08-25-2008, 08:53 AM
Hardie panel is easy to break with a hammer. That is why it is suggested that you use plywood as a backer if you use Hardipanels or planks as siding.
If you do use the fiberglass panels, try putting baby powder on your skin first or those little shards of fiberglass itch like crazy if they touch skin!
I would also suggest you go to Grabber to check any of these products out (except for Hardie products). Their pricing is usually much better than the others. The only issue with them is they are open 8-4:30 M-F, closed weekends.
Edit follows:
After speaking with SB, the reason not to use Hardipanles in place of Hardibacker or wonder board for tiles, is the excessive deflection after tile is up. I.e. if you lean on the shower wall or press on it, eventually it will deflect enough to crack the grout. The damage may not show up for awhile, but eventually water gets behind tile, causing it to not only loosen, but also if no shower liner was used, or incorrectly installed, and red gaurd was not used on seams, you may end up with real water damage on sides of shower and underneath shower, and maybe even on the wall and floor of the room behind the shower if one.
If you do use the fiberglass panels, try putting baby powder on your skin first or those little shards of fiberglass itch like crazy if they touch skin!
I would also suggest you go to Grabber to check any of these products out (except for Hardie products). Their pricing is usually much better than the others. The only issue with them is they are open 8-4:30 M-F, closed weekends.
Edit follows:
After speaking with SB, the reason not to use Hardipanles in place of Hardibacker or wonder board for tiles, is the excessive deflection after tile is up. I.e. if you lean on the shower wall or press on it, eventually it will deflect enough to crack the grout. The damage may not show up for awhile, but eventually water gets behind tile, causing it to not only loosen, but also if no shower liner was used, or incorrectly installed, and red gaurd was not used on seams, you may end up with real water damage on sides of shower and underneath shower, and maybe even on the wall and floor of the room behind the shower if one.