Victorian Tiled Path : Backer Boards ???!!!

[rideforever]

Hi

My neighbours are having their path done and I see the builders put a rough slab of cement down and then "tile backer boards".

Is this a bodge ?

The Victorians I assume did not use backer boards and the paths last for a hundred years ... surely these backer boards are going to disintegrate in 20 ?

Or am I misunderstanding ?

Thanks

 

[vinn]

I've never seen backer board used on a concrete path.
Its much simpler to finish the concrete with a respectable surface, and able to shed rainwater two ways.
Call BB Mfr's for info ref external flat use.

 

[rideforever]

 

[vinn]

Thanks for the photo.
Well, thats a first for me.
Although BB is used externally on vertical surfaces.

FWIW: unless there's a slope down that path out past the gate posts then they might have trouble with ponding water?