Flooring Tile - Installing Durock Cement Board

I am installing cement board over open studs in preparation for the installation of brick tile. Never having done this before, I have a few questions...

1. When screwing done the board do I need to pre-drill the holes. I know the screws are self countersinking but will the board crack on the ends if holes are not drilled?

2. Do I need to install a vapor barrier such as felt paper before installing the mesh? the board (against the studs)?

3. Do I need to tape the seams?

4. What kind of fasteners do I need to use to attach the mesh?

5. Does it hurt if the board contacts any galvanized heat ducts?

6. When using the cement board do I need to use a scratch coat of mortar with the mesh? Can I install the mesh, the mortar and the brick at the same time?

7. Any special kind of mesh?

Wow, a lot of questions...

Any help would be appreciated.

Yea! Somebody finally spelled DUROCK correctly!

1. No. No. The screw heads should be flush. No more.
2. Felt paper between the studs and cement board if installing this in a shower.
3. Yes, with cement board fiberglass tape (not the same as drywall tape) and thinset mortar.

Thanks,

But I am still a little confused. First off this is not in a bathroom or otherwise "wet" environment so I guess I don't need the felt paper. But do I still have to install a mesh and mortar base on top of the cement board? I don't see why but the tile manufacturer say I should. I think she was just reading from a
generic set of answer-all cards. How would one attach the mesh into the cement board anyway?

The mesh is similar to the mesh drywall tape, but not similar enough to be interchangeable. It is held in place by the thinset, like drywall tape is held in by the drywall mud. The scratch coat and mesh go on the joints only. If I'm not reading too much between the lines it sounds like you have the mesh tape confused with metal lathe, forgive me if I am wrong, they are two differeft animals.

Thanks for the reply...

I was refering to the metal lathe over the entire surface not the fiberglass tape over the joints. I thought that the lathe/mortar combination was an old solution to what is now solved with the modern day cement board and was used over plywood (especially on floors) only. However, I am told by the stone/tile manufacturer that I need to apply the lathe over the whole surface even when using cement board. I don't understand its purpose. Do you agree? Will staples actually hold the metal lathe to the cement board itself or does it required that it be attached into the studs? If it needs to go into the studs do I need extra framing to guarentee attachment?

Thanks for your interest...

the staple will hold the lathe in place,all you are trying to do with the lathe is to give the thinset mortar something to bite into as the mortar sets up it will bond to the durock as well and create a more stable and solid foundation for the brick you could even nail it on with galvanized roofing nails :cool:

Can I use the same Durock screws and drive them thru the lath and the cement board?