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DensShield® Tile Backer

  • The first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier
  • Absorbs less water than the leading fiber cement1
  • Easier to handle than cement board – cuts and installs like drywall without special tools or fasteners
  • Available in convenient sizes, including 5/8″ Type X board (per ASTM C1178) for use in appropriate fire-rated assemblies
  • A trusted interior product within the Dens® Suite of Gypsum Products.

1 Timber Products Inspection, Project number 86-18, Report number 1, October 20, 1986

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

Thickness1/4″ (6.4mm)
Width x Length4′ x 4′ (1220 mm x 1220 mm)
Thickness1/2″ (12.7 mm)
Width x Length32″ x 5′ (813 mm x 1524) 4′ x 5′ (1220 mm x 1524 mm) 4′ x 8′ (1220 mm x 2438 mm)
Thickness5/8″ (15.9 mm)
Width x Length4′ x 8′ (1220 mm x 2438 mm)

CERTIFICATIONS

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

Resources

3-Part Specs
HPD/EPDs
Installation
Safety Data Sheets
Submittals
Tech Guide
Warranties
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DensShield® Tile Backer 3-Part Spec
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Glass Mat Face Gypsum Backing Boards 3 Part Specifications
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1 2 DensShield EPD
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5 8 DensShield EPD
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DensShield Tile Backer Health Product Declaration
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DensShield® Tile Backer - Installation Guide - French/English
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DensShield® Tile Backer - Installation Guide - English/Español
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Dens Brand Gypsum Products Safety Information
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet - Canada English
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet Canada_Technical Documents
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet France Technical Documents
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet French
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet Mexico_Technical Documents
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet Spanish
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Glass Mat Faced Gypsum Panels Safety Data Sheet USA_Technical Documents
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DensShield Tile Backer Submittal
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DensShield® Tile Backer - Tech Guide
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DensShield® Tile Backer - Tech Guide - Español
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DensShield® Tile Backer - Tech Guide - Français
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DensShield Limited Warranty Commercial Canada English
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DensShield Limited Warranty Commercial Canada French
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DensShield Limited Warranty Commercial USA English
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DensShield Limited Warranty Commercial USA Spanish
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DensShield Limited Warranty International English
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DensShield Limited Warranty Residential Canada English
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DensShield Limited Warranty Residential Canada French
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DensShield Limited Warranty Residential USA English
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DensShield Limited Warranty Residential USA Spanish
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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.