanonik Member Posts: 2,109 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    From what i am reading, the foundation for the old was falling apart, the new one is now falling apart. Foundation needs to be stripped out, as suggested use green board, check vapor barrier and apply new surround to the green board
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Take it to studs, put in new green board and add a plastic product like this: http://www.decorplastics.com/Wallboard_Panels_Gallery_s/119.htm
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  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    Tear it down to the studs,put up "Durrock", careful to stagger the joints and retile it...
    Fixed forever!
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  • NOAHNOAH Member Posts: 9,690
    edited November -1
    take it to the studs,get a drywall key hole hand saw and cut out all & i mean all the walls around your tub.

    forget the green board more hype than what it is. get some Du-rock cement board from Home depot or Lowes and cut and fit ,it will score & snap.( Good time to re-do faucets and raise shower head, or insulate if needed) i recommend tile 6x6 or bigger., but you can use what ever suits you.

    there is no bandaid[:0] on this one ,you have to start over from the studs on out.

    You asked for expert opinion[;)]here is my blog on past jobs i've done
    http://gemini-remodeling.blogspot.com ,when you come to the end of page click on the word older post/pics.something like that .

    I do this for a living[;)]
    PS i noticed how many EXPERTS chimed in[:D][:D][:D]
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  • Ray BRay B Member Posts: 11,822
    edited November -1
    We redid our bathroom a few years back, removed everything down to the stud walls and flooring. Then built with 7/8" exterior plywood on the floor topped by Hardy cement board, drywall walls/ceiling. Then 1x1' marble tiles on floor, tub & splash guard. Very happy with results.
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  • bhale187bhale187 Member Posts: 7,798
    edited November -1
    I've replaced several of the vinyl/plastic surrounds; its always a disaster. The main thing you need to worry about is not destroying the wall behind it. Use a stiff drywall 'mud' knife to scrap it off the wall without taking the wall down with it.
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  • wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,201 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the feedback...

    Sounds like a project!

    Was praying for a quick fix, but oh well.
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  • bartman45bartman45 Member Posts: 3,008 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would not use anything but a true waterproof backer in any location subject to moisture. Cement board was the gold standard; however, newer products such as HardiBacker are somewhat easier to handle and offer outstanding moisture protection.
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  • Marc1301Marc1301 Member Posts: 31,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by NOAH
    take it to the studs,get a drywall key hole hand saw and cut out all & i mean all the walls around your tub.

    forget the green board more hype than what it is. get some Du-rock cement board from Home depot or Lowes and cut and fit ,it will score & snap.( Good time to re-do faucets and raise shower head, or insulate if needed) i recommend tile 6x6 or bigger., but you can use what ever suits you.

    there is no bandaid[:0] on this one ,you have to start over from the studs on out.

    You asked for expert opinion[;)]here is my blog on past jobs i've done
    http://gemini-remodeling.blogspot.com ,when you come to the end of page click on the word older post/pics.something like that .

    I do this for a living[;)]
    PS i noticed how many EXPERTS chimed in[:D][:D][:D]


    What he said! ^^^^
    "Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here." - William Shatner
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  • TopkickTopkick Member Posts: 4,452 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I guess I'm no expert, but I have done a total of 4 baths.

    No problems with any of them. Perfect homeowner remodel project too, if your the least bit handy.
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  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,692 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by fishkiller41
    Tear it down to the studs,put up "Durrock", careful to stagger the joints and retile it...
    Fixed forever!


    I am with fishkiller 100 percent. Durrock concrete board, not some green sheetrock.
    Enough with the s*** rig, do it right this rime.
    Durrock is not hard to install, I have installed many many sheets for countertops and tub surrounds and never had a problem with a loose tile.
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