Tiling over existing tiles

[jjaammeess]

Hi I need help.I am getting my shower retiled and the tiler wants to retile over the existing tiles as removing the old ones might bring down some of the plasterboard on which the old tiles were stuck.I dont want to say to him as he seems very confident about it . Does anybody know if this gives a satisfactory job. Your comments would be very much appreciated.
James

[Nemesis9]

I wouldn't. The chances are that at some point your existing tiles may have let some moisture through, and the plasterboard beneath may already be degraded. I would always have the tiles removed. If they have not let moisture through the plaster board might be OK, if they have, better to replace the plasterboard and the tiles.
New plasterboard is easy to fit and inexpensive.
By letting your guy simply tile over the top could mean you'll only have to pay to get the job done again (and pay for plasterboard anyway) should the original seals not be sound.

[aristotle]

When I had my bathroom done a couple of years ago, they tiled over the existing tiles and I have had no problems at all.

[jjaammeess]

Thanks for your answers.They are differing points of view so I hope to get more during the day so I can come to some conclusion-----James

[raysparx1]

Tiling over tiles is a very common practice,if the tiles that are in place already look ok,and you haven't noticed any leaks,it will be a better job than removing them,it should not be a problem,take the tilers advice,he is the expert,trust him, Ray

[naz_nomad]

I'm a tiler ...it's common practice to over-tile, but I never do.

The tiles are only ever as good as what they're stuck to, so if the old tiles may be a bit 'hollow' the new ones will be too.

[drestie]

Hi James,
I don't have an answer for you, but I know where you can get some amazing advice. I have visited this tile forum for the past 6 months or so to get advice on a couple of tiling jobs.
Try your question there - it is full of professionals and DIY tilers who are more than happy to offer advice: http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdispl ay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=1
Good luck,
E

[jjaammeess]

thanks all for your invaluable help----drestie I am going to visit that site now