Specifying. Key considerations for specifying tiling substrates There are generally four main requirements for a tiling substrate:

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2 Specifying Problems of traditional tiling substrates Plasterboard and plywood are the two most commonly used tile substrates. However, BS 5385 for wall and floor tiling, in Part 1 & 4, states that: Sheets and boards such as plasterboard, plywood and chipboard that are not dimensionally stable with changing humidity should not be used in wet or damp conditions Plasterboards should not become damp either during storage or after installation Damp and wet conditions : Water resistant materials should be used throughout and be capable of withstanding continuous contact with water without deterioration Key considerations for specifying tiling substrates There are generally four main requirements for a tiling substrate: Water resistance 95% call backs are due to failures in the wet areas (NHBC). When specifying a tile substrate the first consideration is whether it can withstand the harmful effects of water/moisture. Tiles and grout joints can be porous to different extents, and as tiles are most commonly used in bathrooms or wet areas, it is important that an adequate substrate is used to eliminate failure. The NHBC have stated that 95% of call-backs are due to failures in the wet areas, according to the National Housing Building Council. Common problems with plasterboard or plywood as a tiling substrate: Cracked tiles & grouts Loose or fallen tiles Mould growth Perished plasterboard Rotting wood Plasterboard can only hold 32kg/m 2 and it is significantly reduced to 20kg/m 2 once skim coated, which can limit the choice of tile. Plasterboard is made of gypsum, a chalk like substance which can breakdown when exposed to water or any form of moisture. The paper facing of plasterboard is also a food source for fungus. In the event of water ingress, mould can grow in the background and eventually appear on the grout line. As the substrate is now not dimensionally stable, it will cause stress on the tile ultimately leading to cracks. Plywood will expand, contract, swell and shrink depending on the moisture content of the wood, relative humidity, and other factors. Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is fairly rigid and not subject to changing shape because of moisture. Consequently, the movement of a plywood underlayment as it responds to moisture will cause the grout between the tiles to crack and could cause cracks to the tiles themselves. When wood begins to rot, it will become weak causing the floor to go soft. Layers of the plywood sheet will then start to separate causing tile stress, which could again lead to tile cracks. Mould resistance Potential risks to health and cost implications to rectify. The potential health effects and symptoms associated with mould exposure may include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints. Mould can also pose a threat to the value of the project. Once mould has established itself, it can be costly to clean up. For example, a hotel will need to temporarily close a number of rooms, if mould is found in one area, until the mould is properly cleaned, which will of course incur cost implications. Strength and durability Ability to hold the tiling weight The substrate should be able to hold the tiling weight and anticipated load of traffic. With larger formatted tiles becoming increasingly the trend for wall applications, the need to be able to hold heavy weight of tiling is vital. Also at the planning stage, it needs to be ensured that the substrate can withstand the anticipated foot traffic and impact. Ease of installation Reduced overall costs. Ease of installation means faster completion and reduced overall costs of the project. For instance, a substrate which can be tiled as soon as it s installed reduces downtime considerably. Some methods rely on a skim coat of some description prior to tiling, which will always incur downtime to enable it to dry.

3 : The Superior Solution Masonry (Interior Only) Gap Filling Grab Adhesive provides just the solution to all common problems encountered by traditional tiling substrates Dimensionally stable despite changes in moisture or temperature withstands the harmful effects of water/moisture infiltration. This highly engineered fibre cement backerboard is 100% dimensionally stable - it will not swell, shrink, expand, contract, buckle or disintegrate no matter how much water/ moisture/thermal changes it gets exposed to. Maximum 100kg/m 2 tiling weight held Large format tiles and stone are becoming increasingly popular for wall applications. The need for the substrate to be able to hold heavy weight of tiling is vital. The following offers general guidance on combined tiling weights with some common tile types, and the maximum recommended tiling weights for common wall tiling substrates. Tile Adhesive Decorative Tiles is perfect for tiling installations in wet areas i.e. wet rooms, shower/bathrooms, and/or with underfloor heating systems. Mould resistant With built-in patented Mouldblock TM Technology, offers peace of mind that no mould will grow on the substrate eliminating health risks or downtime/repair costs. Non-combustible Maximum recommended weights for tiling. Wall Substrates Gypsum plaster Gypsum plasterboard direct (without a plaster skim) Weight of tiling kg/m²: Studs Tile Adhesive Decorative Tiles has an A1 fire rating, meaning its non-combustible. The boards can even be used as a tiling substrate behind boilers or fire place surrounds. Plywood (WBP) 30 Easy to install Despite its high strength, the cutting of is simple and easy, with a score-and-snap action. The board can be mechanically fixed. Joints should be sealed with an alkaline resistant tape. Boards can be tiled on straight away with no priming required. Quality assurance has been evaluated by the BBA and approved with certificate no. 04/4100. Lightweight tilebacker boards Glass reinforced cement sheets Gypsum fibre boards Decorative Tiles The product meets the European standard for fibre cement - EN and its reaction to fire, in accordance with EN , is A1,S1-d0. The product is therefore classified as fully non-combustible. is covered by a 10 year limited product warranty. 100 Wooden Substrate Tile Adhesive

4 Specifying For multi-fuel and wood burning stove installations cement backerboard can now be used as both a register plate and a decorative non-combustible lining sheet for multi-fuel or log burning stove installations. cement backerboard passes the industry fire test EN giving it fully a-combustible A1 classification. Benefits of using HardieBacker in this application are: No cracking Easy to cut and install Suitable for painting or tiling Dimensionally stable Withstands temperatures of up to 100 o C This installation is for masonry applications only, meaning on fully bricked openings, brick chimneys, or brick chimneys with a metal flue. It is not to be used as a fire protection board (heat shield) to protect combustible materials within the fire zone, and it may not be used as a hearth board or around open fires (like open log or coal burning grates). Installations must accord with The Building Regulations 2000 Approved Document J Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems 2010.

