Benefits of using foam tile backer board in residential remodeling
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer is a lightweight option to reduce installer fatigue
Ceramic tile installation is no lightweight job. From the tiles to mortar and backer board, tile contractors carry a heavy load when it comes to getting materials where they need to be for a bathroom or kitchen renovation.
To help lighten the load, reduce fatigue and get the job done faster, foam tile backer board is a lightweight option for installers.
What is foam tile backer board?
PermaBASE™ Foam Tile Backer Board, manufactured by PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, consists of high-density foam with coated fiberglass facers that combine to make an ultra-lightweight yet durable backer board. It is also:
- Easy to cut
- Quick and simple to install
- Waterproof
- Mold resistant
Foam tile backer board is ideal for residential tile applications, especially those on the upper floors of single-family homes or multifamily residences where installers benefit from carrying lighter boards up flights of stairs.
Use foam tile backer board on:
- Walls
- Showers
- Tub surrounds
- Backsplashes
- Floors in low-traffic rooms
- Countertops
- Ceilings
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board carries a 10-year warranty on interior installations. Why choose foam tile backer board? Let’s count the reasons.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board is waterproof.
Waterproof cement or foam backer boards should be used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, all of which experience varying levels of moisture. PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board provides the same waterproof benefits as PermaBASE WP® Waterproof Cement Board.
It passes ANSI A118.10 (American National Institute Standard Specifications for Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin-Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installations) for waterproofness.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board is mold resistant (per UL 2824) and carries the UL GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board is 84% lighter than standard cement board.
How much does tile backer board weigh? At 2.5 pounds per square foot, a sheet of standard cement board weighs in at 37 pounds. Comparatively, a sheet of PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board weighs just 6 pounds. For installers working on upper-story projects, these lightweight boards reduce fatigue.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board can be installed faster than standard cement board.
PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer Board installation steps:
- Measure the location to determine the proper backer board layout.
- Cut to length with a utility knife.
- Position the backer board against the framing. (Be sure to leave a ¼" gap between the bottom edge of the board and the shower pan ledge when installing it in showers.)
- Secure the board with 1 ¼" corrosion-resistant cement board screws at 8" on center. (Drive screws to be flush with the surface of the board.)
- Apply a 4"-wide, ¼"-thick coat of modified thin-set mortar on the seams and corners.
- Embed alkali-resistant mesh tape in the mortar and allow it to cure. (2" minimum alkali-resistant tape is recommended for corners.)
- Apply a second 4"-wide, ¼"-thick coat of mortar over the tape.
- Apply two coats of ASTM C920-approved waterproofing at joints and screw heads.
- Install tile using modified thin-set mortar and grout.
Watch the installation video to see each step or download the PermaBASE Foam Tile Backer installation guide for detailed instructions.
Need more information or assistance with determining the right PermaBASE cement board product for your next project? Contact the technical experts on National Gypsum’s 1-800-NATIONAL® Construction Services team.
