[LazyPup]

First of all it appears that the walls are built out so far that there is hardly any apron remaining on the tub.

By current code standards the entire installion is a comedy of errors.

The current plumbing codes strictly prohibit both standard wall board (Sheetrock) and Water resistant wallboard (Greenboard) in the shower enclosure area. (Water resistant wallboard may be used behind preformed one piece tub/shower units with a written approval of the local inspecting authority.)

Tilebackerboard (cement hardboard) must be installed in the shower or tub/shower enclosure area until it reaches a height of 72" above the finished drain. (International Residential code IRC 307.2 & Uniform Plumbing Code UPC 807.1.3)

Cement Backerboard requires house wrap building paper backing on the studs before applying the backerboard (IRC-per manufacturer or local code spec & UPC 807.1.3)

All joints must be coated with a water resistant sealant (IRC 702.4.2 & UPC 807.1.3).

All other wall surfaces in the bathroom are to be covered with water resistant wallboard (greenboard)

Water resistant wallboard IS NOT to be installed over a vapor barrier membrane (IRC 702.4.3 & UPC 2512)

Water resistant wallboard IS NOT to be installed on a ceiling if the framing is spaced greater than 12" on center (IRC 702.4.2 & UPC 2512)

Ceramic tile may be applied directly on water resistant wallboard (not in a shower enclosure). (IRC 702.4.1 & UPC-check local code).


If you work very carefully it is possible to recover most of the existing tile, but experience has taught me that you must expect about 20% loss and in most cases the labor required to clean the tile sufficiently to reuse it is cost prohibitive.

Before replacing the wallboard you may want to pull a string from corner to corner across the stud faces to see if the existing studs are true. If not, you can sister new studs to the existing studs to establish the proper depth from the tub and insure a true vertical and horizontal surface.