Use and Care Guide

20
Is there a limit on tile sizes and thicknesses for walls and ceilings?
Today’s tile comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and weights and most are appropriate over DensShield Tile
Backer for walls, ceilings, floors and countertops. For large format tile, consult the tile manufactuer or appro-
priate authority for proper system design and deflection criteria. When stone or marble tile is applied to
DensShield Tile Backer in floor or wall installations, the system should be designed for a deflection of L/720.
21
Can damaged tile easily be replaced when DensShield
®
Tile Backer is used as the tile backer?
Yes. Here are some general guidelines and procedures:
Large Areas
1. Remove affected tile area and surrounding tiles from stud to stud. This includes removing the
DensShield Tile Backer panels.
2. Fasten additional studs known as “scabs” to the sides of the original studs for support of the
new DensShield Tile Backer panels.
3. Caulk the edges of the new DensShield Tile Backer panels with a flexible sealant so the joint is
waterproof.
4. After caulk has cured, install new tiles and grout.
Small Areas
1. Remove grout from around the affected area.
2. Carefully score through just the acrylic finish around the affected area.
3. Remove the tile, including the acrylic DensShield Tile Backer finish, exposing the silicone-treated core.
4. Use a penetrating sealer/primer such as shellac primer or solvent-based primer to seal the exposed
core, allow to dry.
5. Install tile with either a mastic or modified thin-set.
6. Re-grout the area.
SHowErS
22
How do you finish DensShield Tile Backer panels around the shower pan?
The shower pan or rubber membrane must be adequately sloped to the open drain or weep hole detail to
permit proper water drain age. Caulk the space between the mortar bed and DensShield Tile Backer edge
with flexible caulk.
• Showers with curbs
— apply waterproof membrane up the walls a minimum of 29 (51 mm) and
a maximum of 49 (102 mm) above curb.
• Showers without curbs
— apply waterproof membrane up the walls a minimum of 69 (152 mm) and
a maximum of 89 (203 mm).
DensShield Tile Backer
panels should not be
used in shower curbs.
DensShield Tile Backer
can be installed in the
shower pan if part of
an approved system.
Pre-formed Shower Pan
DensShield
®
Tile Backer
Tile Mastic or Thin-Set
Tiles
Flexible Sealant into
1
⁄89 (3 mm) min. gap
Wood or Metal Stud
Shower Pan
DENSSHIELD Questions & Answers 9
DensShield
®
Tile Backer
Tiles
Sloped Mortar Bed
Sloped Rubber Membrane
Crushed Stone
Weep Holes
Flexible Sealant into
1
⁄89 (3 mm) min. gap
Shower Receptor