I would like to put a tile surround 18" up around a tub. I have discovered that that while the walls are vertical, the floor is not level. Indeed one end of the bathroom is 2 inches higher than the other, if my black and decker laser level is to be believed. (Hmm. Check that.)
In a couple places the drywall has cracked, so the room has moved since the was drywalled 30 years ago.
I have visions of tiles (6" ceramic) popping of the wall if the house continues to shift.
I'm consdiering hanging a sheet of something by 2 screw at the top edge, with a couple washers behind the sheet as spaces, then using a dollop of silicon seal at the bottom edge. The spacers at the top allow for a reasonable thickness, and attaching tile to the sheet.
The idea is that this sheet is now decoupled from the house movement and can in essence float.
Is this workable?
Best Answer
When installing tile, use Flexbond mortar and admix instead of water. This mortar with the admix creates a very strong chemical bond in the mortar and then equally strong mechanical bond to the hardibacker board.
This combo is designed to install tile over wood or other flooring that might have "flex." Very effective installation wherever mild instability is a concern.