Cement Board Installation Around Bathtubs

Nature of Cement

• Various Roman structures that have stood the test of time in and out of water have proved that cement can be subjected to wear and tear as well as water for an indefinite period without any detrimental effects. Once cement has cured, it is impervious to water damage and can be submerged, which makes it ideal for use around tubs and other wet areas.

Durability of the Board

• Concrete board is ideal for all types of tub settings, but it is a superior product when it comes to top-mounted tubs that rest on top of the tile installation rather than on the wood frame of the tub area. Because concrete board is so durable, it can be installed under the tile to provide a durable platform foundation for the tub. Other underlayments will squish under the weight of a tub filled with water and a person in the tub.

Lifetime Gaurantee

• While not all homeowners can afford the higher cost of a professional installation meant to last years, concrete board is one way of providing a lifetime guarantee for your tub installation. As long as the proper installation method is followed during the entire process, from prep until the tile installation is wrapped up, you can rest assured that your tub tile installation will last a lifetime.

Caulking

• Caulking is just as important in the installation of concrete board as it is with the finish tile on top of the board. Any potential areas of water seepage over time should be covered completely to keep moisture from seeping down past the tile. All inside corners should be caulked with silicone, and you should also cover the entire edge where the tub either meets or sits on top of the concrete board.