Hello,
The guy at Lowes recommended stainless steel screws for hardi backer. He says the thinset will corrode drywall screws or staples. Stainless steel or the expensive hardi screws seem like over-kill to me.
Any recommendations for screws used for applying Hardi backer? (I’m using 1/4″ Hardi over thinset on floors; 1/2″ Hardi over studs on shower/tub walls).
Can I use regular drywall screws and paint over them with exterior poly?
Can I use galvanized screws?
Thanks a million.
Roger <><
Replies
Hope this helps
Floors and Walls:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWPD
Edited 1/21/2006 12:10 am ET by Sailfish
I just use hardi screws or another brand of same. Any exterior deck screws would probably also work almost as well, but they don't have the large head. On the plus side, deck screws counter sink easier, not that they should be burried.
Big mistake. Don't go cheapie on a little box of screws. Buy the ones sold for the hardiebacker, and get the ones with the square drive rather than the phillips. You get a free square drive bit in the package. The right screws have large heads, and little nibs under the head that make them self-sinking.
He's right about the drywall screws and staples, but you don't need stainless.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I just built a tub surround (5' x 8') on a job that will be tiled. HO bought 1/2" hardibacker to put on it. I used 3/4" plywood to cover surround prior to installing hardibacker. Father-son tile installers told me to use liquid nails and staples to hold the backerboard to the plywood. They said this was the best way to go. They will be coming to install the tile in a few days. Should I be concerned about this and maybe go get some screws and put in also? I don't want to be responsible if the backer comes loose some day! Thanks!
Duey
Technically it's not your problem. Once they start to tile, they have accepted the surface as being correect ands they are responsible.
But ... I would use the proper screws. Since you're screwing to plywood, there's no problem trying to hit studs. Buy a box of screws and make it right. Also, read the installation instruction on the backerboard. If it says liquid nails and staples are acceptable, then you're good to go. If not ... no warranty from the manufacturer. Understand? No matter what causes the failure, if you don't follow the mfgr requirements then they get a free pass and you're left holding the bag.
Is it a shower-tub combination? Or just a tub surround. If it has a shower too, I hope you installed the proper waterproofing membrane. Or did the ace tile team tell you it wasn't needed?
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Yes the liquid nails will hold it so don't worry about screw choice. It is faster to staple it.
Agreed
I always use the Hardi screws. Ditto the square drive ones. There a little pricey but IMO worth it.
Hardi screws are made for hardi backer. I think that saying they're overkill is kind of like saying mustard is overkill for a hotdog......thats what its for.
Edited 1/21/2006 5:00 pm ET by MSA1
Edited 1/21/2006 5:01 pm ET by MSA1
Well said.