Best answer
Although most backerboards currently available won't fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water-resistant, they aren't waterproof. To prevent moisture from seeping through to the wood or metal studs beneath the tile, a barrier or sealant must be used on porous materials.
Do I need to seal cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. ... However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Do you need to waterproof cement board before tiling?
So, if you're looking for durability and strength, concrete backer-board will probably be your choice. First, you should provide a waterproof/resistant membrane against the wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board to protect the wood studs from moisture absorbed through the backer-board.
Do you need to tape cement board before tiling?
2 Answers. 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. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won't split the center of a tile.
Do you have to waterproof cement board?
Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Since many people confuse the terms, it is a common misconception that this is the best material for use inside a shower or tub area.
Is cement board needed for floor tile?
In short, tile and grout are not inherently waterproof. Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.1 Dec 2019
Which cement is best for waterproofing?
KEM proof 87 is an elastomeric coating based on selected acrylic co-polymers. When applied, it cures to form a durable, protective, waterproof membrane. It is applied by brush or roller. It can be applied on concrete, cement board, wood, brick, stone and tiles.
Are cement bags waterproof?
Cement is highly sensitive to moisture, and it hardens to forms clumps when exposed to water or dampness. ... The cement bags should be stored in a dry and enclosed structure, protected from rains and moisture and the stacked cement bags should be kept covered with waterproof sheets or tarpaulin.
Do you have to seal cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. ... However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Do you need to waterproof cement board in a shower?
Cement board is not waterproof. Hardibacker is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water.
How long should cement board screws be?
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.
Related Question Answers

Ashh
ProfessorDo I need to waterproof cement board in shower?
Here's what the TCNA handbook has to say about the matter: “A waterproof membrane or vapor retarder membrane must be specified to prevent moisture intrusion and protect adjacent building materials.” ~B412 Bathtub or shower with prefabricated receptor. Cement board or Fiber-cement board.

Daniel Magliola
ProfessorDo you need plastic behind cement board?
Their online instructions/diagrams show no use of a vapor barrier. You should, so that any moisture that gets behind the cement board runs into the tub or shower instead of into your wall cavity (causing rot or mold/mildew).

Harun24HR
ProfessorDo you need a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

Habib
ProfessorDo you need green board behind cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

jessehouwing
ProfessorDo you need to put a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You should NOT place a vapor barrier BEHIND the backer board. Where, pray tell, would any such collected vapor/water go? Answer:There's nowhere proper for such moisture to egress. The current best practice is to place waterproofing OVER the backetboard and just UNDER the tile.

rogeriopvl
ProfessionalDoes cement board have to be waterproofed?
So, if you're looking for durability and strength, concrete backer-board will probably be your choice. ... First, you should provide a waterproof/resistant membrane against the wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board to protect the wood studs from moisture absorbed through the backer-board.

Afshin
ProfessionalIs backer board the same as cement board?
Cement backer board is also called cement board, and it's the most commonly used backer board for all manner of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Made of cement and reinforced on the top and bottom with fiberglass, this waterproof backer board is generally used for tiled shower surrounds and floors in wet areas.

Gone Coding
ProfessionalHow do you make concrete wet?
In what order you should mix your wet concrete First mix the gravel with the sand. After that you add the cement. When gravel, sand and cement are mixed together properly, you can add the water. If you use Cementmix instead of water, your concrete will be waterproof after hardening.

rodrigo-silveira
ProfessionalCan you tile directly onto cement board?
Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete. Manufactured veneer stone is another use for cement backer board.

Dan Lenski
ProfessionalDo you put cement board under a shower pan?
Once the subfloor of proper thickness is properly installed then you can apply cement board directly to the subfloor material. ALL CEMENT BOARDS MUST be installed in a fresh bed of thinset. ... If you want the cement board under the shower tray then do so - doesn't matter.

