HOW TO: BOARD BATHROOMS, WET ROOMS & SHOWERS

HOW TO: BOARD BATHROOMS, WET ROOMS & SHOWERS

1 FOCUS ON GETTING IT RIGHT As with any building project the quality of finish is determined by the foundation upon which it is installed. The most important part of creating a bathroom or wet room that will stand up to everyday use is the water resistant board used beneath both wall & floor tiles. By focusing on getting this layer right, you will provide the ideal foundation for a successful and long lasting finish.

2 Bathrooms and wet rooms are areas where standard plasterboard is ineffective, standard plasterboard will soak up water which can break down the integrity of the wall and lead to mould and fungal growth. The solution is to install either a performance plasterboard designed for wet areas or a cement based tile backing board beneath the tiled finish. This guide will help you choose the correct product for your project and show how to install it to create the best finish.

3 COMPARISON GUIDE CEMENTITIOUS AND CALCIUM SILICATE BOARDS SINIAT TILE BACKER BOARD AND MULTIPURPOSE PANEL Both boards are a cost effective solution for bathroom or wet room installations. MultiPurpose Panel comes in: 2440mm x 1220mm boards 12mm thickness for walls 6 and 9mm thickness for floors and ceilings 800mm x 1220mm boards 6mm thickness for floors and ceilings TileBacker comes in: 1200mm x 800mm boards 12mm thickness for walls and 6mm thickness for floors. ADVANTAGES: Tilebacker is suitable for heavy tiles up to 60kgm 2 (larger format tiles). Suitable for wall and floor installations Moisture & Mould resistant TileBacker requires no surface treatment prior to tiling Small format Easier to handle DISADVANTAGES: x Heavier than standard plasterboard x Time consuming to cut and install vs. plasterboard products

4 PERFORMANCE PLASTERBOARD SINIAT AQUA BOARD Wet area plasterboard is installed the same way as standard plasterboard but is designed specifically for use in bathrooms, and wet rooms. The boards are available in: 1200mm x 850mm 2400mm x 1200mm 12.5mm and 15mm thickness for walls and ceilings. ADVANTAGES: Suitable for tiles up to 32kgm 2 Easy score and snap installation Enables flexibility of finish either tiled or taped and joined ready for decoration. Ideal for self build or trades people requiring a shorter installation time DISADVANTAGES: x Lower tile weight than TileBacker x Not suitable for installation on floors (use in conjunction with TileBacker)

5 SINIAT TILEBACKER Siniat TileBacker is a versitile small format board that can be used on walls and floor in a variety of wet areas to ensure a professional installation SIZE AND THICKNESS 1200mm x 800mm 12mm Wall installations 6mm Floor installations

6 Siniat TileBacker is a mould and moisture resistant board that will not physically deteriorate when used in damp or humid conditions. It can hold tile weights of up to 60kg/m 2 making ideal for the following applications: Bathrooms Wet rooms Ensuites Shower rooms This how to guide will demonstrate the installation methods for the projects detailed above. * Please ensure that Siniat TileBacker is tanked using a suitable waterproofing membrane and system prior to tiling.

7 INSTALLING SINIAT TILEBACKER ON FLOORS 1 Floor Type Ensure the subfloor is clean and the surface is flat. Use a minimum of 15mm WBP plywood or 18mm T&G flooring grade chipboard. Local building regulations should be adhered to and joist spacing should not exceed 600mm centres. 2 Siniat TileBacker layout Stagger the boards as shown opposite to ensure that no 4 board corners meet and do not align the boards with the subfloor joints. Ensure the boards are staggered at minimum of 300mm and that a 5mm gap is left between floor and wall edges, and between each board. Ensure all boards are cut to the required size before installation takes place. Laying the boards down to check layout before installation is recommenced. 3 Board Installation a) Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the subfloor one board at a time, ensuring an easier installation with limited risk of the adhesive beginning to set when applying the boards. Note: Do not use any impacting tools to install screws, including but not limited to impact drivers and wrenches.

8 b) Embedd the 6mm Siniat TileBacker board with the front (text/smoother side) facing upwards. c) Using Siniat 25mm Self Drilling Wet Area Screws fasten the board in the corners as per the illustration opposite, then at every 200mm over the entire surface of the board in a grid pattern. Ensure the heads of the screws are flush to the board surface. * 4 Jointing Apply flexible tile adhesive to all joints and embed Siniat TileBacker alkaline resistant joint tape. Allow tile adhesive to dry before continuing. 5 Tiling Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the board surface (one board at a time) and lay floor tiles directly on top (as per manufacturers guidelines). 20mm centres 100mm centres 50mm centres * The correct tooling to use should be a Drywall Screwdriver with a no load variable speed of 0-4,500 RPM. For best results it is recommended that the variable trigger is depressed to give an approximate RPM of 2,000.

