Best way to remove wall tiles without breaking?
 

guv wrote:
We've had a leaking shower, which is fixed on a tiled plasterboard
wall. We basically need to remove the tiles to find out where the leak
is to fix it and then put back a new plasterboard and re-tile.

Problem is, that whilst I do have some spare tiles, I certainly dont
have enough to do them all if I break them. Obviously I'd rather not
retile the whole bathroom if I can help it!

The wall the tiles sit on is probably pretty flakey (hence the reason
it needs replacing) so I am hoping this will ease the problem of
removing them. I am olso hoping that by soaking the tiles, I will be
able to remove the tile adhesive. (Ive seen adhesive completely
removed this way before - but it was "freshly dried". Will I have any
luck getting the adhesive off? (They have been up for about 5 years!)

So, what would be considered to be the best way to get them off?
Breaking one and then wedging them out? The one good point is the fact
the wall they sit on is plasterboard - so that hopefully will just
pull away through the damage the leak has done.

Any helpful suggestions appreciated.

Cheers

Was the plasterboard skimmed? would have been a doddle prising them off.
If not your going to tear the plasterboards material whichever way you
attempt it, score the grout with a stanley knife making sure the scoring
reaches the surface of the PB then use a wallpaper steamer over the tiles
if possible(don't know what size tiles are used?) if the steamer is left on
for a bit this usually soften the adhesive enough to prise tiles off but as
i said PB will become damaged.

--
Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite

Best way to remove wall tiles without breaking?
 

guv wrote:
Once off, do you think soaking the tile in hot water will remove the
old adhesive? (Will all be a bit in vain if I cannot remove it!!!)

You'll have to be careful if the tiles have soft "biscuit",
anything that stains will get into it and spoil the tile.

Best way to remove wall tiles without breaking?
 

guv wrote:
On 31 May 2006 21:36:03 +0200, Chris Bacon
wrote:

guv wrote:
Once off, do you think soaking the tile in hot water will
remove the old adhesive? (Will all be a bit in vain if I cannot
remove it!!!)

You'll have to be careful if the tiles have soft "biscuit",
anything that stains will get into it and spoil the tile.

Not sure what you mean by that Chris? They are for all intents and
purpose ordinary ceramic tiles AFAIK.

I think he means the unglazed backs might be absorbent

Best way to remove wall tiles without breaking?
 

Steve Walker wrote:
guv wrote:
Chris Bacon wrote:
guv wrote:
Once off, do you think soaking the tile in hot water will
remove the old adhesive? (Will all be a bit in vain if I cannot
remove it!!!)

You'll have to be careful if the tiles have soft "biscuit",
anything that stains will get into it and spoil the tile.

Not sure what you mean by that Chris? They are for all intents and
purpose ordinary ceramic tiles AFAIK.

I think he means the unglazed backs might be absorbent

That's it, the tile material is called "biscuit", on some
cheap (Italian and other) tiles if you mark it with a pen
you can get trouble. More expensive ones tend to be impervious.
Where's John Smitrh of the Tile fsq fame...