How to replace a single tile and fix thinset render?

[Matkai]

We are in the process of removing a broken tile and the feature tile above it in our shower. I now just have to remove the clean up the area and remove all of the glue,  during the process, the old thinset render on the brickwork is also coming off.

Since this is a small repair job, I'm looking for a premade product or a mix that can effectively replace the thinset render. Ideally, it should have waterproofing properties as well. Most products I've found seem geared toward larger projects, which feels like overkill for this minor fix.

If the replacement render can't also serve as a waterproofing layer, can anyone recommend a reliable product for that specific purpose?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Slow Process!

[JacobZ]

Hi @Matkai,

Thank you for your question about replacing a single tile in your shower.

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of a tile adhesive or render product that can serve as a waterproof layer, nor am I aware of a way to effectively patch a waterproof membrane.

In wet area construction, once the substrate is installed, whether it is brick, fibre cement sheet or any other suitable product, a waterproofing membrane such as this Bastion 15kg Under Tile Waterproofing Membrane must be installed in one uniform application so that the membrane essentially forms a bucket around the wet area that prevents water from getting into areas it's not supposed to. As the membrane must be applied to all areas in one uniform coat, they are not typically sold in small sizes.

Once this membrane has dried in one uniform layer, tile adhesive such as Davco 20kg SMP Evo Tile Adhesive is applied over the top of the membrane before tiles are placed. This tile adhesive is extremely sticky and bonds very well to the waterproofing membrane beneath. As the tile adhesive is so sticky, it is not advisable to remove individual tiles as there is potential that this can damage the membrane beneath.

If you are looking to simply replace the tile, you could carefully remove the old tile adhesive and then replace the tile using Dunlop 750g Wall Tile Adhesive.

If you want to waterproof the area, I'd suggest contacting a waterproofing specialist in your area to see if they have a warrantable way to patch waterproofing.

I'd suggest you have a read through How to repair damaged waterproof membrane for some information on a similar situation.

Allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see if they have any suggestions, @Vis-á-vis, @Dave-1, @Nailbag.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @Matkai I would follow the steps to replace the tile as per @JacobZ then use an epoxy grout from a trade tile specialists this would provide the waterproofing properties your after. This is available in a range of colours. You will also need to silicon around the opening for the tap stems.

Regards, Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Matkai 

I never think of bathroom jobs with tiles as small ones 😕 

Your tile issue and replacement remind me of the first time I tried (and I mean tried) to fix a fallen off tile easily.

The waterproofing that @JacobZ mentions is the key, if that cant be completed so they join then the probelm will be back soon enough.

Trying to remove old compound so you can fit a new tile and glue is going to be a little difficult, slow and steady work is how I would go and anything the seems to require force I would rethink it or take a break and come back to it. 

The tile below the one that is missing looks like it is out of true, makes me consider if water has traveled down the inside of the wall and affected the sheeting? If so then the waterproofing has failed and teh problem extends to other tiles. My old shower had a start from the floor upwards with tiles being out of true (I must admit I put it out of my mind as I didnt want to have to deal with it) By the time I replaced the first tile the wall was damp and the issue continued.

If you go down the track of a short term fix/repair

Slowly and gently remove the old glue. The more the better. without going through the material behind.

Make sure the material behind is dry (may need a moisture meter)

Waterproof the area (this is why I say temporarily fix. as the waterproofing will be two different times and types that may not seal the best

Then new tiles in place.

I would also suggest to go down the track of tapping the existing tiles with the back end of a screwdriver to see if the sound changes timbre. Mine certainly did.

Would love to see it as a project and also to see if it works(if it dosnt then that can be ruled out ). There are a LOT of people with similar problems. (including myself years ago)

Dave

[Matkai]

UPDATE:

Thank you for your responses.

I should have included this information in my original post:

Our house is a double brick construction built in 2003. At the time, building codes required waterproofing up to one tile high in the shower and in the corners. Therefore, there has never been any waterproofing behind these tiles. The reason for removing the tiles was not due to water damage, but to replace the shower taps. The original installation was poorly done by an apprentice who cut into the border tile too much and used excessive silicone to fill the gaps, creating an eyesore.

I’ve also been advised to patch any areas where the original render has been removed with Tradies Bog, then apply normal tile adhesive and regrout. What are your thoughts on this approach?

Additionally, someone recommended using Ardex Grout Colorant (an epoxy product) to seal and restain the grout in the rest of the shower instead of removing the good grout. Has anyone used this product before? I’d appreciate any insights.

Thanks again

[JacobZ]

Hi @Matkai,

Thank you for the additional information. I'm glad to hear that you are well aware of the waterproofing in your property and are confident that there are no issues relating to it.

While Builder's Bog may be useful in this situation, due to the consistently wet nature of the area, I am more incline to recommend a cement-based product such as Ardit Rapidset Repair Mortar to fill the low spots from the old render. You can then follow the same process of applying tile adhesive and then regrouting the tiles.

Having looked for the Ardex Grout Colourant, it does not appear to be available in Australia. My suggestion instead is to use Dunlop Grout Paint alongside Dunlop Grout Sealer to achieve much the same effect. This will give you bright white grout and seal it nicely to keep things looking good for years to come.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @Matkai I agree 100% with @JacobZ approach and definitely not to use Builders Bog. and his other suggestions will provide you with I think the best possible finish.

Nailbag