DensShield® Tile Backer

Product Details

THE FIRST BACKER BOARD WITH A BUILT-IN MOISTURE BARRIER.

Engineered to prevent damage to the sub-floor or wall cavity if moisture seeps through grouted tile, DensShield® Tile Backer is the first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier. It’s the ideal ceramic tile underlayment for new construction, bathroom remodeling, pool areas, and many other high humidity or wet areas1. Easier to handle than cement board, DensShield Tile Backer cuts and installs like drywall without special tools or fasteners. It can also be painted or used in non-wet areas. DensShield Tile Backer conforms to requirements of 2009 IBC/IRC Code for tile backer in wet areas. It’s available in convenient sizes, including 5/8″ Type X board (per ASTM C1178) for use in appropriate fire-rated assemblies.

Dens® Solutions are industry trusted, high-performing fiberglass mat gypsum panels suitable for your wall, roof, ceiling and floor projects. Dens® Suite of Gypsum Products carry the mark of our valued heritage in Gold, as a visible standard-bearer of our position as the first manufacturer to create a fiberglass mat board and as a relentless innovator of strength and moisture resistant products for over 30 years. Dens® Suite of Gypsum Products answer building challenges with ingenuity.

¹ DensShield® Tile Backer has scored a 10 – the highest level of performance for mold resistance under the ASTM D3273 test method. 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, DensShield Tile Backer provides increased mold resistance compared to standard paper-faced wallboard products. The mold resistance of DensShield Tile Backer has been validated by UL Environmental. Learn more about UL Environmental claims validation at ul.com/ecv.

Product Specifications

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Thickness	1/4″ (6.4mm)
Width x Length	4′ x 4′ (1220 mm x 1220 mm)
Thickness	1/2″ (12.7 mm)
Width x Length	32″ x 5′ (813 mm x 1524) 4′ x 5′ (1220 mm x 1524 mm) 4′ x 8′ (1220 mm x 2438 mm)
Thickness	5/8″ (15.9 mm)
Width x Length	4′ x 8′ (1220 mm x 2438 mm)

CERTIFICATIONS

Certifications may vary by production location, please contact local representative for more information.

FAQs

How is DensShield® Tile Backer fastened in place?

No special or unique fasteners are required to fasten DensShield® Tile Backer panels in place. For wood studs: galvanized roofing nails, rust-resistant drywall screws or bugle head deck screws. Fasteners should be long enough to penetrate at least 3⁄4 (19 mm) into the wood framing members. For metal framing: a variety of rust-resistant screws can be used.

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.

Should gypsum board be installed vertically or horizontally?

While gypsum boards are stronger in one direction, they may be installed either vertically or horizontally on both wood and steel studs. If the boards are to be used in a fire rated assembly, then use the board orientation that is stated in your specific rated assembly.