Should Durarock be cemented to the subfloor and 11/2" roofing nails used instead of screws to set?

Question

My contractor says durarock should be cemented to the subfloor and that 1 1/2" roofing nails should be used (as opposed to screws) to put the durarock down. What would be the difference in using nails or screws? And is it essential that the durarock be cemented to the subfloor?

Answer 1

Show me a contractor that cements durarock down and uses nails in it..and I will show you a contractor that more than likely got fired from McDonalds the day before he bribed someone to issue him a contractors license..Don't even mess with this person..I would hate to see the rest of his work..maybe he will s***w down the carpet in the living room or something

Answer 2

Are you sure that's what he said? Durarock pretty much IS cement. There's no need to cement it to the floor.

I would use screws, but I guess as long as he uses LOTS of roofing nails, that would work too.  

Answer 3

I've never heard of cementing the durarock down (does he mean mortar or construction adhesive?) but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt.  Under no circumstances would I recommend using roofing nails to fasten down concrete board.  Nails pull out screws do not and rigidity  is key to durarock being successful.  I would tell him to glue it down if he wants but nails are not acceptable.  He is just looking for a way to cut corners and save time.