If you’re wondering how to put down an incredibly durable, waterproof flooring product for your home or business, with the benefit of easy installation and minimal experience needed – consider installing Permabase cement board.
It’s a cost-effective and time-saving option that won’t require hours spent combing through instructions or buying costly tools. In this blog post, we’ll go over all the steps of how to install permabase cement board on floor – from prepping the area to laying down each individual sheet in order to create beautiful, long-lasting floor surfaces.
Do You Have to Put Thinset under Cement Board?
Yes! The thinset is a cement-based mortar that acts as an adhesive to stick the cement board to the subfloor. It’s important to use a good quality thinset for this job since it will act as a bond between the substrate and the cement board. Additionally, the thinset will help create a moisture-resistant barrier between the cement board and the subfloor.
10 Methods on How to Install Permabase Cement Board on Floor
1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions:
Before you begin, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a successful installation. It’s important to note that instructions may vary depending on the type of window unit you have. Make sure that you follow all safety precautions and that you understand all directions clearly. Although most window units are relatively easy to install, it’s important to understand the process before beginning.
2. Make sure the floor is clean:
Make sure the floor is clean, level, and free of debris. This will help ensure that the cement board has properly adhered to the subfloor. Check for any screws, nails, or other objects that could be sticking out and need to be removed prior to installing the cement board. If the floor is not level, use a trowel or floor patching compound to fill any gaps or low spots.
If the subfloor is plywood, make sure to check for any soft spots and repair them before continuing. Additionally, make sure that the floor is dry before installation. If there are any damp spots, use a dehumidifier to dry them out. This will help avoid any future issues with the cement board and its adhesion to the subfloor.
3. Use a Tape Measure:
Use a tape measure to check the subfloor’s dimensions and make sure that your cement board will fit. If your subfloor isn’t level, use a straightedge and level to determine the highest point. This will be your guide as you lay down the cement board. Make sure that you measure the room multiple times to double-check your measurements and avoid any costly mistakes. However, if you’re having difficulty with this step, consider hiring a professional to help you get the job done right.
4. Apply Thinset to the Floor:
Use a trowel and mix the thinset according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spread the thinset onto the floor using a notched trowel, making sure to cover an area larger than the sheet of cement board. If you’re unsure of where to start, begin in a corner and work your way out. Though you can spread the thinset with your hands, a trowel will help you achieve even coverage.
5. Lay the Cement Board:
Start in one corner and lay down your first piece of cement board. Make sure that it overlaps the thinset by about 1/4 inch. Smooth the cement board down and press out any air bubbles. Secure the cement board to the framing using 1-1/4″ galvanized screws. Place them every 8″ around the edges and 12″ in the middle.
Once the cement board is in place, you can move onto the next step. However, if you are using an angle grinder to cut the cement board, be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
6. Secure with Screws:
Once you have laid down each piece of cement board, secure them to the floor with screws every 8 inches along all edges and 12 inches in between. Make sure to countersink the screws slightly and use corrosion-resistant concrete screws. When you have reached the end of your installation, caulk around the edges of the cement board to ensure a watertight seal.
Try to caulk the screw holes as well, but make sure to avoid overfilling them. Once you have finished all of these steps, your cement board floor is ready for use! You can now begin to lay down tile or whatever other covering you would like. Enjoy the beauty and durability of your new cement board floor!
7. Fill Joints:
Fill joints between sheets of boards with thinset using a putty knife or trowel to ensure a waterproof seal. This is especially important in exterior applications. While the boards may fit tightly together, the thinset helps to seal any gaps and provide extra strength. Also, if using cement board screws, make sure to fill the screw holes with thinset as well. Make sure to wipe away any excess thinset before it dries.
8. Apply Mesh Tape:
Once finished laying the cement board, apply mesh tape over seams and joints to help prevent cracking in grout lines. Take care to ensure that the mesh tape is firmly pressed into all corners, creases, and points. After this step is completed, use a putty knife to flatten any bumps along seams and corners. If necessary, you can use a damp cloth to ensure that the tape properly adheres. However, make sure that all surfaces are dry before you start tiling. This will help the adhesive bond properly and ensure the longevity of your tile installation.
9. Apply Thinset over Mesh Tape:
Use a notched trowel to spread thinset over the mesh tape, making sure that it covers the entire surface. Use a damp sponge to smooth out the thinset and remove any excess. Allow the thinset to set and dry before continuing with the installation of the tile. If you are using a premixed thinset, you should be allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before applying the tile. Although a premixed thinset is easy to use, it doesn’t adhere as well as a mix you make yourself.
10. Allow Cement Board to Set:
Allow the cement board to set for 24 hours before applying grout or tile. Once dried, you can start laying tiles as desired and enjoy your beautiful new flooring. However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times. Different types of cement boards may require different amounts of drying time before grout or tile can be applied. With proper installation and drying time, you can ensure your cement board is securely in place and ready to stand up to the many years of wear and tear. Follow these steps to ensure your cement board is installed properly and ready for grout and tile.
By following these instructions, you should have a durable and waterproof floor with minimal effort required! If you need further assistance with installing a permeable cement board on the floor, please contact us today. We are here to help make your project go by quickly and easily!
You Can Check It Out To Waterproof Brick Wall
Things to Consider When Installing Permabase Cement Board on Floor
1. Type of Subfloor:
Perma base cement board should only be installed over a plywood or OSB subfloor that is free of debris, level, and properly fastened. The subfloor should be a minimum of ¼-inch thick for the Permabase cement board to be securely fastened.
2. Moisture Content:
The moisture level of the subfloor must be monitored before and during installation, the moisture content should not exceed 12%-13%. If it does, a vapor retarder should be installed to control humidity levels.
3. Fasteners:
It is important to use corrosion-resistant screws specifically designed for cement boards and follow manufacturer instructions when installing Permabase cement boards on floors. The nails should be long enough to penetrate both the subfloor and the cement board but short enough so that they do not protrude out of the top surface of the cement board.
4. Sealing Joints:
To ensure a watertight seal between the joints of the Permabase cement boards, the water-resistant tape should be used to bridge the gap. Once taped, it is important to spread a thin layer of mortar over the tape in order to secure it in place and prevent any moisture from entering the joint.
5. Grouting:
Once all joints are sealed with water-resistant tape and mortar, grouting should be applied over the entire surface of the cement board using a trowel or float. This will help ensure that there are no weak spots in flooring installation and provide extra protection against water damage.
Conclusion
Though it may seem like a daunting task, installing a permeable cement board on your floor is actually quite simple. Just follow the steps outlined in this blog post, and you’ll have it done in no time.
With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can achieve professional results that will last for many years to come. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to install permabase cement board on floor! We hope you found it helpful and informative.