removing tiles from rendered walls.... :(

[josenjen]

... hope a few of you clever people out there can help... we're re-tiling a bathroom and the tiler has recommended 'packing' the higher part of the walls to level them off, then tiling over the whole lot (we're installing tiles to a higher level)....

I really don't like the sound of that... sounds like he's passing the buck over to the plasterer... and since the top part of the wall is still painted, i'm not confident of the new plaster adhering ...

Sooooo, we've decided to remove the old tiles... We've removed a couple from another part of the house and that removal also included the plaster and cement render and left the brickwork exposed... not a pretty sight:eek:

Which leaves me with a couple of questions:confused: :

1. would it be ok to instal cement sheeting where the tiles have been removed from to level it with the remaining part of the wall - I'd rather not go to the expense of engaging a plasterer to re-render the wall only to cover it with tiles... ; and
2. does anyone know of a mini sort of jack hammer (or electric chisel thingy) to use to remove the old tiles (including floor tiles) - it's too big a job to remove them all with a hand held chisel...

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks.
jen

[Sturdee]

1. would it be ok to instal cement sheeting where the tiles have been removed from to level it with the remaining part of the wall -

I can't see any problems with that as all my wall tiles are glued against cement sheets.

2. does anyone know of a mini sort of jack hammer (or electric chisel thingy) to use to remove the old tiles (including floor tiles) - it's too big a job to remove them all with a hand held chisel...

Supercheap has a cheap air chiseller that you use with a cheap compressor. This will work quite well in removing the tiles. I have used it to remove about 5 sq metres of mosaic type tiles that had been cemented onto a concrete floor. A slow job with regular breaks to avoid overworking the compressor but much easier than using a cold chisel and hammer.

Peter.

[durwood]

you are right taking the tiles off will create a hell of a mess..
If the tiled wall is flat and level tile over the tiles there are glues which do this well.

Instead of your suggestion to put cement sheeting over the old wall why not do so on the top bit thats what the tiler is saying - level up underneath the tiles to be put above the ones now on the wall.

If the wall is plaster board then wood nailed and glued over the old plaster will ensure it is locked onto the wall. If its cement render there are again glues and masonary fixtures to make sure the packed up section won,t fall off with the weight of the tiles.

If you want a jack hammer go to bunnings there are several cheap drill/ hammer drill units whiuch also act as chisels which are less in price than hiring one of the better ones from a hire firm.

[Tools]

You can hire a ramset drill that has a chisel,and hammer action.There are numerous size options.Or else you could go to bunnings and buy one of their $69 Dynalink drills that come complete with a chisel.They aren't very good qualit,but even if it died after removing the tiles,it would still be cheaper than hiring.And then you can take it back and swap it for a new one anyway.Just be VERY VERY careful of your plumbing.I removed the bath tiles from 20 flats once,and had to repair the plumbing in probably 19 of them!Personally,I would render it again.It wouldn't cost much for a little job like that,and you will have a much more solid job.



Tools

[Jacksin]

If you are going to leave the current tiles and tile over the lot be aware that your tapware and brass threads will possibly be too short to reconnect or screw fittings onto and will need lengthening, preferably before tiling.