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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 what side is facing out on cement board?
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?
1 Answer. 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.
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 you hang cement board vertically?
Boards may be installed vertically or horizontally. Edges of the board parallel to framing must be supported by a structural framing member. Score and snap boards to required sizes and make necessary cutouts. Attach the HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology.
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.
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.
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.
Should cement board be installed vertically or horizontally?
They can go up vertically or horizontally, it makes no difference. With a regular tub surround with a five foot back wall it is usually easier to use two horizontal sheets along the back wall and one vertical on each of the sides.
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.
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.
Which is better cement board or Ditra?
Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won’t be damaged by it. This may make Ditra a better choice if moisture from below is a concern, such as with some outdoor applications or installations over concrete. This difference, Ditra fans would argue, makes it more resistant to movement.
Can you tile straight onto backer board?
As a building material, interior fibre cement tile backer board products are especially suited as a tiling base for tiling wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and showers as it is resistant to permanent water damage and does not need to be treated before tiling.
What do you put on concrete board seams?
Use special mesh tape on seams Cover all of the corners, joints and seams, including the joint where drywall and cement board meet, with the fiberglass mesh tape.
How do you mount Hardie board?
Drill pilot holes, at each mark, one-quarter to one-half inch deep, to make it easier to insert screws and prevent cracking the siding. Align the bracket holes with the pilot holes in the siding. Insert the screws and tighten securely using a drill with screwdriver bit attached. Hang the basket on the bracket.
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.
Does cement board get mold?
Unlike wood-based materials such as plywood or products that contain some wood such as drywall, cement board lacks organic matter, making it resistant to mold, rot, shrinkage, or decomposition.
