I have installed 1/2″ hardibacker in a tub alcove, glued and screwed it to the studs using the green Hardibacker screws. Solid as a rock (no pun intended).
Can I use a setting type compound and paper tape for the inside corners and seams, or do I have to use mesh tape and thinset instead. Assuming setting type compound is OK, should I prime the seams and cormers before installing the tile?
A friend who tiles told me that they coat the Hardibacker with a product named Red Dot before applying tile. Sort of like a liquid that dries to a membrane, if I follow him correctly. Is this necessary?
Thanks,
DIA
Replies
Vapor barrier behind backer?
Yes to thinset and mesh tape.
No to setting compound and paper tape.
I'm think that's RedGuard he's talking about. Yes, if no vapor barrier.
Need more confusion? Search Kerdi here.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Just used Redguard for the first time and loved it. Gave me a lot of reassurance for my shower (1"x6" tiles). Stuff's expensive but I think I'll always use it now. It also goes farther than the specs say on the back and I did 3 coats. I think they just want you to buy the 3 gal bucket.
Chuck