Shower Tiles Coming Away from Wall
Tiles in the shower enclosure loosening, bulging, or falling off the wall, often with damp behind them.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Water penetrating through failed grout and getting behind tiles
- 2Adhesive not suitable for wet areas
- 3Plasterboard substrate deteriorating from water exposure
How Urgent Is This?
This needs prompt attention. Delaying could cause further damage, safety risks, or significantly higher repair costs.
What Needs to Be Done
A tiler will remove the affected tiles, assess the wall behind for water damage, replace any damaged boarding with tile backer board, and re-tile using waterproof adhesive and grout.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £233 – £688 | Materials: £113 – £475
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Use tile backer board rather than plasterboard in wet areas. Apply tanking membrane before tiling showers. Reseal grout annually.
Related Problems
Signs of water getting behind wall tiles, such as damp patches on the other side of the wall or loose tiles.
A crack running through one or more wall or floor tiles in the bathroom, sometimes with pieces missing.
Water escaping from beneath the shower tray, appearing as damp on the ceiling below or on the floor outside the shower.
Other Tiler Problems
A crack running through one or more wall or floor tiles in the bathroom, sometimes with pieces missing.
One or more floor tiles that rock, click, or move underfoot, sometimes with hollow sounds when tapped.
Grout between tiles turning dark grey, black, or developing visible mould spots, especially in wet areas.
Floor tiles tenting upward or popping off the substrate, sometimes with a cracking sound.