Cement Board as Exterior Finish
#1
12-11-15, 02:37 PM
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Cement Board as Exterior Finish
I love the contemporary look of concrete exteriors on homes. Can I create this effect using cement board that is typically used as a base material in bathrooms or time floors? I imagine caulking or grouting in between to give a 'tiled' look while using the full 4' x 8' sheet. My husband things that it isn't durable enough to be used as a 'finish' on the exterior.
#2
12-11-15, 02:46 PM
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Welcome to the forums.
Nope, sorry, product is just not intended for that purpose and would not stand up to it.
Nope, sorry, product is just not intended for that purpose and would not stand up to it.
#3
12-11-15, 02:49 PM
I don't know for sure if it's the same cement board but around here when they side the exterior of a house with Drivit, they install plywood/osb, vapor barrier, cement board and then trowel the drivet over the cement board. I can't imagine your proposed idea working without some sort of coating to seal the cement board [so it doesn't soak up moisture]
#5
12-11-15, 05:14 PM
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Cement board by itself is fairly flimsy. It gains most of its final stiffness once a coat of thinset and a rigid tile is attached to it. Like others have mentioned, it is not designed as a wear layer. It also smells pretty strong until you close it up with tile.
#6
12-11-15, 05:47 PM
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And since we don't know where your house is located, sheathing also stiffens your walls, keeping your house from toppling like cards. An exaggeration, but the codes will specify certain sheathing and nailing.
#7
12-11-15, 05:54 PM
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while using the full 4' x 8' sheet.
If you want cement siding, it's an entirely different product. Google "Hardiepanel". It needs to be painted.
#8
12-11-15, 07:07 PM
Several years ago USG marketed an exterior finish system for their DUROCK brand. It involved an acrylic modified base coat and an acrylic finish. I am pretty sure they have discontinued the system. Probably they had a good reason.
I suspect conventional stucco would be cheaper.
I suspect conventional stucco would be cheaper.
