Why you use cement board? Fiber cement board is a variation of cement board that is made from compressed cement and sand and reinforced with wood fibers throughout. Step 4: Place the Tile. I would get someone else. Will be doing a bathroom gut and will be laying durock cement board over plywood sub floor. In general, the Schlter system is typically more expensive than a cement board, and some people may find this an attractive option for its long lasting, easy to maintain qualities. ".1) is is okay to use kerdi board instead of ditra on the floor? The kerdi membrane will probably do the same, and its regularly installed over drywall which is probably less stable. builder, anti-builder, rebuilder -- Retired Moderator. 120 sq feet including the floor. Using self-leveling underlayment takes careful prep work. When applying the primer, make sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly, as these will be completely covered by the KERDI membrane. Kerdi board vs. Membrane vs. Other for Shower - DIY Home Improvement Forum Moisture resistant can cause similar problems, and there is absolutely no advantage to it. How do you show the depth of a hole in a drawing? Creative, C'mon over for a beer! Then you can apply a thin layer of KERDI-FIX to the board, the membrane over top . It is a pliable waterproofing membrane that also doubles as a vapor retarder. They are available in thicknesses of 3/16, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, and 2 (5, 9, 12.5, 19, 25, 38, and 50 mm). Find the website that's made specifically for you. Can Kerdi membrane be installed over painted drywall? As fiber cement board is similar to regular cement board, it makes sense to choose the one that is cheaper or more readily available. That's the way us "Tile Guys" do it all the time. We think it is the cement board (Durock) sucking the moisture out of the unmodified thinset. It is important to seal any imperfections in the drywall to ensure a long-lasting installation and to minimize water infiltration. Can I install Kerdi board just on the walls of my shower and use a PVC membrane on the floor? Well, I'm going to give you three different ways to seal the backer board at the tub flange. It also features fleece webbing that allows for effective anchoring into thin-set mortar. Should I use Kerdi membrane or cement backerboard? Can you put Kerdi over cement board? - TipsFolder.com Applying a conventional cement backer board to such a structure is almost impossible. Aquadefense is approved by IAPMO for use as a shower pan liner, but be sure to check your local building codes, as some areas of the country still require the PVC liner. Kerdi is also used as shower lining, as required in IRC Section P2709.2 and IPC Section 417.5.2, over concrete, mortar, tile backerboard, expanded polystyrene foam board, prefabricated polystyrene shower trays, curb and ramp, gypsum board and masonry substrates." So, you can choose what board you want in your shower when using Kerdi. For the floor, he should've put a mortar bed, then a membrane that goes over the curb, then another mortar bed. Kerdi can be installed first on drywall or cement board. Let's start! ", Signed,Never Hung Kerdi A Day In Her Life. We tried soaking the cement board and applying the kerdi in small sections. Take care to cut the KERDI membrane to the appropriate size and apply it to the wall, ensuring that it is properly adhered and that the edges are sealed with KERDI sealant. Actually if you watch any pros work (not on crappy shows) on TV you will see them use backer board 99% of the time. We don't expect people to master this and in fact I know maybe two guys in my area (live in big city) that could do this. This feature makes building the base structure much easier and more cost . But I can't give you a +1 because telling someone to mortar all the walls in a large shower is like telling them to make an ice sculpture. By the time you switch from the RG application to the Kerdi installation, it should be dry. A place where magic is studied and practiced? Yes, KERDI membrane will stick to cement board. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. The problem is on the back side of the drywall, which is not protected. Foam-core tile backing board has two big advantages over other backer boards. Additionally, you can use KERDI-BAND around corners, seams, and joints to help with a waterproof installation. Installation; As the GoBoard is very lightweight, it becomes easy to . It's still applied to cement board. Modified thinset adhesive is a premixed product that contains latex or acrylic components which make it quite a bit more flexible than regular thinset adhesive and therefore better suited to some applications. An additional layer of sealant can also be applied on the seams for extra protection and water resistance. Seems like I've been using the full measure of water the bag calls for, plus about 10%.-50 lbs of thinset at a time is too much for an amatuer. They are designed to provide a waterproof, vapor-tight layer to the substrate, which in this case would be the cement board. Will add it in. This is necessary to ensure that the membrane will adhere properly to the drywall. Step 7: Cut the Tile. Out of curiosity, why are any of you suggesting backerboard at all? Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? Properly waterproofing a shower area sharing a living room wall, Can I use cement accelerator to decrease setup time of modified thinset. Sledge hammers for the floor, that might take a bit of time. Maybe try another brand of thinset? The Ditra uncoupling design is lightweight, durable, and minimizes the possibility of cracked tile and grout. Kerdi membrane can be used on cement board, drywall, and, as you may have guessed- greenboard. The completed assembly takes the place of more traditional backer board when installed over 3/4-inch wood subfloors. #2. The cement board can also become weakened and start to flake away when it absorbs moisture, causing ugly spots and patches to start appearing on the wall. On the other hand, a Schlter system offers improved thermal insulation, which can help to reduce heating costs. Any competent tile contractor would float the wall in mortar giving you a stronger, level, perfectly flat, and square surface to properly install tile. Not even the plumber's fault as it was just a bad valve. If so, that means breaking up the floor pan. The great thing about Kerdi Board is that it is lightweight and easier to maneuver. The 1/4-inch-thick board is typically used on floors and countertops. