Cement board is a strong building material made from fiberglass and cement, used for tiling walls and floors or on the outside of buildings. It is water-resistant, but not waterproof, and requires carbide-tipped cutting tools. Waterproof Portland Cement board is available for areas constantly in contact with water. Cement board is heavier and more expensive than drywall, but provides a stronger, impact-resistant surface.
Cement board is a building material made from a blend of fiberglass and cement, usually formed into 4-by-8-foot sheets, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. It is typically used as a backing for tiled walls and floors or on the outside of buildings. When used on the outside of buildings, concrete board can be grouted or simply painted as the final exterior surface.
While cement board is stiff and very strong and can be cut to desired size, because it is cement based, cutting tools and saws must be carbide tipped. Also, regular wood drills won’t work; metal drill bits will be needed to drill the holes. Unlike drywall or plasterboard, when attached to studs, floors or exterior walls, concrete board forms a strong, impact resistant surface, reinforcing the structure to which it is attached.
Common, or plain, cement board is water resistant, even though it’s not actually waterproof. It is often used in bathrooms as a backing for sink, tub and shower tiles. This panel consists of a gypsum-based core with a reinforced concrete facing. When installed in wet areas, the edges must be sealed to maintain water resistance. While it may absorb some moisture, if properly sealed, it will not deteriorate when placed in damp areas, nor will it get moldy.
Portland Cement makes a totally waterproof board for use in areas of constant contact with water. This product consists of a concrete-based core with a fiberglass mat that reinforces the concrete on both sides making it totally waterproof.
The waterproof Portland board can be used in places where the board is actually and constantly in contact with water. Docks and boathouses can be lined with waterproof board and is an ideal material to use for shower trays. Since the waterproof version is much heavier than the common board, it is usually formed into smaller sizes, typically 30″ by 48″ or 36″ by 60″.
While cement board has many advantages over drywall, one disadvantage is that it is much heavier. Sticking it to the walls is at least a two-person job. Also, you may need to drill holes for nails or screws before you can use the fasteners. It is also more expensive than slab rock, and in construction where cost is a factor, drywall or water resistant slab rock, while not ideal, can be used as tile backing rather than cement board.
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