No, KERDI-BOARD is not intended to be used as a drywall substitute. KERDI-BOARD is a lightweight, waterproof and vapor-retardant building panel that is designed for use in tiled showers, bathtub surrounds, and residential steam showers.
It is an ideal substrate for the installation of Kerdi-Shower waterproofing membranes. KERDI-BOARD is made of an extruded polystyrene foam core with a special reinforced surface laminated to both sides with an alkali-resistant glass-mat facing.
The foam core is firm and stable enough to support tile up to 80 lbs/ft2. This makes KERDI-BOARD great for areas that need to be waterproofed and have tiling put on them. However, while KERDI-BOARD might look similar to drywall, it has its own unique characteristics and is not meant to act as a drywall substitute.
Can KERDI-BOARD go directly on studs?
No, KERDI-BOARD should not be applied directly to studs because it is not designed for that purpose. The material is too thin and does not provide a strong enough base for which to secure items to the wall.
Instead, KERDI-BOARD should be applied over an existing substrate such as plywood, cement board, or drywall. It can also be installed with an insulation layer or be used as a formwork system to create custom shapes.
The board should then be fastened to the studs to provide support for any additional items.
Can KERDI-BOARD be used on ceiling?
Yes, KERDI-BOARD can be used on ceilings. It is a lightweight, waterproof and vapor-permeable tile substrate made of an extruded polystyrene foam core and coated on both sides with an active fiberglass mat.
This makes it well-suited for use on wet areas, like showers and steam rooms, as well as ceilings. It is also a stable, dimensionally-stable, rot-resistant, composite material. On top of its versatility, KERDI-BOARD is easy to install, which makes it even more attractive for use on ceilings.
Additionally, depending on the tile selection, KERDI-BOARD can provide an aesthetically pleasing surface for both walls and ceiling applications.
What do you put behind KERDI?
When installing KERDI tile backing, it is essential to properly prepare the surface and provide a suitable substrate for the membrane. KERDI master shower systems include an appropriate substrate for each application.
For example, for tiled walls, the substrate should be Ditra or a mortar bed. Hardibacker and cement board should not be used, as they cannot adequately bond with the KERDI membrane. Other appropriate substrates include expanded foam, lath and Plywood, or another appropriate waterproof membrane.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the substrate has been properly prepared by levelling and smoothing the surface before installing the KERDI membrane. It is also recommended that any cracks, holes, or other irregularities are filled with appropriate thinset or caulking prior to installation.
Do you need cement board behind KERDI-BOARD?
No, you do not need cement board behind KERDI-BOARD. KERDI-BOARD is a multi-purpose tile substrate made of an extruded polystyrene foam panel that is reinforced on both sides with a special glass-fiber mesh fabric.
The panels are 100% waterproof, and have a high compressive strength and low water vapor permeability. They do not require the use of a cement board substrate and can be used directly over existing walls and ceilings, as well as over wall and ceiling cavities that are properly prepared.
They create an ideal substrate for tile installations and are suitable for use in wet areas including shower and tub surrounds and steam rooms.
How long does KERDI-BOARD last?
KERDI-BOARD is a high-quality, lightweight, waterproof building material made of an extruded polystyrene foam core, covered on both sides with an reinforced fleece laminated to the foam. It is a dependable and durable material that can last up to 50 years in many applications.
The boards are specifically designed to provide efficient and quality protection against water and moisture in wet areas like showers, bathtubs, and commercial pools. With its excellent waterproofing and resistance to mold, KERDI-BOARD is perfect for creating durable, high-grade structures that can last for a long time.
The material is also resistant to temperature fluctuations, impact, and vibrations, so it can stand up to the test of time. Additionally, the boards are easy to install, which means that you won’t have to worry about regular maintenance or repairs.
With proper care, your KERDI-BOARD structure should last for decades.
Does KERDI-BOARD need to be waterproofed?
Yes, KERDI-BOARD does need to be waterproofed. This product is a waterproof building panel made of a stable foam core and covered with a reinforced coating. It is designed for use in tiled showers, bathtub surrounds and other areas subject to moisture.
While KERDI-BOARD is water-resistant and highly moisture-resistant, water will still penetrate the covering and foam core if exposed long enough. To keep your KERDI-BOARD installation safe, it is recommended to waterproof the entire surface with a flexible, vapor-permeable waterproofing membrane, such as KERDI-MEMBRANE or KERDI-SHOWER.
This will create an impermeable seal and protect the KERDI-BOARD from potential water infiltration over time.
Is KERDI-BOARD waterproof all the way through?
KERDI-BOARD is not waterproof all the way through. It is composed of two layers: an extruded Polystyrene core and a water-repellent fleece laminated to both sides. However, the core does not provide a waterproof barrier.
It is designed to repel as much water as possible and redirect any moisture away from the outer surfaces to prevent water from penetrating the insulation layer. To ensure waterproofing, it is necessary to use an appropriate waterproofing or sealing compound to cover the surface of the KERDI-BOARD.
This waterproofing compound should be applied both to the sides and edges of the boards. It is also important to use a suitable adhesive to join the boards together and to seal the joints. Finally, it is important to regularly check the boards for any possible water damage that might have occurred.
