PermaBase BRAND Cement Board

By Robert Robillard on Product News

PermaBase BRAND Cement Board

PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board is a rigid substrate made of Portland cement, aggregate and glass mesh that provides an exceptionally hard, durable surface and is able to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.

PermaBase is a nice product to use as a backer board when installing tile.  Using a solid and secure underlayment beneath tile is essential in order to achieve a quality looking, long lasting tile installations.  I highly recommend using a  tile backer board like PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board in all tile applications.

There are other brands of tile backer board.  One brand that is popular is called "Durock."  I like the PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board better because it is easier to cut and has a better edge treatment which allows the installer  to nail / screw closer to the edge.

PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board has a competitive advantage over similar products on the market with its patented EdgeTech® technology.  The tapered, reinforced edge design allows for closer nail or screw application to the edge.  PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board does not crumble when inserting screws in this 3/4" space.  It also reduces screw spin out.

Why might this be important?

It’s a reasonable question and the answer becomes important when installing a backerboard directly to wall framing.  Wall studs typically measure 1-1/2" thick.   When installing a backer board to a wall stud the edge ot eh board can only take up 3/4" of the wall stud to allow room for the other board.

Some benefits to using PermaBase® BRAND Cement Board is:

  • Its resistance to the growth of mold and mildew achieving a panel score of 10, the highest possible, per ASTM D 3273.Highly moisture resistant, and will not rot, disintegrate or swell when exposed to water.
  • Impact resistant, extremely durable and dimensionally stable.
  • It has excellent overall flexible, compressive, and tensile strength characteristics.
    Can be cut to size utilizing a standard utility knife and straight edge.
  • GREENGUARD Certified
  • PermaBase Cement Board is GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified® for indoor air quality.
  • A 1/2″ board qualifies as a 1 hour fire rated surface
  • Has a smooth surface
  • 30 Year Limited Warranty on PermaBase Interior Applications.
  • 10-Year Limited Warranty on PermaBase Exterior Applications.

Areas that I find useful for a tile underlayment are:

  • Underlayment or backing surface for tub and shower surrounds
  • Counter tops and back splash walls
  • Outdoor kitchen grills and counters
  • Stucco applications under porches, sheds and out buildings with ground contact
  • Flooring
  • A variety of interior and exterior applications: such as stucco, whirl pools and out door kitchens.
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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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