Waterproofing cement board is crucial for a shower’s durability and longevity. To ensure proper installation, use a waterproof/resistant membrane against wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board. Fasten the cement-board with waterproof screws that won’t rust and apply a liquid waterproofing sealant like Redgard on all cracks, seams, and screw holes.
Installing cement board correctly is the most critical part of a shower’s foundation. Choose the best method of protection and insider tips for a flawless tile foundation. The best base for ceramic tile is waterproof cement board.
To waterproof screw holes, mark them correctly, use the right size drill bit, and pre-fill them with silicone before installing anchors and screws. Once the anchors and screws are in place, put up cement board with the intention to use red guard on top to waterproof. Add furring strips to ensure no water gets behind the lip and prevent water from getting behind the tub deck.
Use 100% silicone, not acrylic silicone, and self-adhesive backer board tape over all seams, including where the boards meet, along the wall edges, around windows, and inner corners. PROVA Board Plus+ is a great cement board alternative for waterproofing and pre-retilement.
In summary, waterproofing cement board is essential for a shower’s durability and longevity. Use a waterproof membrane against wood studs, fasten cement-board with waterproof screws, and apply a liquid waterproofing sealant like Redgard on all cracks, seams, and screw holes.
📹 Cement Board Installation for Beginners
This video shares how to install cement board inside showers. If you’re remodeling a bathroom and need help, join our online …
📹 Installing CEMENT Board and Waterproofing this EPIC Shower Build / Video 3 of this build series
Installing cement board and waterproofing a custom tiled shower. Video 3 of this series.
What are those little metal plates called that you used to protect the plumbing? I wish you were local so I could hire you. You are such a conscientious worker and clearly know what you’re doing. Plus, you seem like a nice guy. I’m tackling this job by myself for the first time in two bathrooms in a property I’m flipping. I’ll save a ton of money, but I want to make sure I do it right the first time. Quality work is important to me.
Thanks for this very helpful clip. I read some experts who strongly suggest that we don’t put waterproof membranes between cement board and the tiles; just apply thin set. So, I was wondering if the direct application of the tiles on the cement board is another approach for all tiles installation or an approach to deal only with ceiling tiles. Thanks 😊
Hi Jeff, love all your articles. You are a fantastic presenter! Does that thin set wick water the same way the Schluter banding wicks water when using thinset to adhere it? I was perusal the Tile Coach’s articles and that seemed to be a big issue. Can you please share your thoughts on that? Do you have a thin set that you recommend to prevent that wicking? Thank you.
I’m doing a surround over a tub. Do I need the 1/8″ expansion gap between the bottom and top boards? I’m not doing tile, I’m using a glue up surround. Some of my studs are greater than 16″ apart but I have a chunk of plywood horizontally that will add extra support in the middle a bit. Some studs are closer than 16″. Hmm… So the cut off edge is put down against the previous board instead of having it at the top? That’s good to know.
I always add horizontal blocking between studs were the two sheets will meet and the bottom when using Duroc. It’s very breakable and brittle and most of the time it’s already lost its structural integrity before you even install it. Even though technically it doesn’t add any structural integrity according to building inspectors. But you know what I mean, it gets all floppy. Don’t get me wrong I think it’s still a good product but needs reinforcement. It won’t wick like Hardi and it’s not foam. (My overkilling self won’t let me use foam). When installed correctly with taping, mudding and waterproofing I think it’s a better overall system. But I certainly don’t claim to know everything just my opinion.
I won’t use cement board. It’s too porous. Green board with a rubberized coatings applied correctly if far superior. Also in this day in age doing tile is ridiculous when there are PVC systems with any finish you want and no grout. Grout sucks. The really good stuff is not available to consumer DIYers like me.