9 INSTALLING SINIAT TILEBACKER ON WALLS 1 Framework Siniat TileBacker can be installed either onto timber or metal studs. The studs should be set at 400mm centres rather than the standard 600mm to take the additional weight of tiles. 2 Siniat TileBacker layout Siniat TileBacker can be installed either horizontally or vertically but the joints need to be staggered as shown opposite to ensure that no 4 board corners meet in addition a 5mm gap is left between floor and wall edges, and between each board (See images opposite). 3 Board Installation Use Siniat 25mm Self Drilling Wet Area Screws when fixing to metal studs, or Sinat 38mm Self Drilling Wet Area Screws (when fixing to timber studs). The boards require fixing in the corners as per the illustration below, and at every 200mm thereafter. Ensure the heads of the screws are flush to the board surface. 4 Jointing Apply flexible tile adhesive to all joints and embed Siniat TileBacker alkaline resistant joint tape. Allow tile adhesive to dry before continuing. 5 Tiling Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the board surface (one board at a time) and install wall tiles directly onto adhesive (as per manufacturers guidelines).

10 6 Paint Finish Siniat TileBacker can be plaster finished to enable a paint finish to be applied, however the boards need to be sealed with 2 coats of an SBR adhesive and the plaster applied when the second adhesive coat is tacky (Follow manufacturer instruction for SBR adhesive application). 15mm centres 100mm centres 50mm centres

11 INSTALLING AQUA BOARD IN STANDARD BATHROOMS Metal studs or timber battens need to be at 400mm centres rather than standard 600mm centres to take the additional weight of tiles Fix the Aqua Board to the metal studs or timber battens at 300mm centres using wet area screws, 42mm High Thread screw for timber and 32mm Self Taping for metal studs For tiled areas mount the tiles using a waterproof tile adhesive For painted areas bed Siniat joint tape and apply 2 3 coats of Siniat Aquamix jointing compound (see taping & jointing guide on page 15)

Aqua Board 12 GTEC Metal Stud or Timber Batten GTEC Aquamix jointing Waterproof adhesive GTEC Wet Area Self Tapping Screws Tiles FRAME Metal Angle 90 Dryliner Track Extended Reach Bracket BOARD FIX FINISH Dryliner Channel Dryliner Channel Connector Timber battens Aqua Board GTEC Wet Area Screws GTEC Aquamix Joint Tape

13 INSTALLING AQUA BOARD IN HIGH HUMIDITY BATHROOMS AND WET ROOMS Metal studs or timber battens need to be at 400mm centres rather than standard 600mm centres to take the additional weight of tiles Fix the Aqua Board to the metal studs or timber battens at 300mm centres using wet area screws, 42mm high thread screw for timber and 32mm self taping for metal studs Bed Siniat Aquastrip using a waterproof tile adhesive between the wall and floor boards For tiled areas mount the tiles using a waterproof tile adhesive For painted areas bed Siniat joint tape and apply 2 3 coats of Siniat Aquamix jointing compound (see taping & jointing guide on page 15)

Aqua Board 14 GTEC Metal Stud or Timber Batten GTEC Aquamix jointing Waterproof adhesive GTEC Wet Area Self Tapping Screws Tiles FRAME Metal Angle 90 Dryliner Track Extended Reach Bracket Dryliner Channel Dryliner Channel Connector BOARD FIX FINISH Aqua Board GTEC Wet Area Screws GTEC Aquamix GTEC Aquastrip Joint Tape

15 MULTIPURPOSE PANEL MultiPurpose Panel is a versatile A1 fire rated calcium silicate building board suitable for use in a wide range of internal and semi-exposed applications. SIZE AND THICKNESS 2440mm X 1220mm 6mm Floor and ceiling installations 9mm Walls and soffit installations 12mm Wall installations 1220mm X 800mm 6mm Floor and ceiling installations

16 MultiPurpose Panel is resistant to the effects of moisture and will not physically deteriorate when used in damp or humid conditions. It can withstand constant temperatures up to 80 C and frequent temperature changes, making it ideal for the following applications: Bathrooms, wet rooms and tile backing This how to guide will demonstrate the installation methods for the projects detailed above. The general installation guide should be used for all projects which do not include tiles.

