Is waterproofing durock necessary?
Also to know is, do you need to waterproof cement board?
Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Since many people confuse the terms, it is a common misconception that this is the best material for use inside a shower or tub area.
Also to know is, do I need to waterproof before tiling?
Shower Waterproofing – What you really need to know. Tile is for the most part – waterproof. Natural stones no, but porcelain tiles for the most part will not absorb water. This means that when building your shower, you have to consider what the water will do when it passes through your grout and onto the wall behind.
2 Answers. The thinset and mesh tape are to strengthen the seams. If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won't split the center of a tile.