GoBoard is a waterproof tile backer system developed by Johns Manville to streamline the tile installation process in residential and commercial construction. The product is engineered for speed, durability, and ease of handling, allowing for same-day tile installations in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, and other tiling surfaces. This article explores essential components of the GoBoard system, step-by-step installation guidance, and product applications, all based on information provided in the available source material from Johns Manville and third-party guidance on cement board installations.
Understanding the GoBoard System
GoBoard serves as a substitute or supplement to traditional cement backer boards in tile underlayment. Unlike cement-based backer boards, it does not disintegrate or crumble when cut in the field, making it highly adaptable for on-site adjustments. The material is lightweight, which simplifies transport, handling, and installation, particularly in confined or elevated spaces like shower walls or ceilings.
Key advantages of using GoBoard include:
- It can be cut with a basic utility knife without the need for power tools.
- It offers superior water resistance, ideal for wet areas.
- It enables faster underlayment installation, reducing labor and time costs.
- It is compatible with a wide range of tile formats, including heavier or larger tiles when used with appropriate fasteners and accessories.
GoBoard is part of a broader product line that includes versions such as GoBoard PRO and components like the GoBoard Shower Pan Kit, GoBoard Curb, and various fastening and sealing accessories.
GoBoard Variants and Accessories
- GoBoard Tile Backer Board – The base product in the line, ideal for general tile projects.
- GoBoard PRO – An ultra-lightweight, waterproof variant designed for speed and performance.
- GoBoard Seam Fabric – Reinforces joints and transitions between planes to enhance product performance.
- GoBoard Pro Sealant – A moisture-curing sealant for use in joints, seams, and to recover from fastening errors.
- GoBoard Fasteners – Preferred for securing GoBoard over stud framing (wood or metal).
- GoBoard Washers – Used with fasteners to increase holding power and support heavier tiles.
- GoBoard Wedge – A pre-sloped panel for use in tile shower pan projects, eliminating the need for manual sloping.
- GoBoard Point Drain Kit – Integrates a waterproof sealing membrane to minimize curb height and support curbless installations.
- GoBoard Curb – Designed to fabricate the shower pan curb with a thick, block-like underlayment profile.
- GoBoard Drain Components – Includes risers and grates to enhance design and finish flexibility in shower pan systems.
GoBoard Installation Process
Though source materials do not provide a step-by-step instructional video in detail, several tips and related guidelines are referenced, particularly in the use of fasteners, sealant, and accessories during the installation. Here is an organized breakdown of installation tasks, based on both GoBoard-specific instructions and general cement board installation techniques.
Preparation and Planning
Before beginning any installation, assess the area for structural integrity and moisture exposure. Since GoBoard is designed for wet areas such as showers, tub surrounds, and bathroom floors, it is critical to ensure the underlying surface is properly prepared. Remove any existing drywall or green board from wet zones before installing GoBoard over wooden or metal studs.
Attaching GoBoard to the Stud Frame
Use the preferred fastening method, which is GoBoard Tile Backer Board Fasteners, for all installation projects. These fasteners are specifically engineered for use with the system, ensuring both holding strength and durability. For wood or metal stud framing, secure GoBoard panels to the studs using the manufacturer-recommended spacing.
For heavy or large tile formats, consider using GoBoard Washers in combination with flat head #7 through #9 exterior-grade screws for added holding power. This is especially important for applications where maximum spacing between fasteners may be required.
Installing Joints and Seams
Seams and joints between GoBoard panels should be reinforced using GoBoard Seam Fabric. The material is applied over the joint to prevent cracking and to ensure structural continuity. No additional thin-set mortar is necessary in place of the fabric, as its function is to support and enhance the integrity of the panel edges.
Overlapping seam fabric where it meets is recommended to maintain a clean and uniform application. Avoid doubling or overlapping excessively, as the material’s design is intended to be applied as a single layer.
Tips for Fastening Mistakes
In cases where fastening errors occur during the process, GoBoard Pro Sealant can be used to recover from these mistakes. The moisture-curing sealant adheres tenaciously to both the backer board and surrounding building materials, providing a robust solution for gaps or misalignment in the installation.
Johns Manville’s Research Manager, Duane Paradis, explains in a referenced presentation that GoBoard Fasteners offer distinct advantages over traditional cement backer board screws in terms of holding power and installation speed. For instance, the use of GoBoard Fasteners may increase allowable spacing between fasteners, reducing the number of required penetrations and minimizing potential stress points.
