Installation Guide

WALL INSTALLATION
1 | Ensure framing is structurally
sound
• Must comply with local building
codes and ANSI A108.11.
• Use a minimum of 2 in x 4 in
wood studs or 20-gauge metal
studs, which must be straight,
properly aligned and spaced a
maximum of 16 in on center.
• In tub and shower enclosures,
ensure that the framing is
adequately reinforced at the
corners.
2 | Determine layout of HardieBacker cement board
• Boards may be installed vertically or horizontally.
• Edges of the board parallel to framing must be supported by a structural framing
member.
• Score and snap boards to required sizes and make necessary cutouts.
3 | Attach HardieBacker cement board to framing
• For interior installations, the use of a waterproof membrane, vapor barrier or vapor
retarding membrane is optional unless the local building code requires it.
• If required by the local building code, install a code compliant waterproof
membrane, vapor barrier or vapor retarder membrane, check with the membrane
manufacturer for suitability for applicable conditions and follow the manufacturer's
installation instructions for these materials.
• Install boards 1/4 in above floor, tub or shower pan and caulk accordingly.
• Fasten cement board with specified nails or screws (as listed in “Materials
Required”) a maximum of 8 in on center at all supports.
• Keep fasteners 3/8 in from board edges and 2 in in from sheet corners.
• Set fastener heads flush with the surface, without overdriving.
4 | Tape joints prior to tiling
• Fill all joints with mortar (see “Materials Required”).
• Embed 2 in wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber tape in the mortar
and level.
5 | Exterior application (Limited to HardieBacker 500 in HZ10 climate
zones)
‡
Additional details on page 4
• Install HardieBacker 500 over
sub-sheathing with a code approved
water-resistive barrier, or in
accordance with applicable code.
• May be used up to a height not
exceeding the lesser of: through the
second-story above grade or 30 feet
above grade.
• Follow wall installation steps 1 thru 4
3 | English
English | 4
FINISHING WITH TILE
1. Refer to ANSI A108 and the mortar
and tile manufacturers’ published
application guidelines for complete
tiling instructions.
2. Wipe the surface of HardieBacker
®
cement board clean with a damp
sponge just prior to adding mastic
or mortar.
3. Spread the mastic or mortar with a notched trowel (Note: Please see “Materials
Required” to see which setting material is required for your application).
4. Twist or press and beat in tiles complying with ANSI A137.1.
5. Allow a minimum of 24 hours curing set time before grouting.
FINISHING WITH NATURAL STONE
Natural stone often has hidden weaknesses which can result in surface cracks in
finished floors. To reduce the risk of job failures, always consult The Marble Institute of
America Handbook.
In addition to the steps outlined under “Floor Installation,” the following is required:
• Always follow the recommendations of the flooring material manufacturer.
• Marble and natural stones must have sufficient flexural strength for use in
flooring systems.
*
Where the quality and strength of the stone is unknown, the
floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/720 deflection criteria, including
live and dead design loads, for the specific joist spacing used. The strength
of your natural stone will have an impact on the ultimate performance of your
flooring system.
*Testing has shown that a minimum 2900 psi is preferable for flooring application.
FINISHING WITH PAINT, WALLPAPER OR TEXTURE
(Interior Application Only)
1 | Painting or Wallpapering
Apply a drywall primer suitable for high-moisture areas, as recommended
by the paint manufacturer. Paint HardieBacker board as you would drywall. If
wallpapering, prime surface of HardieBacker board with a primer suitable for
high-moisture areas as recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer.
2 | Texturing
Texture can be applied to HardieBacker board in the same way as drywall.
STEAM ROOM APPLICATION
HardieBacker
®
board is recognized for use in residential steam rooms when installed
over conventional framing and in accordance with HardieBacker board printed
installation instructions, TCNA guidelines (Tile Council of North America Handbook,
www.tileusa.com), and local building codes. Questions and concerns regarding design
and construction should be directed to a knowledgeable professional.
‡
EXTERIOR APPLICATION
(This application has limited warranty coverage. Refer to Exterior Warranty for coverage information
on page 8)
HardieBacker 500 may be used up to a height not exceeding the lesser of: through
the second-story above grade or 30 feet above grade. The HardieBacker 500 must
be installed over sub-sheathing with a code approved water-resistive barrier, or in
accordance with the applicable code. Install flashings, clearances, and other building
practices per local code. James Hardie will assume no responsibility for water
infiltration. Use a minimum No. 11 ga. 1¾ in long roofing nails or No. 8-1¾ in long
(0.375 in HD) or ribbed wafer head corrosion
resistant screws spaced a maximum of 8 in OC.
The maximum weight of the overlayment (tiles,
stones and veneers) is not to exceed the code
limit of 15 lbs/sq ft. Exterior application is limited
to HZ10
®
product zone only.
Follow installation procedure in accordance
with the stone and mortar manufacturer’s
recommendations.¹ Stones must be free of any
substance that may impede proper adhesion.
Skim coat is recommended to be 1/8 in - 1/4 in
thick and the tile/stone is to be installed while
the skim coat is wet.
CAUTIONS: This product shall not be used in the
following applications:
• As a backer board in balcony railings and
balcony parapet walls.
• HardieBacker 500 may not be used to a height exceeding through the second-
story above grade or greater than 30 feet above grade.
VINYL AND RESILIENT FLOORING (Interior Application Only)
Materials Required
1 | Fasteners
• Minimum 7/8 in long galvanized or polymer-coated 18-gauge chisel point staples
with 1/4 in crown.
• Minimum 7/8 in long galvanized ring shanked underlayment flooring nails.
• Fasteners should be long enough to reach the bottom of the subfloor, but not
penetrate it.
• Avoid using resin, rosin or cement-coated fasteners that can discolor vinyl
flooring.
2 | Patch
• Use the cement-based, rapid-setting patching compound recommended by the
floor covering manufacturer.
• Do not use a gypsum-based patch. Follow the patch manufacturer’s instructions.
Preparation for Underlayment
1 | Ensure subfloor is structurally sound and properly installed
On existing floors:
• HardieBacker
®
cement board may be installed under or over Vinyl Composition
Tile (VCT) and other resilient flooring. For best results, remove existing floor
covering, especially if it is in poor condition.
• If installing HardieBacker cement board over existing floor, ensure the floor is flat
and floor covering is thoroughly adhered to the subfloor.
On all floors:
• Ensure subfloor is not damaged. Replace any loose, warped, uneven or damaged
sections of floor.
• Make sure subfloor is dry, level and fastened correctly. All fasteners must be
countersunk or flush with the subfloor. All seams or other areas that are not level
must be sanded flat.
• Subfloor must be free of all debris, oil, grease, paint or other foreign substances.
5 | English
¹ See IRC Table R703.4, IBC §2101.2 and §1405.10