Lots of questions about drywall and bathrooms - Page 2 - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

nwtile guy · 03-17-2008, 08:22 PM

Denshield is good stuff and waterproof, but just remember hardi, wonderboard, durock, and the like are not waterproof. Water penetrates them just like it does to anything else. That is why I have a hard time believing that 35 year old sheetrock in a shower is as good as day one, but like you say it does have a little bit to do with what kind of tiles were used. As you also know, grout is also not waterproof, and greenboard is the worst thing there is out there for anything.

BUTCHERMAN · 03-18-2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwtile guy

Denshield is good stuff and waterproof, but just remember hardi, wonderboard, durock, and the like are not waterproof. Water penetrates them just like it does to anything else. That is why I have a hard time believing that 35 year old sheetrock in a shower is as good as day one, but like you say it does have a little bit to do with what kind of tiles were used. As you also know, grout is also not waterproof, and greenboard is the worst thing there is out there for anything.

When wonderboard first came out.The supply house i went to took a glass of water and silicon sealed it to wonderboard. They turned it upsidedown. It sat there for two years and did not lose any water. The tile guys i talk to request wonderboard and durock. They don't absorb water. I don't use hardi backer or dens sheild because none of my tile guys request it. But i learned everyone has a different opinion.

nwtile guy · 03-18-2008, 10:11 AM

Water goes right through wonderboard and durock. I use the stuff all the time and that is why you are required to put a plastic sheeting behind it. It is just like unsealed concrete. Put a glass of water on that and see what happens. The concrete soaks it up. Cement board is water resistant not water proof. They are not affected by water but they definitely will allow water to pass through. Here is a quote directly from the manufacture's website:

1/2" WonderBoard is unaffected by water but it is not
waterproof. If the area behind the backerboard must be
kept dry, a moisture barrier or waterproof membrane such
as RedGard® Waterproofing and Crack Prevention

Membrane must be used.

Not to say that either is bad to use, just have to understand its limitations. Hopefully that helps.

BUTCHERMAN · 03-19-2008, 05:20 AM

You're could be right. The glass sat there for two years half full of water may be they filpped it,I don't know. But every tile guy has a preference. The majority request durock. What do you prefer and why? As a sheetrocker i get asked this alot and find i'm at the mercy of what the tile guy suggests. Most of them say durock is the best backer because they like working with it. That's not much to go on.

nwtile guy · 03-19-2008, 09:44 AM

Duroc isn't bad, it is just not that easy to work with when compared to Denshield. I was skeptical at first with Denshield, but after do the homework on it, found it to be about as easy to install and work with as there is out there. The best thing is that it IS waterproof, cuts like drywall, and you don't need a vapor barrier behind it. As long as the drywall guys do not mud and tape the seams inside the shower, you are looking at minimal prep before tiling. I mud and tape the seams with thinset, and then go back and waterproof all the nail holes and seems with a product called Hydroban made by Laticrete. It works great!

BUTCHERMAN · 03-19-2008, 10:42 AM

We just install,we won't mud and tape. We got to know the tile guys that the different contractors use and hang what they prefer. The reason i asked is the contractors ask what's better. What's easy for me isn't always better. Thanks for the answer because i can give them an honest responce. Hanging any of these products are easy enough. I just want a problem free job. Also i won't nail through the rubber pans. I just cut and mark them for the tile guys. Now the fiberglass liners are different.

kgphoto · 03-19-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

USG has pulled its certification for green board as tile backer in wet areas. Look it up. So many guys continue to ignore this fact.

Old school guys will continue to use greenboard until they can't buy it anymore. The more progressive guys have long ditched it.

DensArmorPlus is harder to work with, but much better overall for a bathroom.

DenShield will make you forget how to say "Hardibacker or Cement Board" the first time you use it. I kid you not.

Greg,

How do you treat seams, corners and fasteners? What would you change if you were doing a steam shower?

I have heard of mesh tape and thinset on the seams, but thinset is not water nor vapor proof.

Lionheart27 · 11-26-2008, 09:11 PM

Use blue or Humitex type drywall for moisture buildup areas that may mold and Denshield GOLD as a tile backer. This will insure no problems in the future and jobs coming back to bite you again. Why risk it to save a few bucks. This senario of going the cheap way is usually evident in filpper homes.

There are great shower products out there too which are cheap and effective. Do your homework and hire a professional. thats what we're here for.

Adam in BC · 11-26-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

USG has pulled its certification for green board as tile backer in wet areas. Look it up. So many guys continue to ignore this fact.

Old school guys will continue to use greenboard until they can't buy it anymore. The more progressive guys have long ditched it.

DensArmorPlus is harder to work with, but much better overall for a bathroom.

DenShield will make you forget how to say "Hardibacker or Cement Board" the first time you use it. I kid you not.

ever tried aquatough? I consider it an upgrade on dense shield , although its almost as hard to work with as hardibacker

heres a link http://www.usg.com/navigate.do?resou...board-Page.htm

Aaron111 · 11-27-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glasshousebltr

First: I wouldn't lap much, or the grout will work loose at the area under the drywall.

Second: It's best to use plastic.

Third: I use greenboard on bath cielings all the time, never had a call back for it.

Bob

I agree above plastic works best for that job lol

SLSTech · 11-27-2008, 01:33 PM

Guys - the question was asked in February of 2006 & I doubt he will be back (only 3 Posts)

I hope he has it completed it by now or his wife made him hire a real contractor. Besides is green board still around?