Best answer
While you don't always need to seal backer board, it sometimes make sense to do so. If you are installing backer board in an area that will be subject to a great amount of moisture, like in a shower, then it makes sense to put a waterproofing sealer on it.
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 concrete planters need to be sealed?
To maximize its life and protect it from the elements, it is recommended that you seal your concrete planter. Before proceeding to apply your sealer, you will need to vigorously clean your concrete planter.
Do you need to plaster plasterboard before painting?
2 Answers from MyBuilder Painters & Decorators Definitely make shure your plasterboard is sealed properly prior to painting. Give the walls a light sand and mistcoat with a mix of Matt emulsion and clean water. There is no difference to painting plaster board to skimmed surfaces.
Do you need to prime cement board before tiling?
Do I need to prime HardieBacker® board before I tile onto it? No. HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling.
How does cement tile hold up?
To hold up properly, cement tiles must be sealed with several coats of penetrating sealer during installation. Sealer must then be reapplied periodically, as cement tile surfaces tend to be very porous without sealing.
Do cement roof tiles need to be sealed?
Like all concrete and natural stone, cement tiles are porous. When installing cement tiles, whether on a floor or wall, they must be sealed before and after grouting to prevent the grout staining the tile.
Do concrete roof tiles need sealing?
No, concrete tiles do not need to be re-sealed, the process is entirely optional. ... The pitch of the roof and the way tiles overlap means water cannot seep through them directly.
Do you have to use thinset under cement board?
No Thinset underneath the backer board “The thinset goes ON TOP of the cement board to stick the tiles!” ... Cement board is a different product and it needs to be installed in its own way. Additionally, screws don't take the place of thinset either.
Related Question Answers

Rémi Rousselet
ProfessorDo 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.

crayxt
ProfessorIs cement board considered non combustible?
Yes, HardieBacker® 1/4" Cement Board is deemed noncombustible when tested to ASTM E 136 and can be used in conjunction with other noncombustible materials around a fireplace.
This does not mean that clearances to combustible building materials can be reduced by using HardieBacker 1/4"..

Ynetter
ProfessorDo you need to seal a concrete table?
Because concrete is naturally porous, concrete countertops should always be sealed to protect them from food stains, scratches and water absorption..

dbush
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.

Matthew Abbott
ProfessorDo concrete tiles need to be sealed?
Because cement (or concrete) tiles are porous like natural stone it's generally a good idea to seal them so they are more resistant to staining. A sealer is a liquid applied to cement tiles (and porous natural stones) to help prevent staining from water and oils.

Roméo Després
ProfessionalDo 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.

Shyju M
ProfessionalDo 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.

Mostafa
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.

Brian G
ProfessionalDoes it matter which side of cement board faces out?
Screw the board in place Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

Don McCurdy
ProfessionalDoes mortar stick to cement board?
Cement backer board is commonly used to form a base for ceramic tile. ... Because cement backer board is porous, thinset, grout, and mortar adhere well to it. Backer boards can be nailed or screwed into studs or cinderblock, brick mortar, or concrete.

skirtle
UserCan concrete be painted after it is sealed?
Once a concrete surface has been cleaned, sealed, and primed, it is ready for paint.
There are specific paint products called masonry paint, that are created for painting concrete.
You will also need to invest in brushes designed for this type of product, which can be found at most hardware stores..

Richard Garside
UserCan 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.

Stefan Svrkota
UserCan 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.

Xan
UserCan you're tile over old cement board?
Undamaged cement backer board does not need to be replaced.
If tile has not been attached directly to the backer board, and it has not been dented or punctured, it can be reused without any special preparation..

AChampion
UserDo concrete expansion joints need to be sealed?
Expansion joints must be sealed with a flexible sealant, like QUIKRETE® Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant or QUIKRETE® Non-Sag Polyurethane Sealant…or an expansion joint strip, to prevent water from penetrating the joint and deteriorating the sub-base.

Danail Petrov
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.

Yash Maheshwari
GuestDo poured concrete walls need insulation?
Do Concrete Walls Need to Be Insulated? Some contractors add foam insulation in the concrete form before pouring the cement while others add rigid board-type insulation on the exterior of the concrete after it hardens. However your basement walls are constructed, you'll likely want to insulate them.

Ira Baxter
GuestDo you have to replace cement board under tile?
Undamaged cement backer board does not need to be replaced.
...
It is difficult to remove tile from a cement backer board, and even more difficult to avoid damaging the board in the process.
Since backer board is relatively inexpensive, it's not normally worth the time and labor it would take to remove the tile to save it..

PaulMcG
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.

Oliver Charlesworth
GuestDo you need Thinset under cement board?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners.
And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete..

RomainValeri
GuestDo you need to seal a cement driveway?
Sealing the driveway yearly can lead to unsightly hairline cracks and peeling. And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life.

Piotr P. Karwasz
GuestDo you need to seal plaster before tiling?
Yes, the plaster needs to be sealed as it is very porous and will suck the moisture out of the tile adhesive before it has time to 'grab' properly.

Ramis
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.

Roophie
GuestDoes cement backer board burn?
The backer board will burn out eventually. You also need to build an insulated heat riser for best performance. A bell around/over the heat riser cannot be cement board as the heat in parts of that will be much too intense.

thelatemail
GuestDoes cement board need to be painted?
Get the Timing Right. As a low maintenance material, fiber cement siding doesn't require frequent painting. If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don't need to worry about painting it when it's time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation.

