Table of Contents
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.
Does it matter which side of cement board you use?
No, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of which side faces out during installation, you can expect the same great performance that has made USG Durock® Brand Cement Board the preferred choice of professionals and do-it-yourselfers for decades.
Does it matter which side of Hardibacker board faces out?
According to the James Hardie Website FAQ, either side is fine to use. However, they recommend smooth side to be up and nailed every 8″ on center. I agree. They put a little more effort into finishing one side more smoothly just to make troweling easier, but it won’t affect the outcome of the project.
Does backer board have a front and back?
The answer is that it depends on what you’re using to stick down the tiles. Cement board has a smooth face and a rough one, and the rough face should be facing out if you’re using mortar or thinset to adhere the tiles.
How do you layout cement board?
#2 A cement backer board layout should be staggered. It’s kind of like building a wall of Lego’s. If you set each one directly on top of each other it is unstable. You create a stronger, more stable floor by staggering the backer board. Likewise, four corners of cement board should never meet at one point.
Can cement board be left exposed?
Most brands of concrete backer-board consist of a fibrous reinforcement cement composition molded into sheets. It is extremely hard and waterproof, meaning it will not deteriorate over time when exposed to water, making it ideal for use in high-traffic areas that are susceptible to the adverse effects of moisture.
Can I tile directly on Hardibacker?
HardieBacker can take up to 200kg of tile hanging weight per m2 so almost any tile can be fixed. Once secured cover the joints with Alkaline-resistant tape and feather the tile adhesive to leave a 150mm wide joint.
Do you need to seal cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Which way round does Hardie backer board go?
Which side of HardieBacker should be tiled on? Either is acceptable, but we recommend the EZ grid® side of the 6mm board, and the smooth side of the 12mm board.
What do you use for durock joints?
Fill joints with latex-fortified mortar or Type 1 organic adhesive and immediately embed alkali-resistant, fiberglass mesh joint tape. Install tile. Note: Because cement board fasteners may protrude through the plywood base when 1/4″ cement board is used, 1/2″ or 5/8″ cement board is preferred in this application.
What do you do with a gap between tub and cement board?
Technically, after the tile is installed over the backer board that gap between it and the tub ledge should be filled with an ASTM C920 sealant (caulking e.g. silicone). Although some say you should have weep holes along this gap so any water behind can weep out into the tub.
How many screws do I need for cement board?
In floor applications, screws should be placed every 8″”. You will use approximately 55 screws per 3′ x 5′ cement board and 91 screws per 4′ x 8′ cement board.
Can durock be left in rain?
After application, and for at least 24 hours, finishes, leveling/skim coats and basecoats should be effectively protected from rain and excessive moisture.
Is it OK if cement board gets wet?
It’s not waterproof but it will not disintegrate or lose its strength when wet. You should allow it dry thoroughly, however, before using it.
Do you need to use RedGard over cement board?
You really don’t need the RedGard, but the more protection the betterso go for it. And yes, you can do the boards beforehand. But, hit the filled seams & screws (your weak points) as soon as a panel is ready to give it some time to setup.
What side do you put HardieBacker on?
Which side goes up, smooth or rough? Either is acceptable, but we recommend that the smooth side with the nailing pattern of every 8″ on center go up. What subfloor should HardieBacker® cement board be installed over?.
Do you have to tape Hardibacker joints?
Hardibacker 500 inside showers will be taped with Alkali Resistant Mesh tape and thinset. Hardi outside of showers will be taped with ARM tape and joint compound (and textured with all purpose joint compound). –Hardi says not to use paper tape—alkali environment will destroy it. You must use ARM mesh tape.
How long before you can walk on cement board?
However, after you mount the backer board to the floor you simply have to seal the seams with mortar and wait until the mortar dries. This is normally 12 hours but may be up to 24 hours in some cases.
Should you tape cement board joints?
The thinset and mesh tape are to strengthen the seams. If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. This should not be that difficult.
Can you tile directly on cement board?
Cement board forms a durable, stable base for tile, and it has no organic materials (unlike drywall, greenboard, or plywood) so it is not prone to mold, rot, shrinkage, or decomposition due to moisture. Ceramic tile laid over cement board is one of the most durable floor or wall surfaces you can install.
