How to Apply DUROCK

DUROCK brand cement board is a newcomer to the construction industry, but it is finding many uses. It is installed in place of drywall on surfaces that will receive finishes other than the standard paint job. The material is durable and not extremely difficult to use. Its main plus is that unlike drywall, DUROCK tends to be much more water resistant. The tools needed to install DUROCK are similar to those needed for drywall construction.

Utility knife
Drywall taping knife
1 3/4-inch drywall screws
Drill
2-inch drywall screws
Latex-fortified mortar
DUROCK tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut 4-inch wide furring strips from the sheets of DUROCK. Cut enough material to frame the room with furring strips that are spaced eight inches apart. Make the furring strips by scoring a line along the length of the DUROCK and breaking the sheet along the line as you would drywall. The furring strips should run horizontally along the wall.
- 2
  Attach the furring strips to the framing of the wall with 1 3/4-inch drywall screws, using your drill. Install the sheets of DUROCK vertically over the furring strips. Attach the DUROCK with 2-inch drywall screws. Cut the sheets of DUROCK by scoring and breaking it to fit around windows and other areas that require a special size.
- 3
  Apply a latex-fortified mortar, which is a ceramic tile adhesive, with a drywall taping knife to the seams on the DUROCK. Use DUROCK tape -- not drywall tape -- to cover the seam and the latex-fortified mortar. Remove the excess mortar with the drywall taping knife and level the seam.

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