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Waterproofing Kitchen Backsplash

3,234 Views | 10 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by jtraggie99
jtraggie99
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AG
Question for the tile people. I have a kitchen island where my sink/faucet is located. There is an elevated counter / bar directly behind the faucet, with a tile backsplash covering the vertical section between the lower counter where the faucet is located and the elevated section behind it . The tiled area directly behind the faucet, what appears to be sanded caulk at the lower intersection of the tile and the granite counter has started coming out and now I am getting a mildew / mold smell. I am guessing water has seeped through and caused damage behind the tile (probably no water proofing I assume). The tile being so close to the faucet, it's almost unavoidable to prevent water from getting back there. Fortunately, I do have spare tile in my attic and a bag of grout that was there when I bought the house. So, I need to remove the tile, repair correct any damage, and retile and grout.

My question is how do you go about water proofing? I'm familiar with showers and baths, and with a bath your typically going down to the tub flange so any water wicks down to the tub surface. Are you pretty much doing the same, taking your water proof membrane down to make contact with the counter? Seems pretty obvious, but I've never done any tile backspashes before, much less an area that is always going to be prone to water seeping through. Just thought I'd ask what others have done by chance.
tgivaughn
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OK, after 3 days of no responses .... will weigh in until a tile&cabinetman can offer better advice.

Maybe: assume the leak is solely via the crack, where vertical meets horizontal deck, then purchase Lifetime silicone sealant/caulk/glue; remove all the old filler, clean for best adherance of new, then apply ala U-tube how-tos, protect until cured, again DIY, hope for the best.

Better: take ideal photos anyone can understand and attempt to get a solution from the big orange box helpers or Pro Desk, then purchase supplies, DIY, hope for the best.


Best: get a handyman over to see with good lighting all the damage, determine the reason/source then a solution; you pay for this, all materials&labor time.


Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
archangelus2
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tgivaughn said:

Better: take ideal photos anyone can understand and attempt to get a solution from the big orange box helpers or Pro Desk, then purchase supplies, DIY, hope for the best.
Take pictures with you and get help from Home Depot? Is that what you are suggesting or am I misreading?

The people that work at my Home Depot can barely read let alone properly diagnose and fix a problem. Just the idea of this is hysterical to me.
jtraggie99
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Thanks guys. I actually posted this over on the John Bridge forums (for those who know of him, tile guy) and it's basically what I thought. Tear out the tile in the vicinity of the sink, replace whatever backerboard was used (after cleaning any damage), waterproof backerboard with something like Redguard or the like, sealing from top to bottom (underside of top counter down to bottom counter), tile, grout, and caulk where it meets the counter. They did suggest not using sanded caulk, which is typically done, as it doesn't hold up in these types of areas, and using silicone caulk instead.

The problem is I've gotten most of the deteriorating caulk out, but there is a smell coming from the gap. It's enough that there is a constant musty smell around that area of my kitchen now. I'd rather just open it up and make sure it's taken care of.
Tony Franklins Other Shoe
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AG
Even when you ripped out the affected area, spray the area liberally with vinegar and bleach solution. We used that when we tore in to my mom's house after Harvey because once you close it back up, need to make sure it is all nuked and doesn't continue to smell musty. Don't remember the mix portion but should be on line.

Person Not Capable of Pregnancy
tgivaughn
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Sorry to read your plight.
Ours employs part-time & semi-retired trades, e.g. plumbing dept. ... a plumber, etc.
That said, have been on hospital duty for a few years + COVID made shopping curbside only, etc. soooo things might have changed for the worse, as you describe.

Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
YellAg2004
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Am I the only one who hasn't ever heard of waterproofing behind a backsplash? I tend to pride myself on my pre-project research as a pretty hardcore DIYer, and I've never seen or heard of using RedGard or anything else behind a backsplash to waterproof it.
dubi
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YellAg2004 said:

Am I the only one who hasn't ever heard of waterproofing behind a backsplash? I tend to pride myself on my pre-project research as a pretty hardcore DIYer, and I've never seen or heard of using RedGard or anything else behind a backsplash to waterproof it.


You waterproof behind tile in an any wet area.

Google "Kerdi membrane" which can be used to waterproof wet areas behind tile.
YellAg2004
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dubi said:

YellAg2004 said:

Am I the only one who hasn't ever heard of waterproofing behind a backsplash? I tend to pride myself on my pre-project research as a pretty hardcore DIYer, and I've never seen or heard of using RedGard or anything else behind a backsplash to waterproof it.


You waterproof behind tile in an any wet area.

Google "Kerdi membrane" which can be used to waterproof wet areas behind tile.
No, I understand that. I've never heard of a kitchen backsplash referred to as a wet area as far as tile installation is concerned.
dubi
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Quote:

No, I understand that. I've never heard of a kitchen backsplash referred to as a wet area as far as tile installation is concerned.
The backsplash behind my sink gets wet all the time. Perhaps i'm just super messy when i'm washing dishes.
jtraggie99
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YellAg2004 said:

dubi said:

YellAg2004 said:

Am I the only one who hasn't ever heard of waterproofing behind a backsplash? I tend to pride myself on my pre-project research as a pretty hardcore DIYer, and I've never seen or heard of using RedGard or anything else behind a backsplash to waterproof it.


You waterproof behind tile in an any wet area.

Google "Kerdi membrane" which can be used to waterproof wet areas behind tile.
No, I understand that. I've never heard of a kitchen backsplash referred to as a wet area as far as tile installation is concerned.
Depends on where your backsplash is located. If you don't have any near your sink (or any area that is prone to get wet), you are probably fine.
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