Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - bathtub surrounds

my bathtub surround is starting to peel away from the wall. all parts of the surround are in good condition but i need to secure the back surround wall again. it has come loose from the adhesive for about 18 inches on the left side. do i need to remove the whole panel to reapply adhesive? or can i just pry it out and reapply as best i can? also what kind of adhesive does it require? will bathtub sillicone work?

thanks,
toivo

toivo,

My advice is that everything shoud be taken down. Your substrate is being effected by moisture and adhesion failure is going to cause more problems. Trying to apply more adhesive is going to be a waste of time. I know you don't want to hear this but others have tried, just to tell me later that the bottom started to let go.

Carefully take it out and clean up the back of the panels. Replace what is there as a backer. Use greenboard if not on exterior wall or if so, use cement board. For whatever reason it has failed, ensure that your bathroom is well ventilated to relieve moisture. Apply adhesive properly to your panels and reapply. Use 100% Silicone caulk when done to seal all edges.

Hope this helps!