Use and Care Guide

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DensShield
®
Tile Backer
Residential Steam Rooms
DS013
DensShield
®
Tile Backer can be used in residential steam rooms with a maximum floor area size of 48 sq. ft. (15 sq. meters). For
walls, steel or wood framing should be spaced no greater than 16” (406 mm) o.c. for 1/2” (12.7 mm) DensShield Tile Backer or
24” (610 mm) o.c. for 5/8” (15.9 mm) DensShield Tile Backer. For ceilings, board should be spaced no greater than 12” (305 mm) o.c.
for 1/2” (12.7 mm) thickness or 16” (406 mm) o.c. for 5/8” (15.9 mm) thickness.
Apply DensShield Tile Backer to steam room wall and ceiling surfaces using corrosion-resistant nails or screws 6” (152 mm) o.c.
along all framing members. All parts of the steam room shall be tiled. Caution: Exposing untiled areas such as wallpaper, joint
compound, drywall or untiled DensShield Tile Backer may result in unsatisfactory performance of these materials.
Tape all corners and joints with a self-adhering fiberglass mesh tape and embed with a latex modified dry-set (thin-set) mortar.
Spot fasteners that were accidentally countersunk and other surface deformations. As an alternative, corners and joints may be
finished with a liquid membrane manufacturer’s taping procedures. See manufacturer’s directions.
Seal around all penetrations and where DensShield Tile Backer meets dissimilar materials with a flexible silicone sealant.
Avoid getting sealant on DensShield Tile Backer surface.
Use an appropriate waterproofing system approved for steam room applications directly over the entire DensShield Tile Backer
surface, covering all fasteners, corners and joints. (See chart below for examples.)
Apply tile with a modified thin-set mortar per manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use flexible silicone caulk as grout in all corners.
Use unfaced fiberglass insulation in wall cavity to retard heat transmission.
Do not install a vapor barrier behind DensShield Tile Backer.
Operation and Maintenance – The steam generation unit should be timer-controlled to avoid incidental lengthy exposure.
Maintenance of grout and caulking of corners due to movement should be performed when required.