I'm building my first house, so this is new construction. The hangers put up sheetrock inside a stand-up shower that is to be tiled completely (floor, walls, ceiling). Does this have to be removed in order to hang the cement backerboard, or can the backerboard be installed over the sheetrock/drywall?
All I've read about backerboard installation only mentions installation over studs, and never mentions anything about existing sheetrock.
2007-10-13 09:20:42 · 10 answers · asked by Cunning Linguist 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I agree w/ DIY Doc... Even though some say it's ok to use green board in a shower/bath area (sheds water) I'd want the feeling of knowing 100% that there won't be a water problem (Although you didn't say whether the current sheetrock in place is green or normal white). Lots of folks erroneously think that backerboard isn't water permeable, but water can pass through backerboard. Chances are almost nil that it will happen on backerboard used on walls. (Water will fall victim to gravity before passing horizontally thru backboard).
However, you may encounter a problem at the bottom, where water may collect and could seep up under the backerboard, if sheetrock is present behind the backerboard. This moisture could invite mold and mildrew if the dampness persists. Therefore, if you decide to retain the sheetrock, you should ensure you have a waterproof membrane (such as a polyurethane or rubber sheet that is laid in the pan of the shower and run up the outside of the sheetrock, in between it and the backerboard. This will create a water-tight area, where water won't damage the sheetrock while draining away. In fact, if you remove the sheetrock, you should still have a water-proof membrane that runs up about 8 to 12 inches behind the backerboard (to create a waterproof basin).
Just check out any book that talks about tiling a bathroom shower, and it will give you good detail on water-proofing your shower floor, walls, etc., including the best materials to use.
good luck
2007-10-13 15:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by stretch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. Depends on where you are installing the tile and what you are using the tile for, IE. bathroom- tub surround or counter back splash, around fireplace or sink, and if the Sheetrock is in good condition and anchored tightly
the moisture is what you need to be aware of. more possibility of water, the more you want to stay away from the Sheetrock.
Good Luck
2007-10-13 10:39:29 · answer #2 · answered by shennebeck 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Backer Board Installation
2016-12-12 16:40:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im a cultured marble / granite installer -- showers , tubs , countertops, all related products -- on remodels we have to tear out the old showers that are always tiled and i'de say that 99 % all have sheetrock behind the backerboard - not a problem at all
2007-10-13 10:10:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Installing Backer Board
2016-10-07 03:56:43 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No offense but that name???
Also with no offense you're having your house built; not strictly building it yourself it sounds like.
Any valid contractor would have known to NOT USE drywall. I haven't used drywall in years; and now only use concrete backer board and GREEN board out of the usual shower/tub areas.
Your issue however is the shower itself/ the pan/ and how the drywall sits on it now. Certainly in a usual sense adding backer board is OK, but it will add at least 3/4 inch plus tile thickness over the shower pan. I'd remove what they installed and do the backer board.
Steven Wolf
thousands of sq. ft. or tile
2007-10-13 13:45:35 · answer #6 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be okay putting the cement board over the drywall, just be sure you are still attaching it to the studs in the wall also, not just into the drywall.
Be sure to look ahead that the difference in the thickness between the regular wall and the shower wall isn't going to cause you a problem later in the project when you get to the tiling stage.
2007-10-13 10:31:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES, Lord Yes, also put a water proof membrane under the backer board. That particle board will last about 1 month if it gets wet. I've made allot of money replacing bathroom floors that were done without backer board and water proofing.
2016-03-12 21:19:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you should remove the drywall before putting up the backerboard. Water trapped on drywall can cause numerous problems.
And why wouldn't you, it is only a small area and it is a very, very easy thing to do. You lazy so and so.
2007-10-13 09:27:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can tile on the sheetrock with no backer-board if you seal the grout properly.
2007-10-13 10:02:40 · answer #10 · answered by Jack the Toad 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