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Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.
What type of backer board do you use when tiling a shower?
In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate. Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it.
Which cement board is best for shower walls?
Styrofoam backer board is extremely lightweight, and it’s strong and waterproof. It’s also easier to cut than other backer boards, and it’s dust-free. It’s ideal for wet areas like the shower walls or floor.
Does Hardibacker need to be waterproofed?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. If you decide to go this route, no sealant will need to be applied on top of the backerboard, as this could trap moisture between the two layers of waterproofing.
Can I tile directly on plywood?
While tile can be laid on plywood, do not install tile directly onto the plywood subfloor itself. Use intervening layers of two sheets of plywood.
Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.
Is there a waterproof paint for shower walls?
Types of Bathroom Paint While the best paint for a steamy bathroom ceiling would be latex-based or acrylic-based paint, you would need an epoxy-based waterproof paint for shower tiles to achieve a proper bond with the less porous surface.
Do I need vapor barrier behind Hardibacker?
Hardibacker doesn’t need a vapor barrier or waterproofing except you do need to tape and thinset the joints.
Can you paint cement board in shower?
Do not paint a cement board unless you have thoroughly cleaned it first, or you may have problems with adhesion. … Unlike standard cement, which is not an ideal surface for paint adhesion, fibrous cement boards contain pores that soak in the adhesives within the paint, making the finish much more durable.
Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.
What side of cement board faces out?
Screw the board in place Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.
What is the best waterproofing membrane for showers?
Best Waterproofing Membrane for Shower:
- Laticrete Hydro Barrier.
- CUSTOM BLDG PRODUCTS LQWAF1-2 Redgard Waterproofing.
- USG DUROCK Brand Liquid Waterproofing Membrane.
- Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense.
- Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane Roll.
- Schluter Kerdi 108 Sq Ft Waterproofing Membrane.
- RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane.
Does cement board need to be waterproofed?
So, if you’re looking for durability and strength, concrete backer-board will probably be your choice. First, you should provide a waterproof/resistant membrane against the wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board to protect the wood studs from moisture absorbed through the backer-board.
Do I need to prime plywood before tiling?
If tiling on fibre-reinforced cement sheets, or plywood/chipboard, then we would always recommend priming the reverse side and edges with BAL Bond SBR. This helps protect the plywood from moisture penetration which could cause the board to swell.
How do you attach tile to wood?
Glue, called mastic, is the least expensive method for installing tiles. Mastic adheres the tile directly to a wooden sub-floor, to a wooden back-splash or onto a piece of plywood.
Can you use drywall screws for cement board?
Therefore, drywall screws or nails will not work for cement boards. The fasteners designed for use with drywall do not feature the corrosion- and alkali-resistant coating that enables the cement board or galvanized fasteners to last.
What thickness Hardibacker should I use?
We recommend 1/4 in HardieBacker® board for floor applications, unless 1/2 in thickness is needed for transition.
Should you put plastic behind shower walls?
They are required beneath your shower pan and behind your shower walls. Moisture barriers can be made of polyethylene or a membrane that is rolled directly onto the drywall. No matter what they are made of, without them, your shower is subject to moisture damage.
Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?
If you are framing out a below-grade basement, however, do not use plastic as a vapor barrier. Concrete tends to wick moisture, and if you cover insulated cavities with plastic they can become wet and optimal for mold growth.
How thick should cement board be for shower walls?
The minimum recommended thickness for the shower wall is 1/2″ because like some of the other boards, they become far too flexible at thicknesses below 1/2″. Foam shower tile backer boards are generally about 4x the cost of cement board.
Do you have to tape cement board before tiling?
If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won’t split the center of a tile.
Which is better durock or Hardibacker?
Durock is a reliable cement product that contains glass mesh. It is the heavier of the two materials, which means it is more difficult to use and maneuver. HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it.
