Shower Tear-out?

[pixiec]

So, the tear-out has begun!

We are on a slab. Stud frame w/ Brick. Built in 1970. We have busted out one full wall and one wall of the shower so far. I am wondering if what we found is typical on an older home.

We have 4 x 4's on the walls (wains) and in the shower. Tearing out the wall, the sheet rock was very brittle and seemed damp. The tar paper WAS very damp and musty. The insulation was about a thick as a cotton ball. No signs of damage to the pressure-treated studs.

My questions are:

We are replacing the insulation. Before we put the sheetrock back up... What kind of vapor barrier should we use? Is tar paper again our only option? I am concerned, since it was so damp and musty.


I don't think we will tile the walls again. Just the floor, shower and maybe a vanity backsplash. Should we use greenboard for the walls, since we will be painting them. (Not the shower, walls of course)?

We busted out the curb. That was nasty! The mud was moist and crumbly and the tar paper was rotten. The 3 pressure treated 2 x 4 's were damp (wet) but still in good shape. No, we are not going to reuse them. Any suggestions for the best way to bust up the mudded shower floor?

Pix

[Davy]

Hi Pix, you can put felt paper or poly right to the studs and go back with CBU or put up greenboard to the studs and poly or felt over it and then CBU. The added greenboard will hold the shower area out 1/2 inch from the other walls, what type bullnose will you be using? I like felt paper but others like poly, either will work. Sounds like your tile was stuck directly to the sheetrock, that's why everything was damp plus your pan was leaking for the 2x4's (step) to be that wet.

White sheetrock will be fine on the bathroom walls for paint.

Sledge hammer and chisel for the shower floor unless you have a electric chipping hammer.

[cx]

What Davy said.

I'm not sure where you're talking about shower walls and where just dry walls. Outside the shower, in your climate, I would not recommend you use any type of moisture/vapor barrier over the studs except for the Kraft paper backing on the new insulation, if so designed.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[John Bridge]

Hi Pixie,

Place this thread in your favorites and keep everything together.

[pixiec]

I rented a chisel hammer for the day. Made great time on the 1" tiles. Thanks, John. Great suggestion!! And Davy's too. Made the Mud pan job SO much easier.
I under estimated all the "stuff "to throw out, though! My gosh, And HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!! My back's a'killin me!
I'm needin a shot of " Pappy's White Lightin" and Diet cherry Coke.
Bye Ya'll!

Pix


(John, could you merge my other post? I left this one in the wee hours this morning and forgot about my other one.)

[John Bridge]

Naw, we'll just stick with this one now.

[Davy]

A sore back....I don't know what that is. Glad it worked out.

[pixiec]

John,

I've ordered the Warmly Yours mesh to put down on the slab floor. As hard as I've worked in this bathroom, dadgummit, it's going to be nice!!! Used the discount, too. Thanks!
When I was busting up the 1" tiles with the hand chisel or the Hammer chisel even, I was still leaving some of the old paper backing. Will I have to sand that mess completely off before the thinset goes down? If not, how about putting the WY mesh down on it? Will I catch the house a-fire?
Also, what is the alternative to Wedi board? What am I going to do if I cannot find it?!!! I posted the question on the "Ask the Expert" on WY's site. No response, yet. Figured you'd know, You the mudMAN!

Pix