QA

Quick Answer: What Kind Of Screws For Cement Board

Cement board attached to plywood or similar underlayment will hold with only 1 1/4-inch screws; for thick or heavy metal fixtures, use 1 5/8-inch screws. In general, 1 1/2-inch galvanized nails will hold the board firmly in place.

Are drywall screws OK for cement board?

You don’t want to use regular drywall screws for cement boards. They can corrode, they can break down the edges of the boards, and they won’t drive in flush properly. Use ITW’s ROCK-ON and BACKER-ON screws instead.

How do you screw cement board?

Drill cement board screws through the backer board sheets every 6 to 8 inches. Position the screws at least 1/2-inch, but no more than 2 inches, from the edge of the sheet. Drive the screws in so that the heads are slightly below the surface of the backer board sheet.

Can you use deck screws for cement board?

I think the screw will care. I don’t install cement board for a living, but from talking with people/professionals who do, the proper screws should be used. You can’t just use any screw or they will corrode in that application, and Ive seen badly corroded screws from using incorrect ones. Definitely not drywall screws.

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.

Does concrete board need special screws?

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. If you can’t find them at a home center, call tile specialty stores.

What Thinset do I use for cement board?

An unmodified thinset (Masterblend) is fine between the Hardi and the subfloor. Tara, 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.

Do you need thinset under cement board?

Using thinset under cement board is a commonly skipped step amongst many contractors. 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.

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 long should durock screws be?

DUROCK Steel Screws come in two lengths: 32 and 42 mm (1-1/4 and 1-5/8). Design: Both wood and steel screws are a wafer-head design with strip-out-prevention ribs and self-drilling points; screwheads are a minimum of 10 mm (0.40) in diameter; driving recess is a No. 2 “Phillips” design.

Can you use stainless steel screws for cement board?

Now there is a better way to attach fiber cement board siding and trim, or cement backer board to metal studs: Use stainless steel Square Drive cement board screws! In addition, they have a deep, aggressive thread for superior holding power, and the strength and corrosion resistance of 410 stainless steel.

What are concrete screws?

What are concrete screws? Concrete screws are generally used for securing medium-high load applications into concrete, solid brick, hollow brick or stone surfaces. Sometimes they are referred to as concrete anchors, concrete bolts or concrete screw anchors.

What is the difference between durock and Hardibacker?

Durock is a reliable cement product that contains glass mesh. It is the heavier of the two materials, which means it is more difficult to use and maneuver. HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it.

Do you need plywood behind Hardie board?

Fiber cement siding should be installed over plywood, OSB, or sheathing. Building codes will usually require installing siding over water-resistant barriers and nailed into the studs every 16 or 24 inches.

What kind of thinset do you use for Hardibacker?

Latex or acrylic modified thinset (complying with ANSI A118. 4). Dry-set mortar for use between subfloor and cement board only (complying with ANSI A118.

Can you screw Hardie board?

Fasten HardieBacker sheets with proper nails or screws (as listed in ”Materials Required” in the backer installation instructions) every 8” around the perimeter and all supporting studs. Keep fasteners between 3/8” and 3/4” from sheet edges and 2” in from sheet corners.

What’s the best way to cut cement board?

Score-and-Snap The simplest way to cut cement backer board is to score the surface and snap the sheet along the scored line, similar to the way you’d cut drywall. In fact, you can use a drywall utility knife to score backer board, but a better option is a carbide-tipped scoring tool.