GoBoard and cement board are two popular backer board options used for tile and stone installations. They each have their pros and cons in terms of performance, ease of installation, and cost. Determining which is the better choice depends on the specific project requirements and installer preference.
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What is GoBoard?
GoBoard is a waterproof tile backer board made from fiberglass mat on the front and back surfaces with a water-resistant acrylic coating. The core is made from moisture-resistant extruded polystyrene or XPS. GoBoard backer boards are available in different sizes and thicknesses for both walls and floors.
Here are some key features and benefits of GoBoard:
- Waterproof and moisture resistant – The XPS core does not absorb water and the acrylic coating provides a water barrier.
- Lightweight – Weighs around 2 psf, making it easy to transport and install.
- Mold and mildew resistant – The waterproof barrier resists mold and mildew growth.
- High impact strength – GoBoard is durable and resistant to cracks.
- Thinner than cement board – Requires less build up for installations.
- Can be used for floors and walls – Comes in panels sized for both vertical and horizontal installations.
- Can be cut with standard tools – Does not require special carbide blades.
GoBoard is often used for tile installations in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and balconies. It can be used for floor, wall, countertop, and tub surround applications. GoBoard offers reliable waterproofing in both residential and commercial tile projects.
What is cement board?
Cement board, also known as backer board, is made of an extruded cementitious core reinforced on each side with a fiberglass mesh. The cement and fiberglass make it highly moisture and impact resistant. Cement board comes in a range of sizes and thicknesses for floor and wall applications.
Here are some of the benefits of using cement board:
- Impact and damage resistant – Very durable and rigid, won’t flex or warp easily.
- Moisture resistant – Won’t deteriorate or delaminate when exposed to water.
- Fireproof – Cement board is non-combustible.
- Sound-dampening – The rigid surface doesn’t transmit noise easily.
- Economical – Less expensive than many competing backer board products.
- Allows for thin-set or mortar application – Provides good adhesion surface.
Cement board is the traditional backer board used for tile assemblies. It is commonly used as an underlayment for floors and walls in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other tiled areas. While it is moisture-resistant, it is not a waterproofing membrane like GoBoard.
Cost Comparison
One of the main differences between GoBoard and cement board is cost. GoBoard tends to be more expensive than standard cement backer boards. Here is a general cost comparison:
| Product | Cost per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| 1/4″ GoBoard | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| 1/2″ GoBoard | $1.25 – $2.00 |
| 1/4″ Cement backer board | $0.75 – $1.00 |
| 1/2″ Cement backer board | $1.00 – $1.25 |
Though GoBoard costs more upfront, it can provide savings on labor due to faster and easier installation compared to cement board. The thinner profile also requires less build up to achieve the desired floor height. GoBoard is considered a premium product that emphasizes waterproofing and mold resistance.
Ease of Installation
Installation is another area where GoBoard and cement board differ. Here is a comparison of the installation processes:
GoBoard
- Weighs 80% less than cement board, making it easier to carry and manage.
- Can be cut easily with a utility knife, no special tools needed.
- Installed with tile adhesive or double-sided tape.
- Seams are sealed with fiberglass mesh tape and thinset.
- No need to soak before use – installs dry.
- Fasteners only needed every 8″ to 16″ around the perimeter.
Cement Backer Board
- Heavier and more cumbersome to install.
- Requires carbide or special cement board blades for cutting.
- Installed with thinset, mortar, or adhesive.
- Seams filled with dry-set mortar or fiberglass mesh tape and thinset.
- Boards must be soaked before use.
- Fasteners required every 6″ to 8″ throughout the field.
Overall, GoBoard’s lighter weight, fewer required fasteners, and ability to cut without special tools helps reduce installation time and labor costs compared to cement backer board.
Waterproofing Ability
Waterproofing is an essential consideration for any wet area installation. Preventing water intrusion helps avoid structural damage, mold growth, and other moisture-related issues.
GoBoard is engineered as a complete waterproofing solution. The acrylic-coated fiberglass mat and XPS core work together to form a reliable water barrier. GoBoard has passed numerous testing standards related to waterproof performance.
Cement board itself is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It will not deteriorate or promote mold growth when exposed to moisture. However, it does allow some moisture transmission. Typically an additional waterproofing membrane is installed beneath or over cement board in wet areas.
If reliable waterproofing is critical for the project, GoBoard is the better choice. For drier applications where occasional moisture exposure is expected, traditional cement backer may be sufficient.
Mold Resistance
Mold growth is always a concern in tile assemblies, especially in hot and humid environments. The ability of the substrate to resist mold and mildew is important.
GoBoard’s acrylic coating helps prevent mold growth on the surface, and the XPS core won’t support mold either. During testing, GoBoard received the highest possible scores for mold resistance.
