Techniques to even out 1/2″ transtition from CBU to plaster wall
Greetings,
I need advice on shimming or evening out a wall.
I have a 1/2″ difference between the shower area which will have concrete board and the plaster walls outside of the shower area. The plaster outside the shower area is in excellent condition, I have no reason or desire to remove it.
What is the best method to even out this 1/2″ difference??
1) I could simply do a double layer of concrete board. But this method seems very heavy and an unnecessary amount of cbu.
or
2) I could “shim” out the studs with strips of 1/2″ plywood then attach the one layer of concrete board to the shimmed wall studs.
I’m leaning toward #2 as the best fix.
Any thoughts or experiences on which method would be best…thanks in advance. – Adam
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One could also make the shims out of cement board. Arguments both ways.
Float.
3) You could not use backer board at all and float the shower. You'll have a much better installation.
4) You could use a lighter backer board such as DenShield and double up.
what does option #3 involve?? plastering a wall?....sounds like it could be beyond my skill set. I'll look up DenShield..i've never used it before.
Floating the walls is like plastering. You hang expanded metal lath and screeds usually wood strips. They are ripped or shimmed to be dead right on plumb and strait. The mud is then finished with a straight edged to be absolutely flat and plumb. You can mix your own mud or buy mix. If you've never done it don't start with walls. Try counter tops or floors first. The mud obeys the law of gravity.
DenShield is a GP product (there are other similar products.) I've used it extensively in different applications without any problems. It specs out as better waterproofing than most cement boards.
densshield vs. CBU's
Denshield is water-proof, CBU's are not, and require a poly MB be installed behind them
To the OP, shim the studs with 1/2" ply rips (or whatever thickness you need) then install Denshield ,making sure to seal all
seams and screw heads with caulking, I use clear caulk, use gal. drywall or exterior deck screws to fasten the Dens.
Good Luck,
Geoff
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