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-leader-2','ezslot_21',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-2-0');Once the seams are sealed, lay down a waterproof coating to the floor and walls of the shower space. 120 sq feet including the floor. When I tried putting up the first sheets, which were only 36" x 39", and even though I had SOAKED the hardi, to the point water was pooling on the floor, the thinset was already drying before I got the Kerdi up, and I couldn't get it to adhere properly no matter how hard I tried. Cement board is a heavy mess compared to drywall, and drywall is a heavy mess compared to Kerdi Board. If your going to do the job do it right, and give professional advice pls. But that doesn't address your question, so it's just a comment, not an answer as such. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The most important thing to remember when applying the membrane over the cement board is to make sure the surface is clean and free of any debris, dust or other contaminants. x 48 in. Schluter says that the Kerdi membrane and tile can be installed over standard gypsum wall board without any problems. The shower is ready for tile. Though, each product comes with its own individual characteristics, and pros and cons. Properly waterproofed Hardie board should last for many years. LONDON. Sheets of glass mat gypsum are made from water-resistant silicone-treated gypsum, reinforced on both sides by fiberglass mats. Overall, putting Kerdi over regular drywall can be done, with the proper steps in place to properly install the membrane and its components. Cut the shower tray to size. Problem with very thick cement board/ tile/bullnose edge, Steam Shower Slip Joint Detail - The secret is in the boarding stage. However, a cement board is generally easier and less expensive to replace if a repair is needed. Since KERDI is impervious, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture. Kerdi vs Redguard cost breakdown. : r/HomeImprovement - reddit Their lighter weight makes moving panels around during installation a cinch, which is a far cry from the heft of conventional cement board. Kerdi board is a kind of waterproofer because these kinds of boards are made of XPS foam. Fiber cement board is available in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Kerdi membrane prevents water damage and mold development. Allow the adhesive to cure for the amount of time recommended by the adhesives manufacturer. If you do not already have the hardi up, I recommend using real cement board (Hardi is a fiber-cement) or drywall. Once this is done, continue the installation by following the directions for the particular Kerdi product being used. Learn about the options in exterior siding before you choose, Before you pick up a single tile, pull from these tips for expert results, Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower, We help a Houzz user ask all the right questions for designing a stylish, practical and safe shower bench, This isn't a light DIY project: You'll need heavy-duty tools and plenty of protection for your home and yourself, In steamy quarters, tile needs to stand up to all that water and vapor in style. #1 - Backer board has nothing to do with HD or any other big box. We just went through a learning curve on the Kerdi and Hardi. We waterproof the outside the hardiboard in 99% of the install with something like redgard. Cement board sucks up the moisture and as a result, the kerdi doesn't always stick as well to cement board. While cement board is a reliable tile underlayment, it isnt completely waterproof only water-resistant. Calculating probabilities from d6 dice pool (Degenesis rules for botches and triggers). You provide the pitch during the tile set. ! This is the traditional tile backer. It worked well - just like wallpapering. Need help liner vs liquid membrane question. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? I also used a larger sized trowel than the one recommend by Schluter. Additionally, the drywall should be primed with a latex primer before applying the Kerdi membrane. Now there's nothing particularly wrong with fiber-cementit's just not my first choice. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_25',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Waterproofing should be done prior to the installation of any tile including behind the shower tile. Even the tiling subs have moved away from mortar walls because of the labor cost and lack of craftsmen in the industry. KERDI was developed as a waterproofing membrane to be used in . This allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in To ensure the floor is clean, wipe it with a wet sponge. . Additionally, all seams should be sealed with Kerdi Fix and covered with fleece. Once you have selected the right sealer, follow the manufacturers instructions and apply a generous, even coat over the entire surface of the Hardie board. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The 30-in. You'll know the RG is dry when it turns reallllly dark bright red as opposed to the pinkish color when applied. Schluter Ditra VS Cement Board (Which is better?) Kerdi can even be installed over drywall. Whether youre installing tile on a floor, wall, or countertop, choosing the right type of substrate, or underlayment, is critical to preventing breaks and cracks in both the tile and the grout. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? The main types of cement board you could encounter are Fibre Reinforced Cement (FRC) board and gypsum board. I used to "trust" the Kerdi and drywall until I had a shower that the valve broke inside the wall cavity four years after being put in. I've never had a failure. Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. Kerdi Board as a whole is much easier to install than Cement Board. We are still most comfortable with full plumber's pan over the curb, including glue-on preformed corners, and also a second layer (usually Kerdi but can be paint-on) on top of CBU wrap over curb.