While cement board itself won’t promote mold growth, moisture can penetrate through cementitious materials over time and allow mold to form. Additional mold-resistant coatings are sometimes applied to cement board installations.
For tile projects in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and other humid environments, GoBoard offers greater long-term resistance to mold.
Sound Insulation
In multifamily housing, noise transmission through floors can be an issue. Good sound insulation is important for privacy. Adding mass and isolating the floor-ceiling assemblies can help reduce sound transmission.
The EPS core of GoBoard has better sound dampening properties compared to the solid mass of cement board. GoBoard’s composition provides increased sound insulation and quieter floors.
Additionally, GoBoard can be installed with a crack isolation membrane to better isolate the tile assembly. This further improves the acoustic insulation of the floor.
For multifamily projects where sound control is important, GoBoard can provide better noise reduction than standard cement backer boards.
Fire Resistance
Fire safety is always an important detail, especially for commercial tile installations and multifamily housing. The required fire ratings depend on local building codes.
Cement board is non-combustible and inherently fireproof. The cement and fiberglass composition won’t fuel a fire. Cementitious backer boards are commonly used in fire-rated assemblies.
GoBoard utilizes a polystyrene core which can combust at high enough temperatures. However, it is considered fire-resistant when tested as part of a tile assembly. The ceramic tile, mortar, and fiberglass mat provide thermal barriers that slow fire spread.
For fire safety, traditional cement backer board may be the preferred choice. But GoBoard can meet fire code requirements for many residential and commercial applications when properly installed.
Tile Adhesion
Proper adhesion strength between the tile and substrate is crucial for a durable installation. The substrate surface needs to promote a strong mechanical and chemical bond with the mortar.
Cement board provides an ideal bonding surface for mortar. The porous texture allows the mortar to grip directly to the cement board. Adequate tile adhesion is not usually an issue with cement backer installations.
GoBoard’s fiberglass mat surface is less porous. Maximum adhesion requires preparation with a skim coat, adhesive, or special lath. Proper bonding procedures must be followed to achieve sufficient strength.
Overall, cement board naturally provides better tile adhesion. But GoBoard can match the strength when properly prepped and bonded as part of the entire tile assembly.
Availability
Accessibility and availability of the backer board product may be a consideration depending on your location. Cement backer board has been used in the tile industry for decades and is widely available.
GoBoard is sold through building supply stores like The Home Depot but may not be stocked by all local construction material suppliers yet. Availability is increasing as GoBoard gains popularity but still lags behind traditional cement board.
Cement backer board can be purchased easily at most hardware stores and building supply facilities. GoBoard may require ordering directly from the manufacturer if not available locally.
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendliness is a growing concern for some consumers and builders. The manufacturing process, sourcing of raw materials, and recyclability affect the environmental footprint.
Cement production is energy-intensive and has a moderate carbon footprint. The cement industry has made improvements in recent years but still represents about 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
GoBoard uses recycled polymers in its EPS core and fiberglass from recycled glass. It contains no cement. The acrylic binders have relatively low emissions compared to Portland cement. Overall, GoBoard has a smaller environmental impact.
Both products can be partially recycled. Cement board can be pulverized and used as a base material for cement. The fiberglass, EPS, and polymers in GoBoard also can be broken down and repurposed into other materials.
For green building projects, GoBoard is likely the more sustainable and eco-friendly backer board option over standard cement board.
Conclusion
Determining whether GoBoard or cement backer board is better depends on the specific requirements of the installation. Here are some key considerations when choosing between them:
- Waterproofing – GoBoard provides complete waterproofing; cement board only resists moisture.
- Mold resistance – GoBoard rated extremely high; cement board allows some moisture for potential mold growth.
- Sound insulation – GoBoard dampens sound better than rigid cement board.
- Fire rating – Cement board is non-combustible; GoBoard is fire-resistant for most applications.
- Adhesion strength – Cement board provides ideal tile bond; GoBoard requires surface prep.
- Availability – Cement board is universally available; GoBoard is increasing but still limited.
- Eco-friendly – GoBoard considered more sustainable and has smaller carbon footprint.
For bathrooms, laundry rooms, balconies, and other wet areas, GoBoard is generally the superior choice due to its waterproofing abilities and mold resistance. The lighter weight and faster installation are also advantages.
Cement backer board remains an economical, time-tested option for general indoor and outdoor tile applications. The availability, rigidity, and inherently fireproof properties make it a go-to backer board in many situations.
Consider the specific tile project requirements, costs, and builder preferences when deciding between GoBoard and cement board. Either can provide a quality underlayment for a successful tile installation with proper installation.