I have laid ed cement board down but I did not stagnate the boards.Will this affect the ceramic tile.?

Answer 1

Hi! I just finished up my bathroom and luckily staggered my cement boards so that I would not have four boards meeting at a single spot.

Here's a question for you. Did you use latex modified thinset and cement board tape to seal the joints (similar to what you would do for drywall seams)? The reason I ask is that most cement board manufacturers recommend it. If you did this, that should help prevent some of the problems that could crack your tiles.

Also, did you apply dryset mortar or latex-modified thinset between your plywood subfloor and cement board before screwing the cement board down? I understand that this layer is mostly meant to make sure that there is a level surface between these two surfaces, which should help prevent cracking.

If you followed these measures, I think you need to make a judgment regarding how flat the seams are where boards come together. Take a piece of tile or other flat surface and put it over the seams. If the tile is relatively flat across the seam, then I think you can leave it alone. If it isn't flat, I would fix it now...spend the extra $10-15 a sheet now and save money later by not having to redo it!

I think this is the sort of situation where someone has to be there to make the call!

Answer 2

If there is a good sub surface then the fact you did not stagger the boards should not affect the tile. If the boards move then you will have cracks in the grout and the tiles may come up.

Answer 3

it's not as stable a surface as if you did stagger the joints. the tiles could buckle or lift near the long joint. if you can do it simply, re do the cement board now, it's easier than later.

Answer 4

No, but it will affect the drain should a leak in the grout occur.

Answer 5

What do you mean, "Stagnate"? That means that they would get old or soggy. Do you mean "stagger"?

Answer 6

In time they may shift.