subway tile solution

[ddorgan]

Hi, I am in the middle of tiling my tub/shower surround. Probably a no no but I choose to place the hardibacker board above the acrylic tub flange so I wouldn't have to deal with re-sheetrocking the rest of the bathroom.

I would like to use 3x6 subway tile for the surround but am staring to worry about the gap between the hardibacker and top of the tub with the smaller tile. My guess is that this has been done before but would like any suggestions if i need anything else to support the subway tile between the hardibacker and the top of the tub. (probably 1" gap). thanks.

[cx]

Program won't let me respond to your PM for reasons unknown, sorry. For editing your signature, click on User CP in blue bar near top of page. Look left for Settings & Options. Below that is Edit Signature.

More important question on your tile installation is how you've waterproofed that junction of the CBU wallboard and the tub's tiling flange. How was that done?

If that was done properly, you should be able to bond two of the three inches of your tile to the wallboard, which should be sufficient.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[ddorgan]

For the junction between the CBU and flange I applied 6" door/window flashing tape from the top of the flange behind the CBU. here is pic

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

It's hard to tell from the pic but it's critical that the flange doesn't protrude past the Hardibacker.

Next, even though it's flashed there is still a gap between the Hardibacker and the flange. That should be sealed.

Further, it looks like you have the new, waterproof Hardibacker? If so, how do they require that the seams and penetrations are sealed? That might be what you want to use to seal that gap.

Finally, one of the drawbacks to installing Hardi above the flange is just what you've run into. You'll have to start with a full tile around the flange and you'll probably only be bonding about an inch or maybe 1.5 inches of the tile.

[cx]

Originally Posted by Jim

Next, even though it's flashed there is still a gap between the Hardibacker and the flange. That should be sealed.

I'll respectfully disagree with that. I would leave that joint open.

My opinion; worth price charged.