QA

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.

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 it matter what side of cement board is out?

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.

Can you put Hardie board on backwards?

You can’t mount it backwards; the back side of it isn’t smooth.

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.

Do you have to tape Hardie board?

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.

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 cement board be installed 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 have to put 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.

Is Mastic the same as Thinset?

Mastic is a non-cementitious material that exhibits some pros and cons compared to thinset. Thinset is much stronger structurally than mastic and a waterproof product that will not lose strength when exposed to water. Thinset is the only product that I recommend be used in showers, bathrooms and even floors.

Do you nail or screw Hardie board?

What is the correct fastener pattern for installing HardieBacker® cement 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.

Can you use screws on Hardie board?

HardiePlank® lap siding may be used with fasteners approved by ICC-ES ESR-2290 spaced in accordance with the Wind Load Tables. Fasteners must be corrosion resistant, galvanized or stainless steel. Fasteners shall be installed between 1 in. and 3/4 in.

Can you put a nail in Hardie board?

Hardie board comes with a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, but that means you need the nails to last at least that long too. James Hardie recommends that nails be hot dip galvanized (at a minimum) or stainless steel (as a best practice).

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 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.

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.

Do you need a special blade to cut Hardie board?

Cement Board-Cutting Tools For some types of Hardie board, you’ll need a power tool with a cement board blade with a carbide tip to cut the board. Carbide-tipped blades are made specifically for this kind of work. Mark your line; align the board against the guard as needed and slowly but firmly make the cut.

How much should Hardie plank overlap?

Each row of siding should overlap by 1¼” or more.

Can Hardie panel be installed horizontally?

HardiePlank® is more resistant to moisture damage than wood siding, so if you choose horizontal siding, it’s a great option.

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.