Use and Care Guide

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. DensShield Tile
Backer also has the following evaluation reports:
• ICC-ES product approved
• New York City MEA 65-88-M
Floor Test — Robinson Floor Test/ASTM C627
An independent testing agency conducted the Robinson Floor
Test (ASTM C627) on DensShield Tile Backer by constructing
assemblies and subjecting them to tests of increasing weight
and durability. Ultimately, DensShield Tile Backer panels
were able to withstand pressure equivalent to three stacked
refrigerators without damage, resulting in
1
⁄49 (6.4 mm) and
1
⁄29 (12.7 mm) DensShield Tile Baker panels achieving a
residential and light commercial rating for floors.
Adhesion Bond Test
CTC-Geotek conducted bond-adhesion tests comparing
adhesion capabilities of DensShield Tile Backer and cement
backers using various setting materials. The tests concluded
that bonds with DensShield Tile Backer are as good as, if not
better than, bonds with cement backers.
Shower Test
In a test by an independent testing laboratory, DensShield Tile
Backer was subjected to a shower of water at 110°F (43.3°C),
12 minutes per hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for six
months. The installation had no grout between the tiles. No
deterioration occurred to either the DensShield Tile Backer
board, the framing members or the wall cavity. The DensShield
Tile Backer test was designed to represent 12 years of regular
shower use. Although cementitious backer boards would
not likely deteriorate under the same conditions, the
possibility exists for deterioration of framing members
and the wall cavity due to water infiltration if a moisture
barrier isn’t positioned behind the cementitious backer unit.
Percolation Test
The percolation test helps determine if an additional moisture
barrier should be installed. The test consists of a 29 (51 mm)
diameter tube, 489 (1220 mm) long, bonded to test samples
with silicone sealant. The tube is filled with water and after
48 hours, the remaining water is measured (minus evaporation).
During testing, the following occurred:
•
1
⁄89 (3 mm) of water passed through DensShield Tile Backer
• 199 (483 mm) of water passed through one cementitious tile
substrate sample
• 439 (1092 mm) of water passed through another sample of
cement board.
The test demonstrates DensShield Tile Backer stops
water at the surface, while cement boards allow water
to pass through their porous construction. The Tile
Council of North America requires the use of a membrane in
wet areas for cement backer boards but does not require a
membrane for DensShield Tile Backer since DensShield Tile
Backer panels have a built-in moisture barrier that stops
moisture at the surface.
Water Vapor Transmission
ASTM E96 test method intends to measure the rate of water
movement through a material’s surface over a period of time.
This is accomplished under controlled conditions of temperature
and humidity. It is used to assess the passage of water vapor
through paper, plastic films, other sheet materials, fiberboards,
wood products, gypsum and plaster products.
Mold Resistance Test
Tests conducted by SGS U.S. Testing Company Inc., an
independent testing service based in Tulsa, OK, have indicated
that DensShield Tile Backer effectively resists mold growth.
When tested, as manufactured, in accordance with ASTM
D3273, DensShield Tile Backer has scored a 10, the highest
level of performance for mold resistance under the ASTM
D3273 test method.*
DensShield Tile Backer is listed as a GREENGUARD microbial-
resistant product by a leading third-party organization, UL
Environment. This listing means DensShield Tile Backer, which
features fiberglass mats, resists microbial contamination including
mold growth. The microbial-resistant test is based on ASTM
Standard D6329, a testing standard set by ASTM International,
which develops testing guidelines and procedures for building
materials, products, systems and services.
* The score of 10, in the ASTM D3273 test, indicates no mold growth in a 4-week
controlled laboratory test. The mold resistance of any building product when used in
actual job site conditions may not produce the same results as were achieved in the
controlled, laboratory setting. No material can be considered mold proof. When
properly used with good design, handling and construction practices, Dens
®
Brand
gypsum products provide increased mold resistance compared to standard paper-
faced wallboard products. For more information, visit www.buildgp.com/safetyinfo.
DensShield
®
Tile Backer stops
moisture at the
surface to protect
tile installations
and wall cavity.
Cement board
allows moisture to
pass through to
the wall cavity.
DENSSHIELD Questions & Answers 5