17 CUTTING AND FIXING CUTTING MultiPurpose Panel can be worked with conventional woodworking equipment although the use of hand saws with hardened teeth is recommended. Boards greater than 6mm in thickness may be more easily cut using a power circular saw in conjunction with tungsten carbide tipped blades, or a jigsaw. For rough cutting, 6mm boards can be deeply scribed and broken over a straight edge. All cutting should be carried out in well ventilated spaces, using dust extractors. Operators should wear protective face masks. FIXING 1 Nailing The most economical method of fastening is to use pneumatic nailing and stapling equipment. Nails can be driven directly through boards without pre-drilling, providing they are at least 12mm from the edge of the board and a minimum of 40mm from the corners, the back face of the board needs to be fully supported. In areas of high humidity galvanised nails should be used. 2 S c r e wfi x Self drilling or self tapping screws should be used when securing boards to steel with a minimum of 10mm into the metal. High thread screws can be used when securing to timber with a minimum of 25mm of the screw in the timber. Screws should be fixed no less than 12mm from the edge of the boards and 40mm from the corners and countersunk * if required (for best results pre-drill holes). * Minimum 9mm thickness of board if countersinking.

18 FINISHING PLASTERING MultiPurpose Panel has very high suction and therefore it is generally difficult to apply gypsum plaster. However if a skim coat is desired please follow the guide below. Apply self adhesive scrim over all joints and internal angles (paper joint tape is not recommended) Apply a sealing coat of diluted PVA (1 part PVA and 5 parts water) Sealing coat should be allowed to dry for approximately 24 hours Apply bonding coat (3 parts PVA and 1 part water) Apply plaster skim (max 5mm thick) while the bonding coat is tacky The plaster manufacturer s recommendations for skimming onto high suction surfaces should be followed at all times. DECORATIVE COATINGS Surfaces should be dry, free from oil, loose surface layers and dust, if required screw holes and board joints may be filled with a joint filler and sanded accordingly. PAINT Typically water based paints such as emulsions may be used, with a watered down first coat to seal the surface. Alternatively other paint types may require a proprietary sealer, primer or undercoat depending on the paint system. Priming both sides of the board may be required. Consult with the paint manufacturer for their recommendations for use on calcium silicate boards. WALLPAPER When papering, size the surface to seal against suction and improve slip, then hang papers or vinyls in the normal way.

19 9MM AND 12MM GENERAL INSTALLATION 1 Framework MultiPurpose Panel can be installed either onto timber or metal studs. The studs should be set at a maximum 610mm centres. When fixing to the steel framing always fix to the open side of the flange first, this maintains a flush outside face (see diagram below). INCORRECT sequence of fixing to steel stud CORRECT sequence of fixing to steel stud Siniat MultiPurpose Panel of appropriate thickness Stainless steel or galvanised fixings of appropriate size and length Siniat Gtec Stud of appropriate thickness and dimensions

20 2 Board installation a) Use Siniat 25mm Self Drilling Screws when fixing to metal studs, or Siniat 38mm High Thread Screws when fixing to timber studs. The boards require fixing a minimum of 40mm from the corners and 12mm from the edge of the board and at 300mm centres across the remainder of the board. b) Ensure the heads of the screws are flush to the board surface. 300mm centres Minimum 40mm Minimum 12mm 300mm centres Minimum 12mm 300mm centres Screw fixing positions for general installations. * See appendix for installation guidelines on 30 minute fire resistant partitions (timber and steel partitions).

21 6MM INSTALLATION FOR FLOOR TILES 1 Floor type Ensure the subfloor is clean and the surface is flat, use a minimum of 15mm WBP plywood or 18mm T&G flooring grade chipboard. Local building regulations should be adhered to and joist spacing should not exceed 400mm centres. 2 Sealing The boards should be sealed on both faces with PVA or watered down tile adhesive and allowed to dry. This is due to the high suction which in turn can accelerate the setting time of the tile adhesive. 3 Board layout Stagger the boards as shown below to ensure that no 4 board corners meet and do not align the boards with the subfloor joints. Ensure the boards are staggered a minimum of 300mm and that a 5mm gap is left between floor and wall edges, and between each board. Ensure all boards are cut to the required size before installation takes place. Laying the boards down to check layout before installation is recommended.

22 4 Board installation a) Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the subfloor. It is advised that the tile adhesive be applied for one board at a time, ensuring an easier installation with limited risk of the adhesive beginning to set whilst applying the boards. b) Using Siniat 25mm Self Drilling Wet Area Screws fasten the board in the corners as per the illustration below, then at every 200mm over the entire surface of the board in a grid pattern. c) Ensure the heads of the screws are flush to the board surface. 5 Jointing Apply flexible tile adhesive to all joints and embed Siniat Tile Backer alkaline resistant joint tape. Allow tile adhesive to dry before continuing. 6 Tiling Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the board surface (one board at a time) and lay floor tiles directly on top (as per manufacturers guidelines).