Suren Srapyan
GuestDoes concrete stain need to be sealed?
Do I Have To Seal Concrete We typically recommend sealing and waxing floors on any kind, but it is especially important for interior staining or any exterior areas that are high traffic. ... While protecting the floor from damage and making cleaning and maintenance of the floors substantially easier and less expensive.

Jonas Byström
GuestDoes Loctite Power Grab work on cement board?
It will bond to drywall, plaster, vinyl cove base, polystyrene, polyurethane foam covings, PVC (rigid plastic), stainless steel, glass, wood, plywood, stone, brick, concrete, chip board, ceramics, foam board, cork, and carpet.

Michael Berkowski
GuestDoes new plaster need sealing before painting?
Newly plastered walls/ceilings always need to be suitably sealed before painting begins (otherwise the paint will sit on the surface & come off very easily). If the plasterer has 'over polished' the walls, this latter option will be the best, as the plaster will not allow the mist coat to seep in & adhere properly.

Tom Anderson
GuestDoes polished concrete need to be sealed?
While small-scale pits or imperfections refract light, highly polished concrete reflects it. Ideally, polished concrete should be scratch-free and have a surface texture without abrasion points. Therefore, these properly polished floors would not rely upon a sealant to produce its gloss.

Arpit Aggarwal
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

GateKiller
GuestDoes stained concrete need to be sealed?
Do I Have To Seal Concrete We typically recommend sealing and waxing floors on any kind, but it is especially important for interior staining or any exterior areas that are high traffic. Sealing and waxing floors greatly enhances the colors, look and luster.

Elias Van Ootegem
GuestDoes stamped concrete need to be sealed?
Why You Should Seal Stamped Concrete. ... A sealer will improve the appearance of stamped concrete, prevent fading caused by UV rays and protect it from stains and harmful chemicals. Sealing after new concrete has cured and every few years for existing concrete is recommended.

Roman R.
GuestCan I pour concrete over sprinkler lines?
Laying concrete over sprinkler lines is possible but requires homeowners to do extra steps beyond concrete preparation. Sprinkler pipes will need to be recessed into trenches in the ground and sprinkler heads will need to be sealed if they are no longer used.

Woody Pride
GuestDoes concrete board burn?
The backer board will burn out eventually. You also need to build an insulated heat riser for best performance. ... You want to use brick or other heat resistant thick masonry for the bells. A bell around/over the heat riser cannot be cement board as the heat in parts of that will be much too intense.

Matteo NNZ
GuestDo I need cement board for kitchen backsplash?
But for a tile backsplash, if your wall is good and plumb, without any major ridges or problems, you don't always need to use a backer board, often you can just apply thinset to the walls and put your tiles in place.

Jakub Kukul
GuestDo you put cement board under bathtub?
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.

Rex M
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.

RichardTheKiwi
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.”

Big Money
GuestDo cement planters need to be sealed?
Do Concrete Planters Need To Be Sealed? Concrete pots only need to be sealed if you are growing a plant in the pot that needs more acidic soil. You see, concrete contains lime which can cause the soil to become alkaline.

Sirko
GuestDo you need to seal concrete pots?
Do Concrete Planters Need To Be Sealed.
Concrete pots only need to be sealed if you are growing a plant in the pot that needs more acidic soil.
You see, concrete contains lime which can cause the soil to become alkaline.
This is a good environment for succulents, but many plants will not be happy in this soil..

AhmetB - Google
GuestCan I reuse cement backer board?
Undamaged cement backer board does not need to be replaced. If tile has not been attached directly to the backer board, and it has not been dented or punctured, it can be reused without any special preparation.

Ben P.
GuestDo I need plywood under cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB).

Josh Lee
GuestHow long does Thinset take to dry on cement board?
This is normally 12 hours but may be up to 24 hours in some cases. After the mortar is dry the backer board is ready to receive the mortar for the tile.

Powers
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.

Khemraj Sharma
GuestIs cement board considered non-combustible?
Yes, HardieBacker® 1/4" Cement Board is deemed noncombustible when tested to ASTM E 136 and can be used in conjunction with other noncombustible materials around a fireplace. This does not mean that clearances to combustible building materials can be reduced by using HardieBacker 1/4".

Florian Loitsch
GuestWhat do you use to seal cement board when tiling?
The thin-set is a cement-based powder that you mix with water or latex additive to form a thick paste, which is used to seal the seams in the board and can also be used to set the tile. Finally, you'll need an 8 x 12-ft. piece of 4-mil plastic sheeting and some straight 2x4s.

David Cullen
GuestWhat can I cover concrete walls with?
Any gaps or cracks in your concrete floor and walls need to be sealed with cement. Special concrete coatings or a polyethylene membrane can also be applied as a barrier.

Tamas Hegedus
GuestDoes aggregate concrete need sealing?
Generally speaking, aggregate driveways need to be re-sealed once every two years. For commercial premises which see a lot of traffic, more frequent re-sealing may be required.

Don P
GuestDo you need to seal cement tiles?
Like natural stones, cement tiles are porous and therefore need to be sealed to avoid staining. Penetrating sealers coat the cement particles in the tile making it less likely they will retain stains. Topical sealers create a barrier on the surface of the tile so that stains do not reach the cement.

Matthias J. Sax
GuestDo cement tiles need to be sealed?
Like natural stones, cement tiles are porous and therefore need to be sealed to avoid staining. Penetrating sealers coat the cement particles in the tile making it less likely they will retain stains. Topical sealers create a barrier on the surface of the tile so that stains do not reach the cement.