Handling and Cutting
GoBoard is an easy-to-handle backer board due to its lightweight nature. Homeowners or professionals can cut it using a basic utility knife without the need for a saw or dust collection. This property sets it apart from cement backer boards, which require more tool preparation and generate fine particulate dust during cutting.
When cutting around obstructions such as plumbing fixtures or drain bodies, ensure the pieces remain flush and properly aligned. Use GoBoard Pro Sealant for extra adhesion where needed.
Application in Shower Pan Installations
GoBoard offers a complete system for shower pan projects with the inclusion of the GoBoard Wedge and GoBoard Point Drain Kit.
GoBoard Wedge
The GoBoard Wedge is a pre-sloped tile backer panel used in residential and commercial shower pan projects. It eliminates the need for manual sloping and ensures a clean water run-off in shower areas. It is particularly suitable in both newer builds and bathroom remodels where time and precision are key factors.
GoBoard Point Drain Kit
For curbed or curbless shower pan systems, the GoBoard Point Drain Kit is fully assembled and includes an integrated waterproofing membrane. Its low-profile design reduces curb height, allowing for a more open, modern shower layout. Installation is intended to be straightforward, with the included seals ensuring a watertight system from the pan to the tile surface.
Additional Accessories and Components
Several accessories are designed to support the full range of GoBoard applications, especially in shower pan projects:
- GoBoard Curb: A specialized backer board to fabricate the shower pan curb.
- GoBoard FX Drain Riser: An individual component of the Drain Body system, providing design flex.
- GoBoard Dakar Riser and Drain Grate: Supports finish customization in the shower pan system.
- GoBoard Membrane: A flexible, lightweight waterproofing and crack isolation membrane suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
- GoBoard Fasteners Sets: Specifically engineered for use with GoBoard in all applications.
These components, when used in conjunction with the core GoBoard underlayment, allow for a complete system with minimal need for supplemental materials or retrofitting.
Recommended Applications and Usage Scenarios
GoBoard is widely applicable in both residential and commercial tile projects. Based on the source data, ideal use cases include:
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Entryway floors
- Mud rooms
- Bathroom walls and floors
- Countertop underlayers
- Showers and tub surrounds
Its lightweight, waterproof, and easy-to-cut nature makes it ideal for DIY projects, as well as for professional tile installers working under time constraints.
User Testimonials and Field Experience
Multiple user testimonials from the source data highlight the product’s ease of installation and overall efficiency. For instance:
- “I remodeled my bathroom and decided to use GoBoard. It was so easy to cut and lightweight—it made the work a breeze!”
- “After using GoBoard, I can say the install time was cut in half.”
- “It made handling and lifting in the shower walls a painless process.”
These testimonials support the claim that GoBoard significantly reduces the physical and technical barriers of conventional tile underlayment methods, particularly in comparison with cement board alternatives.
Technical Considerations and Best Practices
When installing GoBoard, it is important to follow best practices to ensure a long-lasting and watertight tile application:
- Always fasten the board to the underlying stud frame using GoBoard Fasteners. These are specifically engineered for compatibility.
- Avoid installing cement board or any other underlayment over drywall in wet areas. This includes shower walls, tub surrounds, or shower pan floors. Instead, replace the drywall and install directly over the studs and membrane.
- Use GoBoard Pro Sealant for any sealant application needed, including recovery from misalignment or voids.
- For areas with larger or heavier tiles, apply GoBoard Washers to ensure maximum holding strength and prevent tile detachment over time.
- When used for shower pan projects, always incorporate the GoBoard Wedge and Point Drain Kit for proper water runoff and curbless installation support.
Conclusion
GoBoardTile Backer Board represents a significant advancement in tile underlayment technologies, combining speed, durability, and waterproofing properties in a single system. It is designed to reduce the steps and time traditionally associated with tile installation, particularly in wet areas such as showers and bath tub surrounds. With specialized components like the Point Drain Kit and Wedge, as well as reinforced sealing and fastening accessories, GoBoard offers a complete, system-centric solution for both residential and commercial projects.
Based entirely on the information provided in the source materials, GoBoard is positioned as a versatile, user-friendly alternative to traditional cement backer boards. While it shares some application similarities with cement boards, its ease of handling, compatibility with various tile formats, and quick installation capabilities make it a more attractive option in modern tile projects.
For those interested in procuring GoBoard products, the manufacturer recommends using an Insulation Locator to find a near-source retailer.