Tiling over existing tiles in Hornchurch and Upminster. An honest check of whether the old tiles are sound enough to tile over, or whether they need to come off.
Every old tile tapped. Hollow ones mean the bond has gone and nothing should go on top.
Plasterboard has a limit on how much tile it can carry. Two layers of heavy tiles can exceed it.
Glazed tiles are cleaned and primed so the new adhesive grips the shiny surface.
Sockets, taps and trims adjusted for the extra depth so the finish is neat.
Where only a few tiles are hollow, they can be removed and the gaps filled before tiling over.
The old surface checked for flatness so the new tiles do not follow old lumps.
Tiling over existing tiles saves the mess and time of stripping a Hornchurch bathroom or kitchen back to the wall, and it can be done well. It can also fail badly. The old tiles must be firmly stuck, the wall must be able to take the extra weight, and the new level must still work with sockets, taps and door frames. We tap-test every tile first. If any sound hollow, or the wall is plasterboard already carrying heavy tiles, they come off.
Many Hornchurch bathrooms and kitchens were tiled in the 1980s and 1990s with tiles that are still firmly stuck, just dated. The cost depends on the area, whether the old tiles need priming or partial removal, and any work to sockets and fittings. A photo, plus a quick tap test of a few tiles, helps us advise before we visit.
Send a photo or a quick video of the room on WhatsApp, or get a free fixed quote, no obligation, and we’ll tell you straight what it needs.
Not if the old tiles are sound and the wall can take the weight. The problem is doing it without checking.
Sometimes, if they are solid and flat. The extra height at doorways has to be allowed for.
It usually saves time and mess. Whether it is right depends entirely on the old tiles, which is why we look first.
Gently tap each tile with the handle of a screwdriver. A dull, hollow sound means it may be loose.
Only a few millimetres on each wall, which is rarely noticeable.
Only if the old tiles and the waterproofing behind them are sound. In a shower we are more cautious, because a leak behind two layers is harder to fix.