If using glue on shower panels instead of tile, how do you cover and seal the 1/4 inch gap between cement board and tub flange

Question

I know cement board is installed about 1/4 inch above tub flange. The tile will cover gap. But if we aren’t using tile and just using the thin glue on panels?

Answer 1

This is how it's supposed to be with tile; if you're still using backer board, it should be similar--you'll just have your panel instead of tile.

Answer 2

The cement board is actually supposed to be installed over the tub flange.

I apply Polyurethane caulkto the flange before installing the backer board. I like polyurethane to silicone because other things can stick to poly and it can be painted if needed unlike silicone.

Rather than remove the backer and reinstall, I would apply seam seal over the 1/4 gap and tub flange then the polyurethane caulk to the taped tub flange and install the panels.

Use the recommended caulk ( usually silicone) to seal the seams of the panels.