HardieBacker installation guide

We have put together a HardieBacker installation guide for you. HardieBacker boards are the tiling backer board of choice when superior performance is required. Providing the best protection against moisture damage, Hardie Backer can be used no matter how damp or wet an area gets. When traditional materials such as plywood or plasterboard would break or disintegrate, HardieBacker stands the tests of time and will create a job which will last.HardieBacker

Available in both 6mm and 12mm thicknesses, they are suitable for all jobs. The 6mm is more commonly used on the floor and the 12mm on the walls although the 12mm can be used on the floor when extra height is needed.

Working perfectly with all types of tile or natural stone flooring, resisting rot, swelling and warping when exposed to moisture due to the use of MouldBlock technology. It also boasts fire resistant properties making it the ideal choice of panelling behind a boiler or a wood burning stove.

As with everything how you install things are key so follow these steps  to make sure your job is done right.HardieBacker

  1. Ensure subfloor is structurally sound, replace any loose, warped or damaged sections.
  2. Use a minimum of 15mm plywood or 18mm chipboard, ensure the floor satisfies building regulations.
  3. Determine the layout of HardieBacker, joints all need to be staggered in a broken or brick bond pattern. Do not align with subfloor joints and never allow all four corners of boards to meet at one point.
  4. Leave a 3mm gap between floor and wall edges and any vanity units, cupboards etc. Fill gaps with a quality bathroom sealant.
  5. Score and snap the boards to the required size and make necessary cut outs.HardieBacker

For floor application:

  1. Apply a gap filling bed of non-flexible adhesive using a 6mm notched trowel, embed HardieBacker with a sliding motion firmly and evenly.
  2. Using the EZ Grid fastener pattern as a guide, fasten the HardieBacker with specified nails or screws every 200mm over the surface. Keep fixings 15mm from edges and 50mm from corners.
  3. Use 50mm alkaline resistant Fibatape to tape across the joints prior to tiling to seal the joints.HardieBacker

For wall application:

  1. Install the 12mm HardieBacker to framing according to building regulations regarding vapour barrier requirements.
  2. Use HardieBacker screws or 30mm galvanised roofing nails when using timber studs.
  3. Install the boards 6mm above the floor, bath and shower tray, these floor and wall joints need to be filled with a 6mm bead of high quality wet area sealant.
  4. As above keep screws 15mm from edges & 50mm from corners then tape the joints prior to tiling using Fibatape.HardieBacker

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