Tillie Doyle
Hardiebacker is a popular choice for a shower wall substrate. It is a cement backerboard that is relatively easy to install and is also environmentally safe as it contains no asbestos or formaldehyde. While it is not entirely waterproof, it is dimensionally stable when wet, meaning it does not swell up. This is an advantage as any swelling behind tiles can lead to cracking grout and tiles. Before installing a Hardiebacker board in a shower pan, it is important to level and smooth out any imperfections in the flooring. This can be done using cement backer board adhesive or an equivalent product.
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What You'll Learn
Hardiebacker is not waterproof
Hardiebacker is a popular choice for a shower wall substrate. While Hardiebacker is not waterproof, it is dimensionally stable when wet. That means that when it gets wet, it does not swell up. This is an advantage because any swelling behind the tile can lead to cracking grout and tiles.
However, Hardiebacker is water-permeable, meaning that it will not stop moisture from entering the wall cavity. This can lead to mould and moisture build-up behind the Hardiebacker. Therefore, it is recommended to install a vapour barrier between the Hardiebacker and the wooden wall studs to prevent moisture from reaching them. The preferred material for a vapour barrier is 4 mil or thicker plastic sheeting, which can be purchased at hardware stores.
Alternatively, the face of the backerboard can be waterproofed with a product such as Redgard or Proguard HDG, in which case a vapour barrier is not necessary. However, some sources suggest that waterproofing the face of the backerboard with a product may cause thinset to not adhere properly.
It is important to note that while Hardiebacker is not waterproof, it does provide superior protection against moisture damage and mould growth and is backed by a limited lifetime product warranty.
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The benefits of using Hardiebacker
Installing cement backerboards is a popular choice for a shower wall substrate. Hardiebacker is a type of cement backerboard that can be used in showers. Here are some benefits of using Hardiebacker:
Durability
Hardiebacker is a durable material that can last for many years when installed properly. It is made of cellulose fiber and cement, with the fiber content being less than 15%. While it is not entirely waterproof, it is dimensionally stable when wet, meaning it does not swell up. This is important because any swelling behind tiles can lead to cracking grout and tiles.
Ease of Installation
Hardiebacker is relatively easy to install. It can be cut and shaped easily with a tile saw or an oscillating tool to fit around obstacles in the shower pan, such as faucet holes or uneven tiles. It can be fastened to the framing with galvanized roofing nails, but screws are generally preferred, especially those manufactured by Hardie with ribs beneath the head to help with cutting and sinking.
Safety
Hardiebacker is an environmentally safe option as it contains no asbestos or formaldehyde, meaning no harmful chemicals are released during the cutting and installation process.
Waterproofing
While Hardiebacker is not entirely waterproof, it can be used as part of a waterproofing system. It is resistant to mould and mildew growth, which is important in wet areas like showers. To ensure effective waterproofing, a vapor barrier must be installed between the Hardiebacker and the wooden wall studs to prevent moisture from reaching them. This can be done with plastic sheeting or a waterproofing membrane.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hardiebacker bridges the gap between expense and effectiveness. It is a more affordable option compared to other backer boards, while still providing durability and stability.
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Installation tips
Hardiebacker is a popular choice for a shower wall substrate. While it is not entirely waterproof, it is dimensionally stable when wet and will not swell up, which can lead to cracking grout and tiles.
- Level and screed out any imperfections in the flooring before installing the backer board.
- Fill in any large cracks with cement backer board adhesive or an equivalent product.
- You can either apply adhesive directly to the back of the backer board or to the shower pan before installing it. If using standard screws, apply adhesive to the back of the boards; if using thinset, apply adhesive beforehand.
- Ensure the boards are straight and line them up with adjacent boards. If using thinset, smooth out any ridges before they dry completely.
- Fill in any noticeable cracks or gaps between the backer boards before installing the shower pan.
- Use a tile saw to cut the edges of the boards to fit around any obstacles in the shower pan, such as faucet holes or uneven tiles. Alternatively, use an oscillating tool with a fine blade to score the board and snap it into place.
- Apply grout over the boards before they cure completely.
