Marianne Martinez
Cement board is the cheapest backer board for showers and can be used in conjunction with RedGard, a liquid membrane applied to substrates with a paint roller, to create a waterproof barrier. RedGard is especially useful if you are installing subway tile showers, as the smaller the tile, the flatter the backer board needs to be. However, it is important to note that RedGard should not be used over drywall in shower areas. Additionally, when using RedGard, it is imperative that you do not install plastic behind your walls, as this would create two waterproof membranes with your substrate between them, potentially trapping moisture and leading to mould.
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What You'll Learn
RedGard waterproofing can be applied to cement boards
Before applying RedGard, it is important to dampen the area where it will be applied lightly. This is especially important for porous substrates like cement boards. Use a bucket of water and a sponge, taking special care to dampen the corners of the cement board as this is where you want the RedGard to adhere. You can use a good roller that won't shed into the RedGard. The first application should be put on vertically, and a paintbrush can be used for areas that are unreachable with the roller. Pay close attention to applying a good coat to all the corners and spaces adjacent to the tub since these are the areas that water likes to penetrate the most.
Let the first coat of RedGard dry until the panels appear red. This can take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. When the first coat appears red and is no longer tacky, apply the second coat horizontally to the first. RedGard has to fully cure before being tiled over. A polymer-modified thin-set that meets or exceeds ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 should be used to set tiles.
RedGard is not necessary if you are using a pre-formed shower pan with cement boards. However, it is important to seal the grout. If you are using drywall in shower areas, RedGard should not be applied per the technical data sheet.
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RedGard is a liquid membrane applied with a paint roller
RedGard is specifically designed as a membrane for tile and other materials in wet locations, and its properties are formulated for adhesion with typical mortars. It is an effective way to prevent water penetration in shower walls. However, opinions vary on whether it is necessary to use RedGard with cement boards. Some sources suggest that cement board and tile installations do not require additional waterproofing. In contrast, others advocate for the use of RedGard to ensure adequate moisture protection.
It is worth mentioning that proper installation of cement and fiber-cement backers in wet areas requires the use of a membrane, according to the Tile Council of North America Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation. This membrane can be in the form of RedGard or other similar products. Additionally, it is important to seal the backerboard seams with fibreglass mesh drywall tape to ensure a proper installation.
When using RedGard, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to fully cure before tiling over it. A polymer-modified thin-set that meets or exceeds specific ANSI ratings should be used for setting the tiles. RedGard is an effective waterproofing solution, but it is important to consider the specific requirements of your project and consult multiple sources and experts before making a decision.
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RedGard should not be used over drywall in shower areas
RedGard is a liquid membrane applied to substrates with a paint roller. It is easy to apply and can be used to waterproof cement boards. However, RedGard should not be used over drywall in shower areas. This is because drywall is not suitable for use as a substrate for tile in wet areas.
The Tile Council of North America recommends the use of a membrane in wet areas when installing cement and fibre-cement backers. RedGard can be used as a membrane in this context, but it should not be applied over drywall.
If you are using foam backer boards like KERDI-BOARD, then RedGard is not required. This is because these boards are faster to install and are already water-resistant.
It is important to properly prepare the surface before applying RedGard. The area where it will be applied should be dampened lightly, especially the corners of the cement board where you want the RedGard to adhere.
RedGard should be applied with a roller that won't shed, such as a Purdy roller. A paintbrush can be used for areas that are unreachable with the roller. Two coats are recommended, with enough time to dry between coats. The drying time depends on temperature and humidity.
In summary, while RedGard is an effective waterproofing product for cement boards in shower areas, it should not be used over drywall. Alternative backer boards, such as KERDI-BOARD, can be used instead and do not require RedGard.
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RedGard must be fully cured before being tiled over
RedGard is a liquid membrane applied to substrates with a paint roller. It is used to waterproof cement boards in showers. It is easy to apply and can be painted on with a roller or a paintbrush. However, it is important to note that RedGard should not be used over drywall in shower areas.
Before applying RedGard, it is recommended to dampen the area where it will be applied, especially the corners of the cement board, as this is where you want the RedGard to adhere. The first coat of RedGard should be applied vertically, and the second coat should be applied horizontally. The drying time for RedGard depends on temperature and humidity, typically taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
After the RedGard has dried, it is important to allow it to fully cure before tiling over it. This is because the bond between the mortar and tile will only be as strong as the RedGard membrane. A polymer-modified thin-set that meets or exceeds ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 should be used to set the tiles.
It is also important to note that RedGard is not the only option for waterproofing a shower pan. Other options include using a pre-formed shower pan, such as the KBRS pre-formed shower pan, or using a waterproofing membrane such as the Laticrete Hydroban waterproofing membrane. Additionally, some people choose to use plastic barriers or silicone to waterproof their shower pans.
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RedGard is not necessary but provides extra protection
RedGard is a liquid membrane applied to substrates with a paint roller that can be used to waterproof cement boards. It is not necessary to use RedGard on cement boards, but it provides extra protection.
RedGard is specifically designed as a membrane for tile in wet locations, and its properties are formulated for adhesion with typical mortars. It is easy to apply, and one gallon can cover 110 square feet per coat. However, it should not be used over drywall in shower areas.
If you are installing subway tile showers, it is important to ensure that the backer board is flat, as the smaller the tile, the flatter the backer board needs to be. Before applying RedGard, it is important to dampen the area where it will be applied, especially the corners of the cement board, as this is where you want the RedGard to adhere.
There are alternative methods to waterproof a shower pan, such as using a pre-formed/pre-sloped shower pan with a curb and then installing a waterproofing membrane and joint tape. However, if you are using cement boards, RedGard can provide additional protection against water penetration and help prevent mould and mildew problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use cement board and RedGard for a shower pan.
RedGard is a liquid membrane applied to substrates with a paint roller. It is recommended to use a roller that won't shed, such as a Purdy roller. The first coat should be applied vertically and then left to dry for 1-1.5 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Once dry, apply a second coat horizontally.
Yes, you can apply RedGard to the cement board before hanging it. However, you should hit the filled seams and screws as soon as a panel is ready to give it time to set up.
Alternatives to RedGard include using plastic or silicone, or other products such as KERDI-BOARD, Kerdi, or Hydroban.
The use of RedGard is not mandatory, but it is recommended as an extra layer of protection against water damage.