Mark Chackerian
UserCan you finish cement board like drywall?
When you buy cement board it requires the same installation materials as drywall but with a twist. ... Instead of using drywall joint compound to embed the tape in the cement board you should use thin-set mortar. We utilized the same thin-set that will be used to attach the tiles.

Zaw
UserCan you make cement waterproof?
Make your waterproof cement yourself. At home, factory or on the job, now you can make your own through and through waterproof and water repellent concrete grout or masonry cement. Which also provides more elasticity during the drying process. Cementmix replaces water in the mixing process of concrete and cement.

Robin Wieruch
UserCan you put cement over silicone?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board.
In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board.
Use proper screws.
Such as the specific cement board screw..

Rick Hanlon II
UserHow do you fill gap between cement board and tub?
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.

A R
UserCan you tile over old cement board?
Cement Board Ideally, tile should be installed directly on top of a surface like cement backerboard, which is stable enough to handle the tiles. Backerboard is typically nailed or screwed to the subfloor with taped seams and a thin layer of thinset for support and can be installed over old thinset.

Kracekumar
GuestCan you use 1/4 inch cement board walls?
1/4" Durock cement board should not be used for wall or ceiling applications. For wall or ceiling applications, use 1/2" or 5/8" Durock cement board. If you have 3/8" sheetrock, use 1/2" cement board and feather out the joint to approx 10" to 12". It should be almost unnoticeable if done right.

Tejas Gupta
GuestCan you use cement board as a subfloor instead of plywood?
No. You will need actual subfloor (3/4 osb or ply) below the cement board to support it. And you'll only need cement board if you're laying tile. Cement board alone will be far to soft, among other problems.

Johan Dettmar
GuestCan you use cement board for shower walls?
Cement Board and a Sheet Membrane Kerdi can also be installed directly over standard drywall in a shower because, when installed correctly, it creates a continuous waterproof barrier..

Rohan Taneja
GuestDo I need cement board for stone veneer?
Natural stone veneer is heavy and should not be installed over drywall; cement backerboard or masonry applications are recommended.

dippas
GuestDo you have to seal cement board in a tile shower?
Although most backerboards currently available won't fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water-resistant, they aren't waterproof.
To prevent moisture from seeping through to the wood or metal studs beneath the tile, a barrier or sealant must be used on porous materials..

Powers
GuestDo you need plywood under cement board?
The Surface Below the Cement Board Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board.

Anees Hameed
GuestDo you need to waterproof cement board?
Although most backerboards currently available won't fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water-resistant, they aren't waterproof. To prevent moisture from seeping through to the wood or metal studs beneath the tile, a barrier or sealant must be used on porous materials.

Yakk - Adam Nevraumont
GuestDo you need vapor barrier behind cement board?
If it's a cement board, you need a vapor barrier, because cement retains moisture, which means the wood next to it is always damp.

LBushkin
GuestDoes silicone stick to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws. Such as the specific cement board screw.30 Sep 2015

Mark Byers
GuestWhat thickness cement board should I use?
Half-inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs, including walls, floors, countertops, and ceilings.
For flooring, the backer board should be installed over a 5/8-inch thick OSB or plywood base..

zellio
GuestWhat happens to cement board when it gets wet?
Durock and similar cement-based products are designed for uses where it may be exposed to water.
It's not waterproof but it will not disintegrate or lose its strength when wet.
You should allow it dry thoroughly, however, before using it..

kpimov
GuestWhy do people tape cement board seams?
2 Answers. 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. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won't split the center of a tile.

Samathingamajig
GuestWill silicone adhere to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws.

Bjorn
GuestCan you install cement board over drywall?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Rika
GuestIs a vapor barrier necessary behind cement board?
Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall. ... You should NOT place a vapor barrier BEHIND the backer board.

