I'm installing new porcelain tiles in my bath. Should I remove the existing ceramic tile or leave it?

Question

I originally thought I could just tile over it. Some people have recommended I don't. Removing the old tiles seems like a pain. It’s an old house and they appear to be set in mortar that's about 3 inches thick at least. I had a devil of a time with the walls. They were set in mortar as well. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Yes have to remove them. I would like to say go ahead, but no way. Yes big pain but necessary.

Answer 2

if it was me i would remove them, you need to have a flat surface, and it in best to dura rock screwed down before the tile if it's on wood. the easiest way to remove them i have found is to get an air compressor with a air chisel tool for it. or you can always use the old hammer and chisel/flatbar method. but it is really important that you have a smooth surface with no dirt or you will get little air pockets under the tile making it really easy to crack the tile's and it will look like crap because pieces will come out. and when your done with the job, the next day you can lightly tap on the tile with the handle of a screw driver and if it sounds hollow it means you got air pockets underneath. if you have air pockets it is possible to take just the affected tiles out and remortar it/them. also make sure you use mortar not glue, some people think they can use glue but trust me in the long run it doesnt work that well. good luck i hope this helped

Answer 3

I have seen some people tile over tile,but in my opinion it is better to take up the old tiles. In most cases the tile will appear to bond with the old tile,but down the road they will eventally separate and cause the grout to crack and losen the tiles. I have seen a few cases were the tiles were just sitting there not even bonded to the floor.Also you will be raising the floor even more and possible causing the toilet not to seat and cause leaking.I know its a pain but, Better to do it right the first time and not having to redo it over.

Answer 4

Yes you must remove the existing tile. Your new tile will not stay secure if you don't. It is a lot of work, you might be able to hire someone to just do the demo for you or you can see what tools your local rental yard has to help out.

Answer 5

Yes your local big box hardware store sells them, look for enclosures that have 5 piece sections where you will install the sides and the back first. then you install the corner pieces over the other installed pieces so in other words this will fit any tub. You glue it and seal seams with silicone. It works for a quick fix but at some time this will come loose and you still have a problem X's 2.

Answer 6

yes you have to remove them. what you need to be able to lay tiles it a porus/semi-porus surface for the new mortar to bond with and it cant bond to anything with a glaze or sealed surface

get a good quality painters 5-1 tool and hammer and use it like a chisel to get under the tiles and pry them off. but they might be too well bonded to the mortar to pry off, in that case get ready for some serious demolition work

Answer 7

I worked with a tile guy for awhile.Go to home depot you need info. you remove old tile-put in good backer board etc...

Answer 8

shoot not me.. go right over it.. are you talking about the small white stop sign looking tiles? why would you rip out a good base? clean old floor and use good adhesive

Answer 9

i would start with a clean flat surface then to just lay them over the old tile!!

Answer 10

you have to remove it. my dad is a general contractor