DensGuard® Tile Backer is the ideal substrate for ceramic and stone tile walls and floors. It is code-approved for use in wet areas such as showers and baths, and more effective than cement board in preventing moisture from wicking behind the tile over time. DensGuard tile backer is lightweight and easier to install than cement board.
This tile backer board not only assures superior moisture resistance, it achieves the highest scores possible under standard industry testing for mold resistance. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty, DensGuard backer board uses a proven fiberglass-mat technology to deliver one of the tile industry's most trusted products.
Tip: Adhere Tiles to the Blue Side of the Board!
Check out the FAQ tab below for tips on DensGuard Tile Backer. Click the Installation tab for a downloadable installation guide - or watch a step-by-step installation tutorial.
Q:
Which side of the DensGuard board should I finish?
A:
Tiles are applied to the blue side. For walls, DensGuard Tile Backer should always be hung with the blue side out and the gold side facing the studs. For floors, the blue side of the board should be facing up. The blue coating acts as a moisture barrier and is engineered for proper tile adhesion. If you have mistakenly hung the gold side out, you must remove the board and turn it around.
Q:
Can I install a radiant heating system with DensGuard tile backer?
A:
Yes, as long as the intended use will keep the temperature of the system below 125°F on a regular basis.
Q:
Can I use DensGuard tile backer in a steam room or sauna?
A:
First, we would like to provide a clear understanding of the difference between a steam room and a sauna. Steam bathing is distinguished from sauna bathing by the amount of moisture in the air and by the temperatures at which bathing takes place. The air in a sauna is very dry, aided by the wood construction of the walls and ceiling. The sauna usually operates in the temperature range of 175-190°F with low humidity. A steam bath operates in the 110-120°F temperature range with high humidity. DensGuard backer board is approved for use in a residential steam room with a maximum of 48 square feet, while it is not recommended for use in a sauna.
Q:
Do I need to caulk every fastener?
A:
No, simply spot the fastener heads with the tile adhesive, just prior to setting tile.
Q:
How do I paint DensGuard® tile backer?
A:
There are 2 methods to paint DensGuard tile backer:
1. For areas that will remain dry: skim coat with all-purpose joint compound. Allow to dry for 24 hours, sand, wipe clean, prime and paint.
2. In areas that may get wet: skim coat with a setting type joint compound. Allow to set, sand, wipe clean, prime and paint with water resistive paints.
Q:
Is a vapor barrier required behind DensGuard tile backer like it is for cement and fiber-cement board?
A:
Since the blue coating is a moisture barrier, no additional vapor barrier is required. If a vapor barrier is required by code, as is the case in some colder climates, simply slit the vapor barrier with a utility knife in each stud cavity. DensGuard becomes part of the continuous vapor barrier once the tile is set.
Q:
What do I do where the DensGuard tile backer meets the tub flange?
A:
There are 2 different methods to finish this area:
1. Place furring strips the same thickness as the flange on the studs prior to hanging the panel. Then attach the panel so that the edge is 1/8" above the tub deck. Fill gap with flexible sealant.
2. Hang DensGuard so that the edge of the panel meets with the top of the tub flange and caulk edge with flexible sealant. Pack gap between the edge of the tile backer panel and tub deck with thinset if needed to support tile.
Q:
What fasteners are recommended for DensGuard tile backer?
A:
Q:
What is the difference between DensArmor Plus® paperless drywall and DensGuard® tile backer?
A:
DensGuard tile backer is engineered to be used in direct wet areas; the coating on the face of DensGuard is designed for proper tile adhesion and serves as a moisture barrier. Both products have fiberglass mats embedded into a moisture-resistant core. The face of DensArmor Plus drywall is designed to finish similar to regular drywall.
Q:
What is the difference between DensGuard tile backer and cement board or fiber-cement board?
A:
While cement-based backer boards are water-durable they do not contribute to proper moisture management. In order to prevent the passage of moisture into the tile assembly the Tile Council of North America requires the use of a membrane to block the passage of moisture, since both the wall cavity and the floor substrate are susceptible to moisture damage. DensGuard tile backer has a built-in moisture barrier on the face which protects the wall cavity and floor substrate. It is at least 30% lighter than leading cement-based boards and has a non-abrasive, moisture-resistant core. Cement board has a heavy, crumbly, abrasive core, which can scratch tubs and fixtures. In addition, unlike cement-based backers, DensGuard backer board does not require any special tools or fasteners to cut and install.
Q:
What is the difference between DensGuard tile backer and greenboard?
A:
Greenboard is a paper-faced, moisture-resistant product no longer listed in the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Codes (IBC) for use in wet areas. DensGuard tile backer has fiberglass mats rather than paper, which removes a potential food source for mold. Also the core has been engineered to provide a greater moisture resistance than greenboard and in addition there is a moisture barrier on the face to help prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity. Finally DensGuard meets ASTM C1178 which is listed in the IRC and IBC code for use in direct wet areas.
Q:
What should I do if I countersunk the fasteners?
A:
Add an additional fastener about a 1" away. Cover the nail head with tile adhesive prior to tile application.
Q:
What should I do if there are gaps in between the panels?
A:
Seams should always be taped and filled with tile adhesive.
Q:
What type of caulk do I use to seal the joint?
A:
Use a flexible tub and tile caulk available in the paint department at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouses.
Q:
Where can I buy DensGuard tile backer?
A:
DensGuard® tile backer is sold exclusively at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouses.