DENSSHIELD® Questions & Answers Questions & Answers
Product Description DensShield® Tile Backer is designed for use as a substrate for tile walls, ceilings, countertops and commercial and residential floor applications in high moisture areas. The special moisture-resistant, treated core —covered front and back by fiberglass mats— is lighter than the leading cement board brands (based on 1⁄29 [12.7 mm] comparison).
DensShield® Tile Backer Features Advantages Benefits Protects Tile Installation • Unique grey built-in acrylic coating • Moisture-resistant treated core • 5 ⁄89 (15.
What is DensShield® Tile Backer? D ensShield® Tile Backer is Georgia-Pacific Gypsum’s revolutionary substrate for installing tile in interior areas that are susceptible to moisture. DensShield Tile Backer is designed for interior tile installations on ceilings, walls, floors and countertops. In industryapproved tests, DensShield Tile Backer has achieved a residential and light commercial rating for floors. A quality tile installation requires a sound substrate that is unaffected by moisture.
Testing and Code Recognition Standards and Code Compliance DensShield® Tile Backer in 1⁄49 (6.4 mm), 1⁄29 (12.7 mm) and 5 ⁄89 (15.9 mm) thicknesses conforms to current IRC and IBC codes for use as a tile backer in tub and shower areas and is manufactured to meet ASTM C1178 as a fiberglass mat gypsum substrate for use as tile backer.
General Installation Questions 1 Is the acrylic coated side of DensShield® Tile Backer installed face out? Yes. The DensShield® Tile Backer panel should be positioned next to framing with the acrylic coated (grey) side facing away from studs. Apply mortar or mastic and tile to the acrylic coated (grey) side of DensShield Tile Backer panels. The built-in acrylic coating stops moisture penetration at the surface.
8 Can I use DensShield® Tile Backer in fire-rated wall assemblies? Yes. 5⁄89 (15.9 mm) DensShield® Fireguard ® Tile Backer is manufactured to meet Type X requirements (per ASTM C1178) and can be substituted in any generic assemblies using a 5⁄89 (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board. This permits the use of numerous 1-hour and 2-hour assemblies for both wood and metal frame construction. Transition to regular 5⁄89 (15.9 mm) Type X board is also minimized.
Moisture Protection 16 I have been told by professional installers that DensShield® Tile Backer can provide a true moisture-resistant envelope by using flexible sealant in c orners where adjacent DensShield Tile Backer panels come together. Is this true? Yes. By caulking the intersecting corners of DensShield Tile Backer panels and around a tub base or shower pan with flexible sealant, a moisture-resistant envelope can be established.
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 appropriate authority for proper system design and deflection criteria.
23 How can DensShield® Tile Backer reduce waste? 329 x 58 (813 mm x 1,524 mm) DensShield® Tile Backer saves you time and money. There will be only 11⁄2 sq. ft. (0.14 m2) of waste with DensShield Tile Backer for a standard 609 (1,524 mm) tub surround and 49 x 609 (102 mm x 1,524 mm) waste used to cut 29 x 129 (51 mm x 305 mm) or 29 x 149 (51 mm x 356 mm) legs for typical tub surround.
25 an DensShield® Tile Backer C be used in floor applications? Yes. Both 1⁄49 (6.4 mm) and 1⁄29 (12.7 mm) DensShield® Tile Backer can be used in floor applications. Both of these thicknesses passed the Robinson Floor Test, the industry standard floor test for residential and light commercial ratings. The Robinson Floor Test (ASTM C627) is designed to determine how a tile assembly holds up under extreme wear and weight conditions.
28 Can DensShield® Tile Backer be used in residential steam rooms? Yes. But follow the specific installation recommendations below: 1. Do not install a vapor barrier behind DensShield® Tile Backer. 2. Apply DensShield Tile Backer to all wall and ceiling surfaces that will constitute the steam room using corrosion-resistant fasteners 69 (152 mm) o.c. along all framing members. All parts of the steam room shall be tiled.
DensShield® Tile Backer Fiberglass Mesh Tape Skim Coat GP Setting Compound DensShield Tile Backer 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.
Tile is never installed in interior building areas that are permanently under water. In fact, cement board has a liability in its design in that it allows water to freely pass through it, wetting the plywood in floor applications or framing members in unprotected wall cavities. If a secondary moisture b arrier isn’t installed, moisture can, and will, damage the stud cavity. DensShield® Tile Backer isn’t designed or intended to be permanently immersed in water.
36 C ement backers can be used on exteriors. Is DensShield Tile Backer recommended for exterior use? DensShield Tile Backer is not for exterior use. 37 Is DensShield Tile Backer recommended as a fireplace heat shield? No. DensShield Tile Backer is not designed to be used as a heat shield or radiant barrier. 38 W hat advantages does 5⁄89 (15.
DENSSHIELD Questions & Answers U.S.A. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC Georgia-Pacific Gypsum II LLC Canada Georgia-Pacific Canada LP Sales Information & Order Placement U.S.A. West: 1-800-824-7503 Midwest: 1-800-876-4746 South Central: 1-800-231-6060 Southeast: 1-800-327-2344 Northeast: 1-800-947-4497 CANADA Canada Toll Free: 1-800-387-6823 Quebec Toll Free: 1-800-361-0486 Technical Information Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Technical Hotline U.S.A. and Canada: 1-800-225-6119 www.gpgypsum.