5 Specifying What is? Fibre cement is a low maintenance, non-combustible product made from Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibre, water and selective additives. In the mid 1980s, James Hardie pioneered the re-development of fibre cement technology, and has since become the world leader in producing fibre cement building materials with superior quality over traditional alternatives. Amongst many well-known building products from James Hardie, is a water resistant, strong fibre cement backerboard for tile and stone installations. provides a dimensionally stable cement bonding surface that won t warp, swell, rot, or deteriorate even in the wettest conditions. It can hold a tiling weight up to 100kg/m 2, and incorporates the patented Mouldblock TM Technology, providing extra moisture and mould resistance. Sustainability Fibre cement products can achieve high standards in the life cycle assessment in areas such as impact on resource depletion, inherent pollution and embodied energy. A or A+ BRE Green Guide ratings can be achieved by using. does not contain asbestos, gypsum, glass fibre or formaldehyde. Best practice of installation Common applications for are fixing onto block work walls, framed walls or floor timber substrates. In general the following key elements should be observed for best practice. Ensure the background or sub-floor is structurally sound, and clean and dry, ready to receive. Determine layout of and with a score-and-snap action, cut the boards to required sizes. For masonry walls, the board should be press bonded into position with a high strength gap filling adhesive first; for floors, the board should be imbedded in a non-flexible tile adhesive first. can be mechanically fixed with stainless steel screws. Tape joints prior to tiling with an alkaline resistant tape, and feather tile adhesive to leave a 150mm wide joint. The boards are ready for tiling onto straight away; no priming is required. For detailed fixing instructions, please refer to Product and Installation Guide, available for download on Physical Properties Basic Composition: EZ Grid 6mm Portland cement, sand, cellulose and selected additives. 12mm Dimensions: 1500 x 900 x 6mm 1200 x 800 x 6mm 1200 x 800 x 12mm Weight: 12.5kg 9kg 13.8kg Reaction to Fire: Thermal Conductivity: Suitable Applications: A1, S1-d W.mk For internal flooring tiling Ideal for tiling in wet areas (wet rooms, shower/bathrooms, kitchens) Suitable for tiling installations with underfloor heating systems For internal wall tiling Ideal for tiling in wet areas (wet rooms, shower/bathrooms, kitchens) Can be used on masonry walls for multi-fuel or log burning stove installations

6 Technical Data General Property Test Method Unit/Characteristic Requirement Result PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES Dimensional Tolerences EN Length ± 0.5% Pass EN Width ± 0.5% Pass EN Thickness ± 6% Pass Weight - kg/m 2 As reported 9.25 Apparent Density EN Saturated kg/m 3 As reported 1300 Water Impermeability EN Phsical observations No drop formation Pass Compressive Strength ASTM D Mpa Flexural Strength EN Equilibrium conditioned Mpa >10 Mpa Pass Category/Class EN As reported NT Category C Class 2 Level 3 DURABILITY Warm water resistance EN Pass Heat/rain resistance EN Pass Freeze/thaw resistance EN Pass Soak/dry resistance EN Pass FIRE Surface burning characteristics EN Fuel Contributed As reported Pass EN Smoke Development Index (SDI) As reported Pass EN Flameless Droplets Index As reported Pass EN Euroclass As reported Pass Combustability Suitable where non-combustable materials are specified in accordance with local building regulations THERMAL Coefficient of thermal conductivity EN k-value As reported 0.19 W/(mxK) Coefficient of thermal conductivity EN r-value As reported m 2 K/W WEIGHT/CAPACITY Tile weight carrying capacity - kg/m 2 As reported 100kg/m 2

7 James Hardie are the world leader in fibre cement building materials. All our products, made out of fibre cement, offer architects infinite scope for designing building projects that are functional, durable and stylish. When specifying James Hardie products, you ll have the reassurance that all our products are manufactured to have minimal impact on the environment. James Hardie provide a range of RIBA accredited CPD courses on both exterior and interior fibre cement applications. For more information, get in touch with us. James Hardie Building Products Ltd., 7 Albemarle Street London W1S 4HQ United Kingdom Customer Service Tel: Technical Service Tel: Fax: info.europe@jameshardie.com Please note that the information contained herein is intended as general guidance only. The user must take on the sole responsibility of assessing the suitability of such information for the intended application. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage, however arising, which results directly or indirectly from the use of such information. 06/2014 James Hardie Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. TM and denote trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie Technology Ltd. Warranties, and Warnings are available at