Cement Board Installation - Installing Cement Board

A cement board is an ideal solution for serving as a water proofing base for ceramic tile flooring and walls. It also helps in supporting the overlying tiles, thus increasing their durability. In the process of making cement board, cement and glass fibers are combined in a specific proportion, so as to form a ½ inch or ¼ inch thick solid board. Thin cement board sheets are also available for use in bending surfaces. The size of cement boards may be either 4 x 8 foot sheets or 3 x 5 foot sheets.

If you are planning to remodel the flooring or walls with ceramic tiles, you can consider installing cement boards underneath the tiles for longer durability. As per reviews, cement boards offer more resistivity to water rots in comparison to water resistant gypsum boards. They are highly tolerant to mold and mildew growth, even after prolonged exposure to moisture and water. Let's take a look at the step-by-step procedure for cement board installation.

Guidelines for Installing Cement Boards

As already mentioned, cement boards can be used as base for both flooring and walls. Some homeowners prefer installing cement boards as an exterior finishing to protect their homes from harsh environmental conditions. For installation of cement boards, the sub floor should be smoothened and secured properly. It is best to install cement backer boards over a plywood sub floor. While installing cement boards in the walls, they should be nailed to the studs directly for better securing.

One of the major hurdles for installation of cement boards is transportation of the boards and cutting them to appropriate sizes, as they are quite heavy. According to the dimensions of the floors or walls that you are planning to install and the size of the boards, calculate the number of boards and mark them for cutting. Make sure you leave a space of 1/4 inch - 1/8 inch between two boards. In simple terms, do not place two cement boards adjacent to each other.

After you mark the dimensions properly, you can begin cutting the cement boards accordingly. Since cement boards are thick and hard, cutting should be done using carbide-tipped tools or circular saws. You can make use of old saws for cutting with smooth edges and a chisel for making holes. Also, pre drilling for screws and fasteners should be done prior to installation of the cement boards. Cutting of boards and drilling of holes generate lots of saw dust. Hence, you can complete these tasks outdoors but be sure to wear a protective mask while you do this.

Once you are done with cutting of cement boards and drilling of holes, you can start installation of the cement boards. First of all, make a thin-set tile mortar by mixing dry powder with latex additive as per the guidelines of the manufacturer. An alternative of thin-set mortar preparation is purchasing the premixed type. Apply a layer of thin-set mortar on the surface that you are planning to install cement boards. You can spread the mortar uniformly by using a notched trowel.

The next step is to install the cement boards over the mortar bed. Lay the cement boards as per your plan, leaving a space between two boards. You can start laying boards from the center and go outwards. Secure the cement boards by fastening with cement board screws in the pre drilled holes. Ensure that the boards are tightly secured to the underlying sub floor. Fasten the screws in such a way that the heads are not protruding above the board surface. For covering the seams, you can apply seam tape.

This is a brief guideline on how to install cement backer boards. Though the initial cost of cement board installation is more expensive than other waterproofing bases, it usually lasts for many decades.