I am not sure where to post this question but since it's about a bathroom I will just put it here. I am trying to remodel a 1940's bathroom. It has tiled walls and the tile was glued to a cement backer. The cement was applied to a steel mesh which I guess was hung on the studs, so it is really tought to get out. That is my question, I would like to cut the whole thing out in sections but don't know how to approach it. What kind of saw would cut through that concrete and steel? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks!
COMMUNITY FORUM
We have a floor and tile forum on this site and you may receive other comments by posting there. I use a small sledgehammer and break inbetween the studs. I try to take out in 3 foot pieces. There is a real temptation to try to avoid complete wall removable but any alternative just takes longer and results in an inadequate job. There is also a lot of dust.
Some use a metal of plaster blade in their sawsall. I have heard of people using a carbide blade in a circular saw but that is dangereous when the saw kicks back. Also you need to be careful of any electrical supplying the opposing wall or different floors.
Some use a metal of plaster blade in their sawsall. I have heard of people using a carbide blade in a circular saw but that is dangereous when the saw kicks back. Also you need to be careful of any electrical supplying the opposing wall or different floors.
Timbear, We are working on a bathroom now that seems to have the toughest tile wall ever. Normally with these walls we can crack them at the top after taking the old plaster out and exposing the top edge of the tile wall. We use a large wreaking bar, crow bar, and start working between a stud and the metal mess hoping to start a crack and weaken the wall, usually done in the middle of the walls weakest point. This stuff will be very sharp, use heavy gloves as they can still be ripped by the tile and send you to the emergency room for stiches or surgery. If you can manage to get the wall to flex you will be ok. Keep working and prying behind the tile wall at each stud until enough tile has fallen and broken for you to start breaking it up with a sledge hammer or pick. To make the job easier you can rent a large heavy duty hammer drill that has hammer action only and insert a spade bit that can be used like a jack hammer to break apart the wall into sections for you to throw out the window into a dumpster or carry, I wouldnt recommend, through the house to where ever. If your wall seems indestructible like ours, rent that hammer drill and get verious bits to use to break up the wall. Also a large gas powered concrete saw can be used if necessary which will cut right through this stuff without question. Beware, it does get messy. One last thing, becareful, this is one reason why it costs so much to remodel bathrooms and most of the time its worth the exspense.
