So, you’ve just found out that you have a leaking shower. For any homeowner, this can be a frustrating experience. From the constant dripping sound to the potential for water damage, it should be a major concern for anyone. Traditionally, the common belief was that a leaking shower could only be fixed with a complete retiling job. However, in recent years, tile over tile solutions have emerged as a cost-effective and practical alternative. In this blog, we’ll debunk the myth that a leaking shower always needs to be retiled and explore how you can upgrade your shower at a fraction of the cost by tiling over existing tiles.

Where Did This Myth Come From?

If untreated, a leaking shower can often lead to further water damage due to moisture seeping through the tiles and into the underlying structure. This has resulted in the belief that leaking shower repairs always require the complete removal of the existing tiles to start from scratch. While this approach is effective and can be valid in certain cases, it is also a time-consuming and more costly process.

What Is A Tile Over Tile Solution?

Tiling over existing tiles is a relatively recent technique that has developed due to advancements in waterproofing technology and products. This is because tile over tile solutions involve applying a waterproofing membrane under the existing tiles and then laying new tiles on top. At Megasealed, we inject our award-winning liquid membrane tile sealer Megabloc to form a watertight base on which new tiles can be applied. We also use epoxy grout and a flexible sealant to leave your shower looking refreshed. This approach offers several advantages including:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Completely removing and replacing tiles can be a costly procedure, especially due to material costs. Choosing a tile over tile solution can provide you with the benefits of a full renovation at a fraction of the cost.
2. Time-saving: Tiling over your existing tiles also saves you a significant amount of time. In some cases, it will only take a couple of hours, leaving your shower ready to use the next day.
3. Less Mess & Disruption: Using your existing tiles as a base eliminates the need for demolition, leading to less mess during the shower repair. Professionals such as Megasealed also use drop sheets and vacuum any mess before leaving, minimising disruptions to your daily routine.
4. Versatility: Tile over tile solutions offer a wide range of design options to simply refresh or completely change up the look of your shower. This ensures that your wet areas continue to look how you want.

What To Consider If You’re Tiling Over Existing Tiles

While tile over tile services is a great option if you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to consider a few points before committing to this solution.

1. Condition of Existing Tiles: If your existing tiles are heavily damaged, cracked or the waterproofing is damaged, a full retiling is recommended instead.
2. Underlying Structure: If the underlying structure has been significantly damaged, this may require additional repairs or reinforcement. To properly assess the damage, we recommend enlisting the services of a professional.
3. Quality Waterproofing: For the tile over tile solution to be effective, it’s essential for there to be proper waterproofing solutions to avoid potential leaks.

Professional Tile Over Tile Services

Contrary to popular belief, a leaking shower doesn’t always require a complete retiling job. If your existing tiles are still in good condition, tile over tile solutions offer a cost-effective alternative. At Megasealed, we offer a comprehensive, non-invasive tile over tile service designed to repair leaks and leave your shower looking good as new. Get a free quote today!