durock cement board

Types of Durock Cement Board

Durock cement board is a construction material used in tile backing or flooring. It is also known as cement board because it is composed of cement and fiberglass mesh. Durock boards provide a flat and stable surface for tiles, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. These boards are not affected by moisture, making them a suitable underlayment for tiles. They are durable and help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Durock boards come in different sizes and types to suit various construction needs. Below are the types of Durock cement boards:

• Durock Next Gen Cement Board with EdgeGuard:

  This cement board is designed for maximum durability and ease of use. It features a unique EdgeGuard technology that offers superior strength at the edges. This board is resistant to mold and mildew and provides an excellent substrate for tile adhesion. Durock Next Gen is popular for its lightweight design, which facilitates easy handling and installation. The board comes in different sizes, such as 3×5 feet and 4×8 feet, with varying thicknesses, including 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch.

• Durock cement board:

  This is the original type of Durock cement board. It is made with durable and long-lasting cement. The boards are reinforced with fiberglass mesh to provide strength and stability. The Durock cement board is designed for high-performance tile installation in wet and dry locations. It protects areas prone to moisture from damage. Unlike the Next Gen board, this board is heavier but offers a more traditional cement board option for tile installers.

• Durock shower System:

  The Durock shower system is purpose-built for creating watertight, durable, and mold-resistant shower areas. It includes components like shower walls, floors, and pre-sloped shower pan. This system simplifies the construction of showers by providing a complete, integrated solution. It ensures there are stable and leak-proof surfaces for water flow. The Durock shower system is popular among contractors for its efficiency and reliability.

Functions and features of Durock cement board

The primary function of Durock cement board is to serve as a stable substrate for tile, stone, and other finishes in wet and dry areas. It provides a solid, dimensionally stable foundation that helps prevent cracks in the finished surface. Its features include:

• Moisture Resistance

  The Durock cement board is constructed with embedded fiberglass mesh in the front and a polymer coating. This feature makes it waterproof. Therefore, it is ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and backsplashes.

• Dimensionally Stable

  Durock cement board does not expand or contract with changes in temperature or humidity. This stability helps maintain a flat, crack-free surface for tiles and other finishes.

• Durability

  Durock cement board is made of cement and fiberglass. It is tough and resistant to impact and abrasion. This durability makes it suitable for high-traffic and high-abrasion areas, such as commercial kitchens and laundry rooms.

• Tile Adhesion

  The Durock cement board surface is optimized for tile adhesion. It features fibrous mesh and a smooth coating that helps tiles bond securely without the risk of delamination or cracking.

• Fire Resistance

  This cement board has a high melting point. Its construction contains no flammable materials. Therefore, it is classified as a non-combustible material.

• Screw and Nail Holding Capacity

  Durock cement board is made of cement. It has a high density that can securely hold screws and nails. This feature allows for the attachment of additional components, such as backing boards or wood frames, without the risk of pullout.

• Easy to Cut and Install

  The Durock cement board can be easily cut to size with a utility knife. It can be installed quickly and efficiently using screws designed for cement board.

• Compatibility with Various Finishes

  Durock cement board can be used with a wide range of finishes, including ceramic tiles, stone, stucco, and acrylic showers. This versatility makes it a preferred choice for contractors and builders in residential and commercial construction.

Scenarios of durock cement board

• Outdoor Furniture Construction

  The Durock cement board is used as an element in the making of outdoor furniture like benches, tables, and storage units. These boards are ideal for this application as they are water-resistant and durable, hence preventing rusting or decay of the furniture.

• Building Signage

  Cement boards are also used in constructing outdoor signage. Their durability, waterproofing, and resistance to deterioration make them ideal for creating directional signs, brand names, and informational signs.

• Construction of Planters Boxes

  Cement boards can be used to create planter boxes for trees and flowers. Their durability ensures that they can withstand the pressure from the soil, while their waterproofing prevents rot.

• Sheathing for Walls and Ceilings

  Durock cement boards are used as sheathing for walls and ceilings. Their lightweight nature makes the construction easy, while their durability ensures the walls and ceilings last for a long time. Their flat surface is also ideal for painting and finishing.

• Fireplaces Surrounds and Backs

  These boards can be used as surrounds and backs for fireplaces. Their high thermal resistance makes them an excellent choice for preventing heat transfer. In addition, their flat surface allows for easy finishing, improving the aesthetic value of a space.

• Backer Board for Tiles

  These boards provide a solid and stable surface for tile installation in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Their waterproofing prevents moisture buildup, while their flat surface ensures even tile installation.

How to Choose Durock Cement Board

• Assess the Project Requirements

  First, determine if the project involves walls or floors. There are different cement boards for walls and floors. Also, check the area where the board will be used. Is it a wet area like a shower or bathtub surround? Wet areas need boards with better moisture resistance.

• Evaluate the Quality and Performance

  Look for durock boards with good quality and performance. Check if the board is durable and impact-resistant. A durable board can withstand bumps without breaking. A waterproof durock cement board is crucial for cementing tiles in wet areas like showers. A waterproof board prevents mold and mildew by stopping moisture.

• Consider Ease of Installation

  Choose durock boards that are easy to install. Some boards have features that simplify the installation process. Look for boards with quick fastening options. These boards reduce the time and effort needed to install. Also, consider boards with lightweight designs. Lightweight boards are easy to handle during installation.

• Compatibility with Tiles and Adhesives

  The right durock board is compatible with the tiles and adhesives used in the project. Check if the board works well with the types of tiles planned to be used. Some boards are better suited for specific tile materials.

• Long-Term Performance

  Choose durock boards that deliver long-term value. Look for boards that are backed by reputable brands. Well-known brands offer assurance through quality and performance. Consider the board's lifespan, too. A durable board may cost more, but it lasts longer and cuts out replacement costs.

Durock Cement Board Q&A

Q: What is the difference between cement board and gypsum board?

A: Cement board is made exactly like it sounds: cement (concrete) with fiberglass mesh inside it. Gypsum board has gypsum (plaster) in a cardboard box. The gypsum board is much lighter but has many limitations. Cement board is more waterproof, fireproof, and mold-proof than gypsum board.

Q: Is cement board really waterproof?

A: No. Cement board is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant. It will not break down when exposed to moisture, like drywall or gypsum board. Cement board is used as a tile backer because it will not deteriorate when wet.

Q: Does Durock need to be sealed?

A: Yes and No. The seam must be taped and finished with thin-set mortar to create a monolithic surface that tile and grout can bond to. The surface of the cement board does not need to be sealed. The boards themselves are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. The thin-set and tile/grout act as a waterproof barrier.

Q: Can Durock be used on floors?

A: Yes. Durock can be used on floors and walls. When installing on floors, make sure to use the appropriate fasteners. Use the screws designed for cement board installation. These screws have a special coating that prevents rust.

Q: How thick is Durock cement board?

A: Durock boards are available in two thicknesses: half an inch and five-eighths of an inch. The boards are the same thickness. The screws are just different lengths. The boards have a front side that is smooth and a rough back side. The smooth side is called the embedding side.