#09 · BATHROOM TILING
Bathroom tiling and retiling for homes in Brighton, with attention on the wall and floor the tiles will sit on. Ivan Bodnar checks the substrate, moisture and surface condition first, then discusses suitable tiles and adhesives for a wet area.
WHY WET AREAS DIFFER
A bathroom is not just another wall to tile. Water, steam and regular cleaning test every layer behind the finish, so the backing, the moisture protection and the adhesive matter as much as the tile you choose.
THE LAYER SCHEDULE
Each layer of a wall or floor gets a note on its condition and a practical option. The right scope depends on what the inspection shows.
BT-01 SUBSTRATE
WHAT GETS CHECKED Is the wall or floor firm, flat and suitable for tile? Is anything loose, cracked or drummy?
PRACTICAL OPTIONS Prepare the existing surface, patch it or replace the backing, depending on its condition.
BT-02 MOISTURE
WHAT GETS CHECKED Visible signs of water damage, staining, swelling or failed seals around the shower and floor.
PRACTICAL OPTIONS Find the cause before retiling. Waterproofing requirements are confirmed for each project.
BT-03 ADHESIVE & GROUT
WHAT GETS CHECKED The tile size and weight, the backing material and how wet the area gets.
PRACTICAL OPTIONS Use an adhesive and grout suited to the tile, the substrate and wet-area use.
BT-04 TILE & SET-OUT
WHAT GETS CHECKED Floor falls towards the waste, wall alignment and where the cuts will land.
PRACTICAL OPTIONS Choose a tile that suits the room and plan the set-out before the first tile goes on.
BT-05 SERVICES
WHAT GETS CHECKED Tapware, wastes, lighting and fans that sit within or behind the tiled areas.
PRACTICAL OPTIONS Any plumbing or electrical change is carried out by appropriately authorised specialists.
WHEN THE OLD TILES COME OFF
An on-site assessment shows a lot, but it cannot reveal every concealed issue. With existing bathroom tiles, the backing behind them often stays out of sight until removal begins. If something changes the scope, Ivan explains what he has found and what the practical options are before the work continues.
A
Sheeting or render behind old tiles may have been affected by moisture over time. It may need repair or replacement before new tiles can go on.
B
Thick adhesive beds can hide surfaces that are out of plane. Floors may also lack a proper fall to the waste. These are addressed during preparation rather than covered over.
C
Older bathrooms can contain materials that need testing or specialist removal, as well as services that need a licensed trade. In these cases, the work is referred to the appropriate practitioner.
IVAN HANDLES
On-site assessment of the existing bathroom surfaces
Removal of old tiles where suitable
Surface preparation and set-out
Wall and floor tiling, grouting and finishing
AUTHORISED SPECIALISTS HANDLE
Licensed plumbing: tapware, wastes and drainage
Licensed electrical: lighting, fans and power
Asbestos removal and structural engineering
Any other work requiring a specific licence or registration
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