i am installing a swanstone multi piece tub surround over hardi backer board. what is the best way to seal the joint between the backer board and the top of the tub. so far we have come up with three possibilities. set the backer board in a bead of sealant, set the backer board directly on the tub top then run a bead of sealant, or leave a reveal between the backer board and tub tup and fill with sealant. thanks ahead of time for helping solve the dilema.
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As far as i know, you do NOT run the backer board all the way down to the tub lip--should be a small gap so water won't wick or be drawn up by capillary action. I think something on the order of a quarter inch is customary (maybe if you look on http://www.johnbridges.com they'll tell you--that's a website for tiling, if I got it spelled right). Then you run the tub surround all the way to the tub lip and caulk that joint--the surround manufacturer should include instructions on how they want you to do that. Others here may respond with more info on how it's done, but this will get you started.
Leave about a 1/4" gap between the backerboard and the tub lip. Run the surround a little closer to the tub lip. Fill the tub with water. Caulk with a good silicone and leave the water in the tub until it sets up. You can usually get a caulk that's a pretty close color match or, if not, mix your own.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA