Is Triton backer board waterproof?

Triton backer board is a moisture and mold resistant tile backer board often used for tile installations in wet areas like showers and tub surrounds. But an important question many homeowners and tile installers have is – is Triton backer board waterproof? The quick answer is no, Triton backer board is not completely waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant.

Triton backer board is made from concrete and other materials that make it dimensionally stable and able to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture. This makes it an ideal substrate for tiled showers, tub surrounds, and other wet applications. However, it is still porous and will absorb some water when directly exposed over time.

What is Triton Backer Board?

Triton backer board is a cementitious backer board made from Portland cement, sand, and other aggregates. It was developed as an alternative to traditional gypsum drywall as a more water-resistant substrate for tiled installations in wet areas.

Some key features of Triton backer board:

– Extremely moisture resistant – can withstand 100% humidity and periodic water exposure
– Mold and mildew resistant
– Dimensionally stable – will not swell or warp from moisture
– Provides support for tile and stone installations
– Cuts easily with carbide scoring knives or a circular saw

Triton backer board is available in a variety of sizes, usually 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick. It can be installed on walls or floors using screws, nails, or thinset mortar. Joints are then treated with fiberglass mesh tape and thinset to create a water resistant surface.

Is Triton Backer Board Waterproof?

While Triton backer board is highly water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. The cementitious material is still porous at a microscopic level and will absorb water when exposed over a period of time.

Direct, prolonged water exposure can lead to moisture passing through the backer board to underlying materials. This is why a waterproofing membrane is still required behind the backer board in showers and other wet areas.

So in summary:

– Triton backer board is water-resistant but not waterproof
– It provides underlying support and protection from periodic water exposure
– A waterproofing membrane is still required behind it for true waterproofing

Moisture Testing

One way to test the water resistance of Triton backer board is to conduct a moisture test. This involves taping a 4 square foot section of plastic sheet over the surface for 24-48 hours.

If moisture forms under the plastic, that indicates the backer board is allowing water to pass through. No moisture is a sign of better water resistance.

While some moisture may permeate over time, Triton backer board will still provide greater protection than regular drywall in wet environments. But for true waterproofing, an underlying membrane is recommended.

Advantages of Triton Backer Board

Here are some of the main benefits and advantages of using Triton backer board:

Water and Moisture Resistance

The main advantage of Triton backer board is its ability to withstand water and moisture much better than regular drywall. This makes it ideal for tiled showers, bathtub surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, and other wet applications.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

With moisture resistance comes mold and mildew resistance. Triton backer board will not support mold growth like plain drywall does. This helps improve indoor air quality.

Stability

Triton backer board maintains its shape and will not swell, warp, or delaminate when exposed to water. This provides a stable substrate for tile and stone installations.

Versatility

Triton backer board can be used on both walls and floors. It can be installed over wood or metal framing. This versatility makes it useful throughout bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.

Impact Resistance

The rugged cementitious material provides impact resistance and protects underlying walls. This is useful in high traffic areas.

Limitations of Triton Backer Board

While very water-resistant, Triton backer board does have some limitations to be aware of:

Not Completely Waterproof

As mentioned, Triton backer board will still absorb some moisture when exposed long-term. A waterproof membrane is required for true waterproofing.

Prone to Cracking

If not properly installed and reinforced, Triton backer board can be prone to cracking. Fiberglass mesh tape provides additional strength and crack prevention.

Heavy and Difficult to Cut

At up to 1/2″ thick and 2×4 feet in size, Triton backer board sheets can be heavy and awkward to install. Carbide scoring knives are recommended for cutting.

Higher Cost

Triton backer board costs substantially more than regular drywall. This higher cost can be prohibitive for some projects.

Specialized Installation

Proper Triton backer board installation requires modified techniques like taping/thinsetting joints. DIYers may find the learning curve challenging.

How to Install Triton Backer Board

Installing Triton backer board properly is important to gain its moisture protection benefits. Here are some installation tips:

Framing

Wood or metal framing must be in place, with studs spaced 16″ on center. The framing provides support and allows the backer board screws to sink in.

Cutting

Use a carbide tipped scoring knife to score the board face, then snap it backward to break cleanly. A circular saw with a carbide blade can also be used.

Fastening

Screws should be placed every 8″ across the panel faces and edges. Ring shank nails can also be used. Space fasteners 2″ from corners and edges.

Joints

Joints between panels should be staggered. Leave a 1/8″ gap between boards. Fill gaps with fiberglass mesh tape and thinset.

Corners

Pre-made corner beads can reinforce corners. Alternatively, fold fiberglass tape over the corner seam.

Sealing

Seal all penetrations, gaps, and around fixtures with silicone caulk. This prevents moisture entry.

Membrane

Install a waterproofing membrane like Kerdi over the entire surface before tiling in wet areas.

Triton Backer Board vs. Cement Board

Cement backer board like Durock or HardieBacker is another popular cementitious backer board. How does it compare to Triton?

Water Resistance

Triton and cement boards provide similar water resistance. Both can withstand intermittent water exposure.

Mold Resistance

Triton and cement boards resist mold growth due to their cement composition.

Cost

Triton boards are slightly more expensive than Durock cement boards. HardieBacker is comparable in cost to Triton.

Weight

Triton boards are lighter than 1/2″ thick cement boards. This can make Triton slightly easier to install.

Performance

Both Triton and cement boards offer excellent performance for tile substrates in wet areas when installed properly.

In summary, Triton and cement backer boards are comparable options that provide moisture resistance behind tile. Choose based on availability and budget.

Triton Backer Board vs. Drywall

Here’s how standard drywall compares to Triton backer board:

	Triton Backer Board	Drywall
Water Resistance	Highly water resistant	Low water resistance, absorbs moisture
Mold Resistance	Resists mold growth	Prone to mold growth when wet
Stability	Maintains shape when wet	Turns soft and crumbly when wet
Tile Substrate Suitability	Excellent, provides support and protection	Poor, tiles will detach when wet
Cost	More expensive	Less expensive

As you can see, Triton backer board outperforms drywall across the board when it comes to water resilience. But drywall is a cheaper option for dry wall areas.

Should I Use Kerdi Over Triton Backer Board?

While Triton backer board is water-resistant, installing a membrane like Kerdi over top provides full waterproofing:

Full Waterproofing

Kerdi seals the entire surface and creates a waterproof barrier. This provides complete protection from moisture penetration.

Uncouples Tile

Kerdi acts as an uncoupling layer, allowing tile to move independently from the subfloor. This prevents cracking.

Vapor Management

The membrane allows vapor to evaporate through the seams instead of condensing behind tiles. This prevents mildew.

Crack Isolation

Hairline substrate cracks won’t transfer through to the tile layer with the fleece-backed Kerdi membrane.

Easier Installation

Kerdi sheets are thin, lightweight, and easy to cut and install over the backer board.

For these reasons, applying Kerdi over Triton backer board is highly recommended to achieve a waterproof tile installation.

Conclusion

While Triton backer board provides excellent water and moisture resistance, it is not 100% waterproof. The cementitious material is still porous at a microscopic level.

For wet room installations like showers, a waterproofing membrane like Kerdi should be installed over Triton boards to prevent long-term moisture penetration.

However, Triton backer board offers tremendous advantages over drywall in wet areas. It resists mold growth, maintains its strength when wet, and provides a stable substrate for tiles.

With proper installation and sealing, Triton backer board will provide enhanced wet performance and moisture protection compared to drywall alone. It is an ideal substrate for tiles in showers, tub surrounds, and other intermittently wet interior applications.