How do you seal KERDI-BOARD to ceiling?
Sealing KERDI-BOARD to the ceiling is fairly straightforward, but you want to make sure that you take the time to do it correctly. First, you’ll want to make sure that all of the materials to be used, including KERDI-BOARD, KERDI-BAND and the appropriate KERDI-FIX, are all compatible.
Then you’ll need to make sure the area is free of debris, dust, and other materials that could compromise the seal.
Once the necessary materials are assembled, the first step is to install the KERDI-BAND along the ceiling, making sure it is taut, and secure it with the appropriate screws for your material. After, you need to trim the KERDI-BOARD to fit the dimension of your ceiling, using saw blades specifically designed for the task.
After it’s properly trimmed, you can begin the installation of the KERDI-BOARD. First, make sure to double check the fit to ensure that it’s the correct size and properly aligned.
Once you’ve checked the fit and confirmed it’s correct, attach the KERDI-BOARD to the KERDI-BAND with KERDI-FIX screws, making sure that it’s applied correctly and firmly in each spot. Use a sealant, such as KERDI-SEAL-PS, and apply it between the KERDI-BAND and the KERDI-BOARD to seal any potential cracks or crevices.
Make sure to use a taking trowel to avoid creating any air pockets between the walls and the KERDI-BOARD. When done correctly, the KERDI-BOARD to ceiling seal should be airtight and watertight.
Can KERDI be installed over plywood?
Yes, KERDI can be installed over plywood. KERDI is a waterproof membrane that can be used to line shower walls, floor, and ceiling projects to protect from moisture and water damage. It is specifically designed to be used with a variety of substrates, including plywood, concrete, block, and other materials.
When installing KERDI over plywood, it is important to prepare the plywood correctly first. This includes thoroughly cleaning and roughening up the surface to provide a better adhesion. Once prepared, KERDI should be cut to fit and applied to the plywood surface using an appropriate trowel and KERDI-FIX adhesive.
Cautiously following these directions will ensure a successful installation of KERDI that will last for many years and provide complete waterproof protection.
Can I use KERDI-BOARD instead of cement board?
No, you should not use KERDI-BOARD instead of cement board. KERDI-BOARD is designed specifically for use in a shower or wet area installation, and should not be used as a substitute for cement board in other applications.
KERDI-BOARD is made from an extruded polystyrene foam panel with an integral, reinforced surface layer of waterproofed, vapor-permeable, polymer modified cement-based matting that is applied directly to the existing substrate.
This makes it ideal for use in areas where a waterproof substrate is needed, such as a shower area. However, cement board offers a more durable surface that is better able to withstand water exposure when used in other areas, like a bathroom floor.
Therefore, KERDI-BOARD should not be used as a substitute for cement board in areas that need to be water-resistant.
Does tile go directly on KERDI-BOARD?
No, tile should not be installed directly on KERDI-BOARD. KERDI-BOARD is an engineered substrate specifically designed for use in tiled showers and is often used for the walls, ceilings, benches, and shelves of wet areas.
As the board is made of a porous material, it needs a waterproofing membrane to be installed over it before the tile can be laid down. This helps to protect the board from water and moisture damage and ensures that the shower area stays dry and structurally sound.
Generally, KERDI-MEMBRANE or KERDI-BAND should be installed over the board to ensure that the shower is properly waterproofed. The tile should then be laid over the membrane and secured with thin-set mortar.
What thickness of KERDI-BOARD should I use?
The thickness of KERDI-BOARD you should use will depend on the application. Typically, the thinner 1/4” board is used as an underlayment, while thicker 1/2” or 5/8” boards can be used as wall tile backing boards.
If you plan to use KERDI-BOARD as a shelf or countertop, you should use the 1/2” or 5/8” board. The 1/4” board may be suitable for some dry areas like bench seats, but it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for suitability.
KERDI-BOARD is also available in 3/8” thickness, which is thicker than 1/4” and can be used for wall panels, shelf construction, and tiling surfaces. The 3/8” board is often used for steam showers and wet areas.
The manufacturer will list different applications for the various KERDI-BOARD thicknesses in their instructions, so it is important to check these before deciding which thickness to purchase.
What sizes do Schluter shower pans come in?
Schluter shower pans come in a wide variety of sizes, including standard 36” X 60”, 48” X 48”, and 40” X 72” sizes, but they can also be custom made to order. They are available in various depths as well, ranging from 1/2” to 6” in order to accommodate thicker substrates and other requirements.
The pans themselves take the form of a single or multi-piece system, depending on the size of the space and the layout of the room.
What can I use instead of a KERDI-BOARD?
If you are looking for an alternative to KERDI-BOARD, there are a variety of other materials that can be used in place of it. Depending on the specific application, it can be beneficial to use a variety of materials such as plywood, cement board, OSB (oriented strand board), drywall, and gypsum wallboard.
Plywood, in particular, can be used as an alternative to KERDI-BOARD and offers a similar water resistance and rigidity. If a waterproofing solution is needed, cement board can be used to provide additional protection from moisture and water.
Additionally, OSB and drywall/gypsum wallboard can also be used for specific purposes, such as providing additional insulation values. Ultimately, it is important to determine the specific application needs to determine which material is best for the job.