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Velvet Digest

Does Hardie board need to be waterproofed?

Author

William Brown

Updated on June 04, 2026

In fact, it can be submersed under water indfinitely and maintain its structural integrity. However, when a product is characterized as "water resistant," it means it is impermeable, able to repel water. Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof.

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Keeping this in consideration, does cement board need to be waterproofed?

“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. Consult local building code for moisture barrier requirements.”

Likewise, can you use Hardie board in shower? Foam Tile Backer Boards There are some big advantages to these panels for showers: They are lightweight and don't damage the walls as you carry them into the house and upstairs. They are really easy to cut and the board itself is waterproof.

Also question is, does Hardie backer board need waterproofing?

cement backer board is not waterproof,but water cant hurt it,even when soaked in water for months or even years

Do you need to seal cement board before tiling?

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.

Related Question Answers

Do 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.

Can I use deck screws for cement board?

There are screws made for concrete board. Bugle head like drywall screws but they are coated to resist corrosion and have sufficient strength to support the board. The heads are larger than deck screws or drywall screws, too. Rona, HD, HH will all have them.

Can Hardie get wet before installing?

original packaging. James Hardie siding and trim products must be kept dry at all times prior to installation. If products become saturated before they are installed, the following problems may occur: OPEN JOINTS DUE TO SHRINKAGE If installed wet, joints between planks may open up requiring repair or replacement.

What's better Hardie board or durock?

Durock is a reliable cement product that contains glass mesh. It is the heavier of the two materials, which means it is more difficult to use and maneuver. HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it.

Which side of cement board faces out?

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.

Does Hardie board absorb water?

Hardie siding does a great job of wicking moisture when it is installed on the wall, but when it's uncovered and flat on the ground it will absorb water. Luckily, it takes lots of water to saturate Hardie products! It's no problem for a contractor to install James Hardie products in light rain.

Do I need redguard on Hardibacker?

As long as it's Cement Board & not some crappy "almost" cement board stuff. You really don't need the RedGard, but the more protection the betterso go for it. And yes, you can do the boards beforehand. But, hit the filled seams & screws (your weak points) as soon as a panel is ready to give it some time to setup.

What kind of Thinset do you use for Hardibacker?

To save a few bucks, you can use dry-set mortar under Hardi, but if you want to simplify things and deal with only one thinset, use a modified thinset like 253 Gold for both applications. Rialto is a porcelain tile that has deep depressions on the back.

Can Hardie board be used outside?

HardieBacker®500 Cement Board may also be used in exterior wall applications as a backer board for exterior tile, slate, marble, stone, thin brick and manufactured stone in any type of construction under the 2009 IBC, and in buildings constructed under the 2009 IRC.

Which side of Hardibacker goes up?

Either is acceptable, but we recommend that the smooth side with the nailing pattern of every 8" on center go up.

Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?

Prepping for shower tile is different than the prepping for tile on drywall. A shower is considered a wet application, so you need to waterproof the foundation, which you'll learn how to do in these instructions. After the waterproofing step, the instructions are the same as if you were installing tile on drywall.

Does Hardibacker need Thinset?

The installation manual for HardieBacker suggests to embed it in thin-set and it should be installed over plywood. Thus I would suggest removing the current wood planks flooring, install a 3/4" outdoor grade plywood, thinset and then your HardieBacker (screwed down). You do not need to tape or thinset.

Can you install 2 layers of Hardie board?

You can use 1/2" cement board on the floor if you want to. If you want the floor height higher, then use a layer of plywood first, then add a layer of cement board.

Is grout waterproof?

Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.

Is Hardie board fireproof?

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".

Is Thinset waterproof?

Thinset is designed to adhere well in a thin layer that's typically not greater than 3/16″ thick. Although thin-set is not waterproof, it is isn't water soluble. When moisture is present, it will not return to a liquefied state as mastic would.

What is the best material to use for shower walls?

Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as two days. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.

Do I need to waterproof cement board in shower?

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.

Should you insulate behind interior shower walls?

The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.