When using 1/2 hardie backer cement board for a shower stall, and you are applying it to the wall, and the wall studs are vertical (usually are!) and for example you are attaching a 3 ft x 5 ft piece of hardie cement board, 3 ft wide and the 5 ft is high, where the 5 ft ends— do you need backer studs on the edge of the hardie panel, that is running horizontally between the vertical wall studs to hold the end edge of the hardie board, or is that overkill?
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I've done this before. Cheap insurance vs.any flexing of the cbu. Might also think about adding blocking for future grab bars while you've got everything open.
I think backing at the horizontal joints is overkill, but it cannot hurt. Gap the boards 1/8" and the thinset/tape will lock them together just fine. Blocking for grab bars is a very good idea. Be sure to write down where they are before you cover up.
Bill
I have found that the best way to identify blocking locations is to use a digital camera. I like to run a tape measure and have it in the picture to erase any doubt. Just take pictures of each layer of work before the next layer goes on. I make sure to get the plumbing, electrical, framing and blocking before putting on backer or drywall in regular rooms. The camera I bought five years ago has paid for itself multiple times in convenience, time, and materials.How can you understand God if you can't understand people? How can you understand people if you can't understand yourself?
If you want, you could always just screw short blocks to catch the edges of the Hardi as you install it. But it is overkill. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I'd be more concerned about installing blocking for grab bars and towel bars. That's a lot easier to do when everythings open LOL
The short answer is "No". Never saw it done, and the mfgr. doesn't call for it.
Overkill squared.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Everything fits, until you put glue on it.