When installing the backer board in the bathroom, it’s important to understand the long-term durability of the setup.
The incorrect placement of a backer board can not only compromise the board but also the surrounding fixtures in your bathroom.
This is why professionals take their time to measure everything and ensure the backer board is set up in the right spot from day one.
A question that often arises is – Should the backer board touch the shower pan?
A backer board should not touch the shower pan. It’s recommended for the backer board to be installed 1/4″ above the lip of the shower pan. This provides enough coverage to protect the fixture and ensure it’s not compromised.
If you press the backer board against the shower pan, this can harm it over the long haul. A lot of property owners make this mistake and it can be pricey to fix later on.
You might also have to strip the backer board down and that is quite the hassle when everything is already in place.
Here is a detailed look at how to install a backer board over a shower pan and what to think about during the process.
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How To Install Backer Board Over Shower Pan
1. Measure The Space
When it comes to the gap between a backer board and shower pan, it’s important to begin with the basics.
This means measuring the entire space to see how the backer board is going to be set up. Having this information can go a long way in pinpointing what the right gap is between the shower pan and the backer board.
Sometimes, property owners attempt to force-fit a backer board into place.
This doesn’t work nor is it safe over the long haul.
Keep it simple and measure the space to see how the backer board is going to be installed over a shower pan.
Write these measurements down and move on to the next step.
2. Maintain a Minimum Gap of 1/4″
Now you are going to want to look at the gap between the shower pan and backer board in greater detail.
The recommended gap is a minimum of 1/4″ inch.
You can increase this gap but it might not look as clean as you want it to. This is why most will hover around that 1/4″ mark as it will look seamless once done.
Make sure to keep the measurement straight from one end to the other. You don’t want it tilted.
3. Make Sure The Backer Board Is Straight
The drywall around the shower pan has to be perfect.
This means the backer board that you are setting up needs to be leveled. You can’t have it out of shape or misaligned.
When this happens, it is common for water to get through and/or other damages to become a real concern later on.
Get it right the first time.
Make sure it is straight and you can use a laser level for this task. Otherwise, marking the spots will go a long way too.
Recheck this before setting the backer board into place permanently. It’s ideal to look into it right now rather than regretting it later.
Does Backer Board Go Over Shower Pan Lip?
The backer board does not go over the shower pan lip. You must maintain a minimum gap of 1/4″ between the backer board and shower pan. This will ensure both remain structurally sound once the finishing is done.
Do You Put Backer Board Under Shower Pan?
The backer board does not go under the shower pan. However, if you believe this is feasible then it is possible to install it in such a manner. This is a personal choice and will not impact the durability of the setup.
Just make sure the backer board is sturdy once it’s in place. This includes the portion that is under the shower pan.
Final Thoughts
Should a backer board touch the shower pan?
A backer board should not touch the shower pan. It’s highly recommended to maintain a gap of 1/4″ between the shower pan and the backer board. This ensures the setup remains durable, efficient, and safe over the long term.
It’s always best to take your time installing a backer board over a shower pan. You will want to get it right the first time around.
It’s common to make mistakes during this process, which is why the measuring stage is just as important as the rest of the setup. You will want to get it right.
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