When gypsum rock was first mined in 1770, it was sold to make fertilizer. It was not until 1917 that the first gypsum board was patented. Gypsum cement board is formed by drying and crushing gypsum until it's a powder. The powder is mixed with other ingredients and water to create a slurry which is then pressed between two pieces of paper and the gypsum becomes hard again. Gypsum cement is a good material to use as a subfloor for tile and stone, thanks to its strength and rigidity.
Instructions
1. Inspect the subfloor. Make sure it is structurally sound. The subfloor needs to be at least 5/8 inch thick in order to have the strength required to support the gypsum cement floor.
2. Check the joists and their spacing. The joists need to be evenly spaced 24 inches on center. A stud finder can help you determine this if you are unable to see the framing from a floor below. Add additional joists if necessary.
3. Use a moisture reader to make sure the subfloor's moisture content is 15 percent or less. Clean the subfloor thoroughly before continuing.
4. Apply mortar to the subfloor. Lay the gypsum cement into the mortar, embedding it. Keep a 1/8-inch space between the boards as well as from the walls. Make sure the joints are staggered to spread the load. Use a level to make sure the gypsum cement is level.
5. Secure the gypsum to the subfloor with screws. Space them every 8 inches. Keep the screws 3/8 from the edge. Make sure the screw head is flush, but not embedded, with the surface.
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