Paul Fultz II
GuestShould I put plastic behind cement board?
No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board. A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is applied to the cement board and allowed to cure. Then, tile is installed over the membrane.

octavioccl
GuestDoes cement board in shower need waterproofing?
“A waterproof membrane or vapor retarder membrane must be specified to prevent moisture intrusion and protect adjacent building materials.” ~B412 Bathtub or shower with prefabricated receptor. Cement board or Fiber-cement board. Ceramic Tile. ... Consult local building code for moisture barrier requirements.”

sighingnow
GuestCan you use 1/4 cement board on floors?
Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment.

Imran
GuestShould I put cement board under tub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

jdi
GuestShould I put Thinset under cement board?
Embed the cement board in latex-modified thin-set mortar The main reason for using thin-set between the cement board and the subfloor isn't as much for bonding as it is for even, void-free cement board support throughout the floor. ... Then spread thinset mortar with the flat side of a 1/4-in.

Marlon Richert
GuestShould you put a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

Tim Roberts
GuestIs Durock cement board waterproof?
Hence the question “Is cement board waterproof?” Well, here's what some manufacturers have to say about waterproofing: PermaBase (National Gypsum): PermaBase PLus is not a water barrier. ... Durock (USG): “If waterproofing is desired, use USG Durock™ Tile Membrane or USG Durock™ Brand Waterproofing Membrane.”

ciekals11
GuestShould you prime cement board before painting?
Using The Proper Materials and Paint- For fiber cement or HardiPlank siding, a very good latex primer should be used to prepare the surface for paint. After your surfaces are primed it is strongly encouraged to use acrylic exterior paint for your home.

Cristian Gomez
GuestShould you waterproof cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used.
...
However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it..

Nadia Chibrikova
GuestCan you leave bags of cement outside?
Cement is highly sensitive to moisture, and it hardens to forms clumps when exposed to water or dampness.
...
The cement bags should be stored in a dry and enclosed structure, protected from rains and moisture and the stacked cement bags should be kept covered with waterproof sheets or tarpaulin..

Smashery
GuestHow much space should be between cement board and tub?
1/4"The backer board should overlap the tub flange so the tile has a stable backing to attach to. This requires shimming the backer board out from the studs so the wall is plumb. There should be a 1/4" gap between the tub ledge and the backer board.

EricLavault
GuestWhere do you put cement board in a bathroom?
Cement backer board is mainly used as a sub-surface for tiling. Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

Sukrit Kalra
GuestIs concrete board waterproof?
As a tile backing board, cement board has better long-term performance than paper-faced gypsum core products because it will not mildew or physically break down in the continued presence of moisture or leaks.
...
Cement board is not waterproof.
It absorbs moisture as well, but it has excellent drying properties..

Chris Dutrow
GuestWhat kind of paint do you use on cement board?
Acrylic paintFor cement boards that have already been primed, 100% acrylic exterior paint is recommended. Acrylic paint is the best choice for cement board. It's especially important if you are working with new cement board to avoid oil-based primer.

Motti
GuestDo you have to put cement board under tile?
In short, tile and grout are not inherently waterproof. ... Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

Daniel Stutzbach
GuestDo you need to waterproof cement board in shower?
Cement board is not waterproof. Hardibacker is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water.

RonC
GuestCan cement board get wet before it's installed?
1 Answer. Durock and similar cement-based products are designed for uses where it may be exposed to water. It's not waterproof but it will not disintegrate or lose its strength when wet. You should allow it dry thoroughly, however, before using it.

Bojangles
GuestDo you have to tape cement board before tiling?
If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. This should not be that difficult. Pack in thinset, lay on the tape, and flat-knife to get it set in. ... If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won't split the center of a tile.

Alan Wells
GuestDoes cement board need to be waterproofed?
Concrete backer-board, once commonly referred to in the field by the brand name Wonderboard(r), is a cement product designed as a sheathing material for walls and floors. ... Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof.

Jacob
GuestHow high should cement board be in shower?
Start installing your boards a quarter inch above the floor, tub, or shower board and caulk accordingly. 2. Fasten cement board with specified nails or screws, a maximum of 8” on center at all supports.