Water damage in bathrooms, specifically on tiled shower walls, is typical in old homes. Usually, in aged homes, tiles were set in place directly on drywall without coating a waterproof barrier between them. So when moisture reaches the tile's grout joints, drywall's structural quality decreases.
However, water damage can still happen even a moisture barrier is coated between the tiles and drywall. Inefficient maintenance of grout joints and poor caulking allow dampness to seep beneath the tiles, making them faulty. As a result, water leaks, the development of mold and mildew, and wood rot occur.
A homeowner like you must know how to solve this kind of water damage problem. In this article, you will learn effective tips on stopping water damage from occurring behind your shower tiles.
Know the Signs of Water Damage Behind your Shower Tiles
Water damage behind your bathroom tiles is not always noticeable. Here are the minor signs to consider when determining whether something unpleasant is taking place beneath your tiles:
Uncontrolled water increase around the shower area
Damp walls or ceiling
An undesirable odor (due to mold and mildew infestation) that stays even though you do your best in cleaning and sanitizing your bathroom
Cracks or holes and even discolorations on the grout lines
Caulk is peeling off.
Tile is loosening
How to Mend Water Damage Beneath Your Shower Tiles
This Do-It-Yourself job requires more time to finish. Drying the materials during the process is necessary. Ensure to have suitable tools and items before you start, such as:
utility knife, putty knife, flat pry bar, wallboard saw, cement backer board, cement board screws, notched trowel, thin-set adhesive, mesh tape, tile grout, durable gloves, and electric fans
When you have got all the equipment needed, you may begin the repair task by following the helpful tips below.
1. Assess the Damage in the Bathroom
The first thing you will have to do is assess the damage to find out the cause of the issue. If you notice the water comes straight behind the tiles, the reason may be a plumbing leak. In this situation, seeking help from a professional who can repair the damaged pipe is highly recommended.
2. Uninstall the Tiles Carefully
Pick a putty knife or a flat pry bar to detach the bathroom tiles carefully from the impaired backer board. Take out more tiles to show two to three inches of drywall around the affected site. Then, soak the tiles in warm water with detergent liquid or powder to clean them up.
3. Remove the Damaged Drywall
Remove the damp drywall in pieces using your hands. Remove another two inches of wall material around the impaired site. Also, take out all the revealed nails or screws.
4. Deal with Wood Framing Appropriately
Take off any rotted wood in the area and replace it with a new one. As for the undamaged framing, use a water-and-detergent solution to scrub it. Use heavy electric fans to dry them out completely. The drying process may take a few days, so please wait until it gets dried thoroughly to prevent mold from generating into the new backer board.
5. Install a New Cement Board Patch
Begin installing your new cement board, which should be as thick as the first backer board. Pick a utility knife to score and cut the patch. Allow a 1/8-inch gap between the cement board and the original wall material. Fasten the patch to the wall framing using appropriate screws designed for the cement board.
6. Tape and Fill Wall Joints
Pick a self-adhesive mesh tape (designed for cement board) and place it between the original backer board and the board patch. Use a drywall knife to fill the joints around the patch with a thin-set adhesive.
7. Reinstall, Grout, and Caulk the Clean Tiles, then Seal for Protection
With a notched trowel, coat another layer of thin-set adhesive to the wall. Next, put the clean tiles onto the adhesive, aligning the grout joints with the existing bathroom tiles. Once the glue or adhesive dries, fill the tiles with a grout similar to the former grout.
When the grout has been set and hardened, seal grout lines by applying an appropriate tile grout sealer. Allow it to dry before using pure silicone caulk to caulk the joints and the gap between the tile and the shower pan.
This process protects your shower tiles and walls by preventing your cement-based grout from absorbing moisture, therefore keeping stains and grease from infiltrating.
Learn How to Prevent Water Damage Behind the Shower Tiles
Here's what you need to do to ensure your shower walls are always in good shape:
As much as possible, abstain from using acidic products or harsh household cleaners in cleaning your bathroom.
Make sure your shower room is well-ventilated to prevent accumulating lots of moisture.
Invite fresh air to come into your bathroom by opening the windows there.
After using the shower room, wipe the walls. Don't forget to place damp towels into the laundry basket.
Apply a good tile grout sealer to reseal grout joints every year or two.
Purchase a high-quality epoxy grout if you know that your home, especially your bathroom, is prone to having excessive moisture.
If You Need Assistance to Deal with Water Damage Behind Your Shower Tiles, Contact Superior Restoration
Sometimes, repairing the issue behind your shower tiles on your own is challenging. No worries, Superior Restoration is here to help you deal with your water damage problem.
Our company handles all types of water damage issues, from minor to severe ones. We have trained specialists who are ready to turn your property back in order. Superior Restoration is always available in emergencies 24/7.
For further inquiries about our water damage and mold remediation services, contact us today!
