Is hardibacker waterproof

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Reader question: Hi there. I recently finished grouting my tile surround in my shower. I posted photos on Facebook and somebody questioned whether I had waterproofed the Hardiebacker board. Much to my dismay, I had never even heard of this…. Anyway, I went to the James Hardie website and see nothing about waterproofing being required… In my research, and reading forums, it seems quite evident that it is needed. I am not somebody that skimps out or cuts corners.

Is hardibacker waterproof

HardieBacker sheets are secured directly to wall studs with water resistant green screws called Backer-On. The screws have specially designed threads which can drive through cement board. While the boards themselves are water resistant, the seems, inside corners, edges and screws are vulnerable to water penetration. This means HardieBacker board needs waterproofing. Before you install any tiles, all the seams, cracks, screws, edges and inside corners need to be properly sealed and waterproofed. Most tile installers even recommend sealing all the large flat areas as well. This ensures no water can penetrate through the cement board and onto the framing which helps prevent rot, mold, mildew and deterioration. This is ideal for areas like bathrooms and kitchens that have high amounts of moisture and water. However the seams, screws, edges and corners are still vulnerable and need waterproofing before you tile. Simply installing HardieBacker or other cement boards on your shower walls does not make it waterproof.

Is this a problem or code violation? Thank you. Senior Contributor.

Senior Contributor. User Name Remember Me? Read This]. View First Unread. He said he has to use special membrane tape at edges where each board meets to seal it and in corners. Attached Images. Sponsored Links.

HardieBacker sheets are secured directly to wall studs with water resistant green screws called Backer-On. The screws have specially designed threads which can drive through cement board. While the boards themselves are water resistant, the seems, inside corners, edges and screws are vulnerable to water penetration. This means HardieBacker board needs waterproofing. Before you install any tiles, all the seams, cracks, screws, edges and inside corners need to be properly sealed and waterproofed. Most tile installers even recommend sealing all the large flat areas as well. This ensures no water can penetrate through the cement board and onto the framing which helps prevent rot, mold, mildew and deterioration. This is ideal for areas like bathrooms and kitchens that have high amounts of moisture and water. However the seams, screws, edges and corners are still vulnerable and need waterproofing before you tile. Simply installing HardieBacker or other cement boards on your shower walls does not make it waterproof.

Is hardibacker waterproof

Reader question: Hi there. I recently finished grouting my tile surround in my shower. I posted photos on Facebook and somebody questioned whether I had waterproofed the Hardiebacker board. Much to my dismay, I had never even heard of this…. Anyway, I went to the James Hardie website and see nothing about waterproofing being required… In my research, and reading forums, it seems quite evident that it is needed. I am not somebody that skimps out or cuts corners. Furthermore, the last thing a contractor needs is for the whole Facebook community to be criticizing how a shower was constructed. However, after researching the manufacturer instructions for each backer board I find the confusion on the matter is understandable.

Mark kermode observer

As I understand it cement board is not. If your contractor is planning a direct bonded waterproofing membrane over the shower floor, bedding the Hardiebacker, old or new, into the sloped mud bed is fine. It should be more clear that water management is necessary. Well, the very minimum would be to install a sheet of 4 mil plastic behind the cement backer board or Hardiebacker. Thank you for all of your help. The fasteners are completely sealed because of this. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. But personally I hated that plastic shower surround, they never clean up well, they look bad, they seem to offgas a little bit of plastic smell from the hot water, etc. I have urethane grout in my tub surround and am really impressed at it. While the boards themselves are water resistant, the seems, inside corners, edges and screws are vulnerable to water penetration. Oil primers attract mold as the oil in the primer is a mold food, similar to how mold can form in diesel fuel. I was removing the frame from the sliding doors and some tiles yanked away with it and the board behind was wet. For this reason, you must always use a waterproofing membrane like RedGard on top of HardieBacker before you tile. For many years back in time I specialized in old school mortar set shower pans, doing the membranes with a 3-ply hot mop application and an easy test drain, with the membrane itself sloped towards the weep holes of the drain for a very good reason. This can eventually cause rot, mold and deterioration of the wood.

Durock is a cement board reinforced with fiberglass while HardieBacker contains cellulose fiber so it is a fiber-cement board. Durock is lighter per square foot, more durable, more rigid, and less expensive, and can be used on walls, floors, ceilings, and both inside and out.

Keep in mind that the important part is the end of the tub where the backer board will meet up with drywall. I also recommend using fiberglass mesh tape on all the seams and corners for even better protection. So when showering the water went through and because there was zero sheet membrane, liquid membrane or any other waterproofing- it went through the entire ceiling and spread quite a bit onto the ceiling of the kitchen causing this problem. In the case of the reader above, the Facebook criticism was harsh but the internet is helping to get instructions out that cement board manufacturers have been hesitant about. My shower is being redone due to no waterproofing which caused a large ceiling leak. This seems quite clear. Finally, you correctly apply mortar, tile and grout. Apply the caulk and push it into the cracks with your finger. If you have the option of adjusting the tub then try to split the difference and shim out the rest. I want to make sure this is going to be ok because the reason we are in a situation right now is due to the shower being tiled with no waterproofing. I do build for the long haul in all I do. For bathroom tile floor installation: Can you apply water proof primer to hardy backer board to protect the plywood subfloor underneath from water intrusion?