Use and Care Guide

29
I want to use DensShield Tile Backer panels in non-wet areas
to achieve a smooth finish for paint or wallcovering. How
do I cover the rough surface of DensShield Tile Backer?
Apply a skim coat of Georgia-Pacific setting compound, or equivalent,
and prime before the application of wallpaper or finish coat.
30
Plywood: Why shouldn’t plywood be used as a direct
substrate for tile?
Plywood has many wonderful uses when used with resilient floor coverings but is not a trouble-free substrate
for direct application of ceramic tile. Very simply, wood cures over a long period of time and is not stable.
Moisture can cause plywood to move, warp and buckle. Since tiles and cement mortars used in tile installation
are not elastic, but instead are rigid, any movement or buckling of the plywood will cause grout failure, tile
cracks or the tile to pop off of the substrate.
31
Fiber Cement and Cement Backers: What makes DensShield Tile Backer better
than cement backers?
DensShield Tile Backer has a considerable weight advantage over cement backers. DensShield Tile Backer
panels are lighter than the leading cement board brands (
1
⁄29 [12.7 mm] comparison). Overall, that makes
DensShield Tile Backer easier to handle on the job site and faster to install.
Additionally, DensShield Tile Backer is highly resistant to wicking and protects the wall cavity from moisture
without an additional vapor barrier. DensShield Tile Backer panels accept mortars or mastic for tile installation.
Most importantly, while providing superior moisture protection, DensShield Tile Backer is much easier to
score, cut and fasten than cement board.
32
Cement board can be immersed in water for extended periods of time with no effect.
What would happen if DensShield Tile Backer was placed in a pail of water for, say,
six months?
Other tile backer manufacturers use the water immersion demonstration to show that their product won’t
warp or buckle and that it will remain stable even when immersed in water for long periods of time. The
purpose of such a demonstration is to promote the fact that tile won’t fall off of cement backers as a result
of moisture damaging the substrate. This demonstration is truly a gimmick and bears no relevance to a real
tile installation.
Non-Tile Walls & Ceilings
DensShield
®
Tile Backer
Fiberglass
Mesh Tape
Skim Coat GP
Setting Compound
DensShield
Tile Backer
Paint
DensShield
®
Tile Backer
• Weighs only 64 lbs (29 kg) per
1
⁄29 x 48 x 88
(12.7 mm x 1,220 mm x 2,438 mm) panel
• Has built-in moisture barrier to protect tile
installation
• Cuts easily with standard utility knife
• No special fasteners required
Cement Backer
• Leading cement board weighs approximately
77 lbs (34.93 kg) per
1
⁄29 x 48 x 88 (12.7 mm x
1,220 mm x 2,438 mm) (2.4 lbs/sq.ft. [11.7 kg/m
2
]
= 2.4 x 32 = 76.8) *source: USG Durock
®
• Requires a membrane behind it when used in wet
areas according to the Handbook for Ceramic Tile
from the Tile Council of North America
• Is more difficult to cut and fasten than DensShield
Tile Backer
Fiber Cement
• Weighs about 80 lbs. (36 kg) per
1
⁄29 x 48 x 88
(12.7 mm x 1,220 mm x 2,438 mm) panel–
not a true
1
⁄29 (12.7 mm)
• Requires a membrane behind it when used in
wet areas according to the Handbook for Ceramic
Tile from the Tile Council of North America
• Cut with a carbide tip scoring tool, circular
saw or mechanical shears
• Needs special screws
DENSSHIELD Questions & Answers 13