- Fasten the backerboard to the framing using galvanized roofing nails or screws. If using screws, Hardie makes specific screws for their backer board with ribs beneath the head to help it cut into the board.
- Ensure there is a vapour barrier between the backer board and the wooden wall studs to prevent moisture from reaching them. Use 4 mil or thicker plastic sheeting as a vapour barrier.
- Tape the seams of the Hardiebacker as per the installation instructions.
- If using a topical membrane (e.g., Redgard or Kerdi), install the backer board before forming the pan mud.
- Run the backer board under the shower pan to ensure full coverage with no seams.
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The importance of waterproofing
Hardiebacker is a popular choice for a shower wall substrate due to its effectiveness and affordability. While it is not entirely waterproof, it is dimensionally stable when wet, meaning it does not swell up. This is an important feature as any swelling behind tiles can lead to cracked grout and tiles.
To ensure that your shower is properly waterproofed, it is essential to install a vapour barrier between the Hardiebacker and the wooden wall studs. While the Hardiebacker will not swell when wet, the wall studs will, so it is crucial to prevent moisture from reaching them. Plastic sheeting of 4 mil or thicker can be used as a vapour barrier, which can be purchased at hardware stores.
Additionally, waterproofing the shower pan itself is crucial. Shower pans are thin layers of waterproof material that prevent water from passing through and need to be properly installed and levelled. Filling in any noticeable cracks or gaps between the backer boards with grout is important to ensure overall waterproofing.
Some people also choose to add an extra layer of waterproofing with products such as Redgard or Kerdi, which are waterproofing membranes. These products can provide an additional layer of protection and help ensure that your shower is fully waterproofed.
Waterproofing is essential in shower installations to prevent water damage and the growth of mould and mildew. By using the proper materials and techniques, you can ensure that your shower is properly waterproofed and will last for many years.
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Alternative products
While Hardiebacker is a popular choice for a shower pan substrate, it is not the only option available. Here are some alternative products that can be used:
- Durock: Durock is a cement backerboard similar to Hardiebacker in terms of functionality and effectiveness. It offers durability and dimensional stability when exposed to moisture, preventing swelling and the issues that come with it, such as cracking grout and tiles. Durock is a suitable alternative for those seeking a long-lasting solution for their shower construction.
- Fiberboard: Fiberboard is another popular cement backerboard option. Like Hardiebacker, it is dimensionally stable when wet and does not swell. This quality makes it a preferred choice to prevent tile and grout damage caused by moisture absorption. Fiberboard can be fastened to the shower framing using galvanized roofing nails or screws, depending on your preference.
- Wonderboard: Wonderboard is a cement backerboard that falls into the same category as Hardiebacker and Durock. It offers a cost-effective solution without compromising effectiveness. Wonderboard provides durability and dimensional stability, ensuring that your shower construction remains intact for many years.
- Redgard/Aquadefense: These products are not cement backerboards but are worth mentioning as they serve a similar purpose. Redgard and Aquadefense are protective coatings that can be painted onto surfaces adjacent to the shower, such as drywall, CBU, or the subfloor. They help safeguard against water splashes and moisture, making them valuable additions to your shower installation.
When considering alternatives to Hardiebacker, it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturers of these products. Each product may have unique installation requirements, so be sure to consult their websites or seek advice from professionals or hardware stores for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hardiebacker can be used as a shower pan. It is a popular choice due to its ease of installation and waterproofing capabilities. It is also environmentally safe, as it contains no asbestos or formaldehyde.
Hardiebacker is a smooth backer board that is resistant to mould and mildew growth, making it ideal for use in bathrooms. It is also dimensionally stable when wet, meaning it does not swell up, which can lead to cracking grout and tiles.
To install a Hardiebacker shower pan, you must first level and screed out any imperfections in the flooring. If there are large cracks, fill them with cement backer board adhesive before laying down the boards. You can either apply adhesive directly to the back of the backer board or to the shower pan. If using standard screws, apply adhesive to the back of the boards, but if using a thinset option, apply adhesive beforehand. Ensure the boards are straight and line them up with adjacent boards.
