USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ Installation Tips

The USG Durock® brand brings proven performance to the backerboard category with Durock® Cement Board with EdgeGuard™. This water-durable and mold-resistant cement board installs quickly and efficiently while maintaining the quality and reliability you expect from USG brands.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced edge performance
• Easy to cut and fasten
• Water-durable and mold resistant
• Exceptional tile bond
• Noncombustible
• Warranted for interior and exterior application

Water durable and mold resistant with better tile bond than fiber-cement boards or other substrate surfaces, USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ Cement Board is an outstanding backerboard for a wide variety of reasons. Choose this high-performance alternative to competing substrates for:

Superior Tile Bond

Prevents tile pops and grout cracks, up to 40% greater tile bond than fiber-cement board.

The Strength of Portland Cement

Will not swell, soften, rot, warp, delaminate or disintegrate if exposed to water.

Enhanced Edge Performance

Proprietary edge performance prevents spinouts and crumbling

Noncombustible

Backed by a Lifetime (30-year) limited warranty.

Superior Mold Resistance

Receives a rating of “0” for no mold growth as tested per ASTM G21. Scores a 10 out of 10 on ASTM D3273.

With better tile bond than fiber-cement boards or other substrates, USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ is an outstanding backerboard for a wide variety of applications. In order to get the full benefits of this board, here are a few pointers to help ensure that every installation is a success:

Cut Down to Size

USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ panels should be cut to size with a knife and straightedge. Power saws should be used only if it is equipped with a dust collection device.

• Utility knife: Using a straightedge, score panel face with a utility knife and cut through the glass-fiber reinforcing mesh, then snap and cut the backside mesh to break cleanly
• Power saw: Use a low-RPM portable saw with a 3-1/2 in. carbide-tipped blade. To make cutouts for pipes and fixtures, use a utility knife to cut through the mesh on both sides of the panel and punch out with a hammer from the back side

Two Sides to Every Board

These panels have both a rough side and a smooth side. The smooth side increases adhesive coverage, making it ideal for mastic applications. The rough side can enhance bonding and reduce tile slip in mortar applications. Despite this, both mastic and thin-set mortar are suitable for either side of the board without compromising performance.

The Right Board for the Right Application

Our cement board panels are capable of being used in wall, ceiling, and floor applications, but they are also great for countertops. Please be aware that traditional cement board fasteners may protrude through the plywood base when 1/4 in. cement board is used, so 1/2 in. or 5/8 in. cement board is preferred for countertop applications.

USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ Installation Guide

For complete installation instructions, please refer to the USG Durock® Brand Cement Board with EdgeGuard™ Installation Guide, which can be found here.