QA

How To Install Hardie Backer Board

Can I just screw down backer board?

Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor. It is important to highlight that screws shall not be installed all the way down to the floor joists.

How do you attach backer board to a wall?

Do you need to put thinset under Hardie board?

However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it’s not used. Thinset is going to create a solid surface under tile and prevent flexing that could lead to cracking.

Does it matter which side of Hardie board faces out?

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.

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.

Do you have to let backer board dry before tiling?

Although it’s tempting to start tiling the floor, let the mortar fully set and dry first. Wait 24 to 48 hours before tiling. The drying time is important for a strong hold. Fully bonded mortar means your cement board won’t flex.

How do you fasten Hardie board?

Fasten the siding – You can fasten it with a pneumatic nailer or nailing by hand. You can use corrosion-resistant screws, or you can use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails. You can nail the siding by either blind nailing it at the top or face nailing it at the bottom.

Does backer board go over drywall?

You can install backer board over drywall, as long as your screws are long enough to go through to firmly penetrate the studs, and then install the stone on the backer board. Better would be to take the drywall off, which is easy to do, and put on backer board in its place to take the stone.

What happens if you don’t put thinset under Hardibacker?

It will make an enormous mess under the house (or whatever is under your bathroom). It is also more likely to make the floor uneven since it is hard to level thinset that is separated by gaps. The installation manual for HardieBacker suggests to embed it in thin-set and it should be installed over plywood.

What kind of thinset goes under cement board?

An unmodified thinset (Masterblend) is fine between the Hardi and the subfloor. The reason for the layer of thinset between the cement board and the subfloor is to fill the voids/gaps between the two. It’ll keep the cement board from moving up and down.

How much thinset do you put under Hardibacker?

Embed 2 in wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber tape in the mortar and level. We recommend 1/4 in HardieBacker® board for floor applications, unless 1/2 in thickness is needed for transition. On existing structures: Ensure subfloor is not damaged.

Do you caulk Hardie board siding?

James Hardie DOES NOT recommend using caulk or “H”-jointers for the butt joints of HardiePlank® siding with ColorPlus® technology. James Hardie also DOES NOT recommend applying caulk to the horizontal overlap between siding planks (see Figure 2).

Do you have to pre drill Hardie board?

Fiberboard cement siding can be hand-nailed, but because it’s so much harder and more brittle than wood, you have to predrill holes near any edge. You can save yourself a bunch of time by using a pneumatic coil siding nail gun.

How do you fill gap between cement board and drywall?

Fill the gap between the boards with mortar using the 6-inch taping knife. Force it into the gap and apply a thin layer on both sides of the joint for a total width of 3 to 4 inches. Place fiberglass mesh tape over the entire length of the joint and smooth it with the knife.

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.

Do you have to tape seams on Hardibacker?

For tile backer boards such as Durock, Wonderboard, Hardiebacker, Permabase, and others the seams between the board need to be treated with 2-inch alkali-resistant mesh tape.

Can you tile straight onto 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.

How long after Hardie board can you tile?

Normally, dry times range from 12 to 24 hours. After this time the tile can install on the Hardie board.

What kind of nails do you use for Hardie board?

James Hardie recommends the use of quality, hot-dipped galvanized nails. James Hardie is not responsible for the corrosion resistance of fasteners. Stainless steel fasteners are recommended when installing James Hardie® products near the ocean, large bodies of water, or in very humid climates. Min.

What kind of screws do you use for backer board?

To attach the cement board to the studs, you’ll need special 1-1/4 in. cement board screws (see Fig. B). These screws have a coating to resist corrosion, a special wide head with cutting flutes and hi-low threads for a strong grip.