SAVING TIME ON SUBSTRATES:
FIND A PRACTICAL TILE BACKERBOARD
The latest updates to BS5385 Part 1 have placed renewed focus
on tile backerboards, as a solution to combating deteriorating
standards of plywood entering the UK market.
The standard now specifies that wall tiling direct to plywood is
no longer recommended in wet areas and that a tile backerboard
should be used in its place. There are a number of different
boards on the market, with varying properties. So what qualities
should you look for in a backerboard? Here are four that will make
a positive practical impact on the projects that you undertake.
WATERPROOF NOT WATER-RESISTANT
A number of other boards on the market are merely water-
resistant rather than waterproof. The difference is significant
– water-resistant boards will allow water to ingress over time,
whereas waterproof boards keep it out permanently. Water-
resistant boards can be waterproofed via the use of a liquid-
applied or sheet membrane, but this increases installation
time by adding an additional process to the job. It is also not
uncommon for this crucial waterproofing step to be missed, due
to the package of works for a substrate often not including the
additional waterproofing layer. Use of one, ready-waterproof
product avoids any ambiguity, preventing confusion on-site as
to who is responsible for the work and protecting the specifier’s
reputation.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Particularly on large scale projects, having a lightweight board that
can be easily manoeuvred around site makes a tangible difference,
encouraging a quicker construction process and preventing injuries
caused by lifting and dropping. Reduced fatigue means more work
is completed, to a higher standard, saving time and money on
remedial steps later.