Green & Sustainable
Enabling green/sustainable projects across the nation.
Moldblock Technology
HardieBacker™ Cement Board with Moldblock™ Technology delivers superior protection against mold.
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Hardiebacker board offers the most flexural and compressive strength available, while being the lightest cement board on the market. No other board offers a cement formulation with a smooth surface that can be painted, textured, tiled or wallpapered. Hardiebacker board passes both industry tests with a perfect score, providing the ultimate in durability, moisture resistance, and protection against mold growth. It contains no gypsum, paper facing, or abrasive aggregate.
HardieBacker™ 1/4"
| Attribute |
HardieBacker™ 1/4" |
Glass Mesh Board |
Gypsum Board |
| Product Composition |
Portland cement, ground sand and select additives |
Portland cement, aggregate, glass-fiber mesh |
Gypsum core; may have fiberglass mat
w/acrylic coating or paper facing |
| Flexural Strength (psi) |
2100 |
1250-1500 |
Not indicated |
| Compressive Strength (psi) |
7000 |
2250-2500 |
450-1250 |
| Tile Council of America Recommended for Wet Areas¹ |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Gypsum-Free |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Cuts Cleanly and Easily |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Smooth Surface That Can Be Painted, Textured, Wallpapered |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Transferable Warranty |
Yes |
No |
Yes (only for engineered gypsum fiber core panel) |
| Recessed Fastener Pattern* |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Weight (lbs/sq.ft.) |
1.9 |
2 |
1.2-1.5 |
| Product Characteristics |
Passes both ASTM mold tests- ASTM G21 and D3273- with a perfect score. Lightest 1/4" cement board on the market and named "Best Quality Underlayment" in 2006 Builder Brand Survey |
Contains abrasive aggregate that can scratch porcelain and enamel surfaces. Also contains glass mesh that must be cut after snapping. |
Gypsum board with glass mat coating: According to the TCA, intended only for use in dry or limited water exposure areas. Not for use in floor tile installations when using tile with less than 2"x2" dimensions. Engineered gypsum fiber core panels: TCA recognized only for dry or limited water exposure areas. |
HardieBacker™ 500
| Attribute |
HardieBacker™ 500 |
Glass Mesh Board |
Gypsum Board |
| Product Composition |
Portland cement, ground sand and select additives |
Portland cement, aggregate, glass-fiber mesh |
Gypsum core; may have fiberglass mat
w/acrylic coating or paper facing |
| Flexural Strength (psi) |
1700 |
750-900 |
≤ 110 |
| Compressive Strength (psi) |
6500 |
2250-2500 |
≤ 500 |
| Tile Council of America Recommended for Wet Areas¹ |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Gypsum-Free |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Cuts Cleanly and Easily |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Smooth Surface That Can Be Painted, Textured, Wallpapered |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Transferable Warranty |
Yes |
No |
Yes (only for engineered gypsum fiber core panel) |
| Weight (lbs/sq.ft.) |
2.6 |
3 |
1.8-2.0 |
| Product Characteristics |
Passes both ASTM mold tests- ASTM G21 and D3273- with a perfect score. Lightest 1/2" cement board on the market and named "Best Quality Underlayment" in 2006 Builder Brand Survey |
Contains abrasive aggregate that can scratch porcelain and enamel surfaces. Also contains glass mesh that must be cut after snapping. |
Gypsum board with glass mat coating: Tile wall applications have a maximum total weight limit of 4 lbs/sq.ft. All openings must be caulked with 100% silicone sealant/caulk. Engineered gypsum fiber core panels: Not recognized for use in wet areas by either the TCA or IRC. Greenboard: Not recognized for use in wet areas by TCA or IRC. Gypsum core disintegrates with continuous moisture exposure and paper facing serves as food source for mold. |
* Hardibacker 1/4" board in 3'x5' size
¹TCA 2006 Handbook definition of wet areas includes tub enclosures and showers.
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