Cement board is designed for installation inside your home, typically for use behind tile. It is not recommended for exterior use, as it can succumb to water damage and is not rated for outdoor use. Generally, cement board is designed to be used indoors and last for decades with the proper care and installation.
Unprotected from the elements, it will be much more susceptible to degradation. The manufacturer has stated that it should not be used outside and may need to be replaced much more often. If you do choose to install cement board outside, the surface should be treated with a water-resistant surface sealer or protective paint, and it should be inspected regularly for any signs of water damage or deterioration.
Can I use cement board as exterior sheathing?
No, cement board should not be used as exterior sheathing. Cement board is not waterproof and is not rated, tested, or approved for use as a weather- or water-resistive barrier, typically required in exterior walls.
Cement board is also not rated for structural loads and should not be used in place of interior or exterior wall sheathing. In addition, using cement board as exterior sheathing would be considered a fire hazard, as cement board can easily be damaged and deteriorate, leading to gaps and openings where fire could enter the building and spread.
A better option is to use a weather and water-resistant barrier such as housewrap or a superior barrier system, as they are rated and certified to meet the requirements of local building codes and generally provide superior protection from moisture infiltration and air leakage.
Which board is for exterior walls?
Exterior walls should be covered with a board that is durable, water-resistant and fire resistant. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are the most common boards used for exterior walls. Plywood is made of thin layers of wood pressed and glued together while OSB is made of wood strands compressed and glued together.
Plywood is the preferred choice for walls, as it has a smoother surface, and is less prone to warping due to moisture. OSB, on the other hand, is more cost effective, and more resistant to moisture than plywood.
Choose a sheathing that meets the building code requirements in your area. In most cases, sheathing should be a minimum of 5/8” thick, and rated for exterior use. .
What is the cheapest exterior wall covering?
The cheapest exterior wall covering is vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of exterior wall coverings, such as brick and stone. It is also easy to install and can be purchased in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, making it a popular option for homeowners on a tight budget.
It is also highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions and is resistant to fire, rot and pests, making it a low-maintenance option that can save you money in the long-run. Vinyl siding may not provide the same luxurious appeal as brick or stone, but it can give your home a much needed makeover at an affordable price.
What material can I use as an exterior wall?
The most common materials used for exterior walls are vinyl, wood, stucco, stone, brick, metal, EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System), and fiber cement board. Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option and typically requires the least amount of maintenance.
Wood can be used in cladding and siding, as well as decorative accents like shutters and trim. Stucco is traditional and provides a high level of protection, but can be challenging to maintain. Stone, brick and metal are also attractive and durable, but they are usually much more costly than wood.
EIFS provides excellent insulation and can be integrated with other materials. Finally, fiber cement board is a type of exterior wall coating that’s very durable and easy to maintain, but it can be expensive.
Ultimately, the right choice for your exterior wall will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and climate.
What is the material for the outside of a house?
The material for the outside of a house is typically determined by the type of home. For instance, a brick home will have brick walls as the outside material, while a wood-framed home might have vinyl siding, wood planks, or stucco.
No matter the material, the outside of the home is designed to protect the interior from the elements, while also providing aesthetic appeal. For example, metal siding can be used to protect a home against hail and wind damage, while adding a modern touch.
Stucco is an ideal building material for a Mediterranean-style home, while offering excellent insulation and durability. Stone can give a home a timeless look and is generally very long-lasting. Some homeowners also choose to create outdoor accents by adding trim and wainscot to the outside of their home.
With so many options available, it’s important to consider the climate of your area and choose a material that will both complement your home’s exterior and offer top protection for your family.
How thick should external walls be?
The thickness of external walls in buildings can vary depending on a number of factors, including climate and desired insulation levels. Generally speaking, the required thickness of external walls depends on the type of structure, with load-bearing walls needing to be much thicker than walls that are not.
In addition, bare walls in areas with no insulation will typically be thicker than those with some type of insulation.
For most climates, a minimum wall thickness of 8 inches is generally recommended for external walls that are also load-bearing. For residential construction, 6 to 8 inches is considered to be standard.
Walls that are not load-bearing may have a thickness of 4 inches, although not all building codes permit a wall of this thickness. In climates that have a higher level of precipitation, a thicker wall may be required to ensure that the building has a sufficient level of water resistance.
External walls with insulation will typically be thicker than those without, as they require additional material to support the insulation. Insulated walls generally need to be a minimum of 9.5 inches thick, with 12 inches being more common.
The correct wall thickness will be specified by the type and R-value of the insulation. Specific information regarding the insulation should be consulted for specific requirements.
What size OSB should be on exterior wall?
The size of the OSB (oriented strand board) used on an exterior wall should depend on the intended application and on the local building code. Generally speaking, 7/16-inch OSB is a good choice for installing exterior wall sheathing, especially in areas prone to high winds.
The panels should cover the entire wall surface and should be securely nailed or screwed in place. The panels should overlap any breaks or joints and should be applied horizontally. When installing nail-on house wrap, the manufacturers usually recommend a minimum of 7/16-inch OSB.
If the sheathing will be enclosed by brick or other masonry, thicker OSB may be required in some locations. For installation of fiber cement siding, 15/32-inch OSB is recommended. Consult local building code requirements for the specific size OSB needed in your area.
How do you fasten cement board?
Cement board is fastened using corrosion-resistant screws. When installing cement board it’s important to use galvanized nails or screws that are rust resistant and at least 1 and 1/4 inches in length for shower floors and 2 inches for walls.
Cement board also requires pre-drilling any holes. It is important to ensure that the head of the screws are correctly embedded in the board, not protruding out. To properly fasten the cement board, drill a pilot hole the same size as the shaft of the screw, then slowly drive the screw in.
Pay close attention to the condition of the screw throughout the installation process and make sure to replace any that have become bent or worn. It is also important to space the screws 6-8 inches apart to provide a secure hold.
Can cement board get rained on?
Yes, cement board can get rained on. Cement board is designed to be an outdoor construction material, and is rated to withstand direct exposure to rain and snow. The recommended practice is to cover cement board with a weather-resistant paper or coating and install it correctly to ensure long-term durability.
Cement board is also an ideal choice to use as a backer board in shower stalls, as it won’t be affected by moisture. However, cement board should not get wet if it’s not covered, and it should always be covered with a coat of waterproofing material before being installed.
Even with the weather protection, cement board should be inspected periodically for signs of decay and water damage, and any damaged areas should be replaced promptly.
Can tile backer board be used outside?
Yes, tile backer board can be used outside in certain circumstances. Tile backer board is designed for use in dry, interior settings, but it can be used in protected, exterior applications. When using backer board outside, it is important to make sure that it is properly sealed to protect it from moisture damage, use an anti-fracture membrane beneath the backer board, and ensure the temperature and humidity are appropriate for the application.
Additionally, it is important to check with your local building codes to ensure that there are no restrictions on using backer board outside, as not all regions will allow it.
Can Hardie board go outside?
Yes, Hardie board can go outside. Hardie board siding is a popular choice for exterior siding because it is extremely durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice.
Hardie board siding is also resistant to pests and insects, which is why it is a popular choice for many homes. Unlike wood siding, Hardie board won’t rot, warp, or swell, and it won’t need to be painted as often.
With proper installation and maintenance, Hardie board siding can last for decades.