23 9MM AND 12MM INSTALLATION FOR WALL TILES 1 Framework MultiPurpose Panel can be installed either onto timber studs minimum 50mm x 50mm or metal studs. The studs should be set at 400mm centres rather than the standard 600mm to take the additional weight of tiles. Maximum tile weight is 30kg/m 2. 2 Sealing The boards should be sealed on both faces with PVA or watered down tile adhesive and allowed to dry. This is due to the high suction which in turn can accelerare the setting time of the tile adhesive. 3 Board installation a) Use Siniat 25mm Self Drilling Wet Area Screws when fixing to metal studs, or Siniat 42mm High Thread Wet Area Screws (when fixing to timber studs). The boards require fixing a minimum of 40mm from the corners and 12mm from the board edges and at 200mm centres across the remainder of the board. b) Ensure the heads of the screws are flush with the board surface. c) All board joints should be supported. 4 Joining Apply flexible tile adhesive to all joints and embed Siniat patching and joint tape. Allow tile adhesive to dry before continuing.

24 5 Tiling Apply a complete bed of flexible tile adhesive to the board surface (one board at a time) and lay floor tiles directly on top (as per manufacturers guidelines). 200mm centres Minimum 40mm Minimum 12mm 200mm centres Minimum 12mm 200mm centres Screw fixing positions in installations for tiles.

25 HOW TO FINISH THE BOARDS Taping and Jointing is a simple finishing solution for drylining installations, to reinforce joints to prevent cracking and ensure fire and sound performances are achieved. It is suitable for large areas of plasterboard where speed and ease of application can greatly reduce installation time and costs versus a skim finish. TRADITIONAL 3 STAGE PROCESS (RECOMMENDED) BEDDING & FILL COAT Tape or bead is bedded into the compound and taper filled out 1ST FINISH COAT The taper is re-filled with compound where required 2 ND FINISH COAT Final compound layer is applied and sanded for a smooth finish 2 STAGE PROCESS BEDDING & FILL COAT Tape or bead is bedded into the compound and taper filled out 2ND FINISH COAT Final compound layer is applied and sanded for a smooth finish

26 TAPERED EDGE Bed tape into layer of appropriate jointing compound GTEC Joint Tape GTEC Joint Tape and bedding layer Bedding layer down both edges of tape STAGE 1 Max. 60mm Second coat feathered out beyond filling layer STAGE 2 Max. 60mm 300mm approx. Finishing layer feathered out on to plasterboard and sanded once dry STAGE 3 Tapered edge board provides the best finish by allowing the joint tape to sit below the finished surface Board surfaces to be dry, clean, protected from weather, secure and evenly fixed Square edge plasterboard may also be jointed using the method on the following page

27 SQUARE OR CUT EDGE Bed tape into layer jointing compound GTEC Joint Tape GTEC Joint Tape and bedding layer Bedding layer down both edges of tape STAGE 1 200mm 200mm Second coat feathered out beyond filling layer STAGE 2 400mm Finishing layer feathered out on to plasterboard and sanded once dry STAGE 3 Correct screw fixings to be used with screw heads just below surface of board Gaps over 3mm to be filled with GTEC Joint Filler Xtra or GTEC Easy Finish prior to tape installation

28 INTERNAL CORNER Bed tape into layer of appropriate jointing compound GTEC Joint Tape GTEC Joint Tape and bedding layer STAGE 1 Second coat feathered out beyond filling layer STAGE 2 Finishing layer feathered out on to plasterboard and sanded once dry STAGE 3 Compound to be applied in nominal 1mm layers. Thicker layers will extend drying time GTEC Joint Tape cut to length to be pressed into bedding compound Second coat of jointing compound if required to be applied over dry joint, feathered out 50 60mm beyond the edge of first coat Finishing coat of compound feathered out 50 60mm beyond second coat. Finished, dry joint to be sanded to smooth finish for sealing and decoration

29 EXTERNAL CORNER Bed tape into layer of appropriate jointing compound GTEC Joint Tape Tape and bedding layer Filling layer feathered out Second coat feathered out Finishing layer feathered out on to plasterboard and sanded once dry Square edge joints only: Joint width to be wider to reduce visible crowning. External corners only: GTEC Flex Tape to be applied in place of GTEC Joint Tape as reinforcement.

30 DRYWALL SEALER Once the taping and jointing process has been completed, Drywall Sealer must be applied in two coats to prevent regency striping. This term is used to describe the effect of the paint finish reacting differently on the joints to the surface of the board, if the sealer is not applied the joints may be visible no matter how good the taping and jointing process has been completed. Once dry, a paint finish can be applied in the normal manner.

WATER REPELLING TIPS For a step-by-step video guide and tips on using metal frame systems and installing water resistant systems, check out our Siniat YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/siniatukchannel And to discover more about how our products, services and expertise can help you, visit the new Siniat website: www.siniat.co.uk SINIAT Marsh Lane, Easton-in-Gordano, Bristol, BS20 0NE T +44 (0) 1275 377 773 www.siniat.co.uk Copyright 2016 (Siniat)