Unquestionably, one of the greatest cement boards available is USG Durock. It is robust, long-lasting, and extremely unlikely to crumble.
Following the manufacturer’s directions is crucial while installing Durock. For example, most individuals are unaware that USG advises utilizing thinset to install Durock.
I’ll cover the finest thinset for Durock cement board in today’s post, along with a few other topics you might find interesting.
Which Thinset Is Best for Durock?
USG states that a latex-fortified mortar is the ideal thinset for Durock. Latex-fortified mortar provides better qualities than ordinary mortar.
You may be sure that this kind of mortar will give Durock and the substrate a stronger bond that will endure for many years.
Additionally, latex-fortified mortar exhibits exceptional resistance to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors. Using latex-fortified mortar also appeals to me because it’s perfect for Durock, which will be used in outdoor applications.
There are several alternatives available, so you may be wondering why USG suggests latex-fortified mortar.
This kind of mortar has a high bonding strength, to start. It guarantees durability when applied on Durock. Additionally, it works better with Durock cement board.
I would suggest following USG’s instructions and using a latex-fortified mortar as your thinset if you want to add Durock cement board anytime soon.
Cement board failure and warranty voiding may result from disregarding these guidelines.
Does Thinset Help Durock?
Let’s go back to the start before delving much further. Is a thinset required for Durock? It may surprise you to learn that many people install Durock and other cement boards without using thinset.
The majority of people believe that cement board may be bonded to the wall or floor simply by screwing it in place. Manufacturers of cement boards, such as USG, hold a different view.
Durock requires thinset for a number of reasons, including
- To establish a solid connection with the substrate. Screwing cement board to a substrate is never sufficient, as was previously stated. An extremely strong attachment between Durock and the substrate is largely ensured by a layer of latex-fortified thinset.
- Waterproofing is the other reason Durock requires a thinset. Thinset seals off any joints that could allow water to seep through when installing Durock in a bathroom or other high-moisture area. Thus, you need to have some faith in Durock if you want to create a watertight system.
- Thinset gives the Durock cement board enough stability. You may be sure that there will be enough solidity and rigidity with thinset beneath the Durock.
- Lastly, damaged Durock can be patched or repaired using thinset. Despite its durability, Durock can occasionally shatter or sustain minor damage. However, if you have some thinset on hand, all you need to do is repair it, and it will appear brand new.
Is Unmodified Thinset Compatible with Durock?
You can, indeed. However, I wouldn’t advise it. An unmodified thinset does not provide a stronger adhesion between Durock and its substrate, in contrast to the latex-fortified thinset that USG suggests for Durock.
The main distinction between these two varieties of thinset is that the latex-fortified variety has more ingredients to improve adherence and provide further benefits like waterproofing.
Using an unmodified thinset with Durock has just the benefit of being less expensive. Therefore, you might choose this alternative if you are on a tight budget. Is it worth it, though, given the poor adhesive strength?
How Can Thinset Be Installed Below Durock?
Let me walk you through the installation process now that you know what kind of thinset to use with Durock and why it’s the best option. You don’t need any particular talents, and it’s really simple.
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Step 1: Tidy up the subfloor.
Durock’s strength does not imply that it should be installed on an unprepared surface. The Durock cement board will be installed flawlessly if the subfloor is cleaned.
Sweep up any dirt or debris first. If the subfloor is damaged, it must be repaired as part of the cleaning procedure.
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Step 2: Get the thinset ready
A latex-fortified thinset will be used for the Durock cement board. Purchase some of your preferred brand and prepare it as directed by the manufacturer.
The majority of fortified mortars are offered in premixed bags, which is good news. As a result, you are spared the troublesome preparation process.
If the thinset hasn’t been mixed yet, locate a bucket of water and mix it according to the measurements given.
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Step 3: Cover the subfloor with the thinset.
Spread the thinset over the subfloor with a trowel that has a quarter-inch square notch. Make sure you apply a uniform layer of Durock across the whole area where you intend to put it.
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Step 4: Cover the thinset with the Durock.
Gently press a piece of Durock over the thinset. Press it to create a strong bond with the thinset. The evenness can be checked and adjusted.
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Step 5: Attach screws to the cement board to complete the task.
Durock is fastened into a substrate using screws and thinset. Don’t depend on just one of them.
Prior to exposing the Durock to traffic, allow the thinset to cure and drive screws into the cement board, making sure they are 8 inches apart. Use cement board screws that are specifically designed for this purpose.
The latex-fortified thinset can then be used to seal taped joints on Durock panel seams. Here, a drywall knife will need to be used in place of the trowel.
Is Mastic Compatible with Durock?
Yes, you can. USG enables do-it-yourselfers and contractors to attach Durock cement board to walls or floors using mastic. For a stronger bond, mastic should be placed to Durock’s smooth surface.
However, make sure the mastic is suitable with the subfloor before using it. By doing this, you can steer clear of adhesion problems later on.
When picking which kind of thinset to use with Durock and the substrate below, compatibility is a crucial consideration.
Advice on Selecting the Proper Thinset for Durock
Not all thinset mortars work well with Durock, as this article has shown. Although I’ve already suggested the ideal kind of thinset for Durock, the following advice will help you choose the greatest one:
- Get direct confirmation from the manufacturer. The ideal thinset for cement boards is recommended by each cement board producer. The first thing to look for is this.
- Use thinset mortars that have been modified or strengthened. When discussing mortars, the phrases “fortified” and “modified” are used interchangeably. Additionally, the superior adhesive strength of this kind of thinset ensures long-lasting results.
- Select a thinset mortar that works well with cement-based goods. Durock is only compatible with cementitious mortars because it is a cement board.
- Take into account a thinset that can be waterproofed. Select a waterproof thinset mortar if you plan to install the Durock in a kitchen or bathroom.
- Always remember to check a thinset mortar’s setting time. Thinset, which has a short configuration period, is a good option if you need to install Durock right away. Choose a thinset with a longer drying time if you’re new to this kind of craft, though, as it will allow you more time to fix mistakes.
Are There Any Other Choices for Durock Besides Thinset?
There are other products you can use to stick Durock to a subfloor besides Thinset. Other options abound, such as epoxy or construction adhesives.
The bonding strength of these substitutes is significantly stronger. The main drawback, though, is their high cost, particularly if you’re setting up Durock over a big region.
Durock offers a flooring adhesive called Brand Genius if you choose to use it in place of thinset. It will adhere Durock to a variety of subfloors, wood, metal, and concrete.
