just two months ago my bathroom was in desperation begging me to spruce her up. Well, everything went well; it looks great and plumbing works. The tile . on the other hand cracked. I put half inch o.s.b on top ot some 1″ to3/4″ planks (exisiting sub floor), which was very uneven. 1/4 hsrdy back went atop the o.s.b. Should I have used thick hardy backer? How do I prevent this from occuring again.? Thankyou jes.
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I personally wouldnt use Hardiback on floors. You need something much more substantial. I like "Wonderboard" as its the heaviest CBU out there.
You also need to be sure to use thinset "under" each CBU and use screws vs nails.
Of course the best is a mud job on wire lathe or Ditra in it using a latex additive in the cement.
You should also check the tiles you bought to be sure they are a #5 tile which is the hadest fired tile made specifically for floors.
You should also check into the Ditra product. Its a fabric vs a board that cushions between the subfloor and tile work.
One other thing. You should be sure the subfloor is nailed/screwed down securely before you start and the CBU's shouldnt be nailed into the floor joists....just into the subfloor so that when the joists expand and contract they dont take the tile job above it with it.
Be hard : )~
Namaste
Andy
"Understanding yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth"
Alan Watts
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Edited 3/29/2003 9:34:55 AM ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)
You have 1/2" OSB bridging the low spots in your subfloor? Rip it all out, replace subfloor with something level. Or maybe thinset under the OSB would have worked to fill the voids.
Joe H