Bathroom tile no backer board?

Question

I installed the porcelan tile in my shower. It covers the top 2 feet of the shower. I was told at Lowe's that I didn't need to used backerboard since the area is not exposed to direct moisture. Afterwards I was told by other people that I did but the tile is already installed. My question is do I have to take the tile off and re-do it with backer board or is there a sealer I can use to prevent moisture from going through. Maybe I am ok with the way it was done now. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

  You ll be fine.. Since you don t get that much water up there ..The tile will protect it from any small moisture that does splash up there..I  just recommend to wipe the tile down after each shower  to prevent water spots.. Sealing the grout prevents water penetrating  the grout and any impurities in the water is what stains the grout  over time.. It s not a cure all but it will help.. Caulking the edge by the fiberglass and the tile will need to be done at some point.. The natural expantson/ contraction and flexing will crack the grout so plan on that .. I ve done 100s of them (mine included) and not 1 call back / problem  GL

Answer 2

My husband does remodeling for a living and I asked him this question. He informed me that if it is the top two feet of the shower where the water tubing doesn't touch, then don't stress. You should have gone ahead and replaced or placed backer board throughout the entire area that is being tiled and if it is where a lot of moisture is going to hit it, then to go ahead and re-do it with the backer board in place but he feels that since it is the top two feet, he doesn't believe there will be much of a problem. He did suggest that you remember to put a grout sealer on all of the grout to help prevent moisture and mold infecting the new work. It also helps to make the tile grout easier to clean. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

In time, tile will crack or grout will crack even if sealed them. Once you have put a time, there is no way of going back, but break them open to re construct from a scratch. I would not do it in your case, but just keep eyes on for cracks and fix it here and there. You will be alright then.  

Answer 4

To do i right a bb is what the tile adherers too. If you put it on drywall that's a bad thing. If you don't want to tear it out and do it right you probably can get away for a while but not forever with sealing it