Certainteed Introduces New Tile Backer Products for Use in High-Humidity Environments

CertainTeed is expanding its GlasRoc wall and ceiling material portfolio with two new gypsum tile backer panel options: GlasRoc Tile Backer and Glas Rock Tile Backer Type X.

The GlasRoc Tile Backer and Tile Backer Type X are made with a moisture-resistant core and engineered fiberglass faces.

The panels have a moisture-resistant core with engineered fiberglass faces and are intended for use behind tiles in interior rooms that are frequently subjected to moisture or high humidity, such as tub and shower surrounds, bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, and bathrooms.

The Tile Backer Type X is also UL and ULC certified, allowing it to be used in UL and ULC fire-rated assemblies.

“We strive to deliver consistent quality and provide easy-to-use products that meet increasingly stringent building codes and industry standards,” CertainTeed’s vice president of gypsum marketing, Najwa Khoury said.

“GlasRoc Tile Backer is the result of our commitment to sustainability—it is Greenguard Gold certified and has a Health Product Declaration, which provides material transparency and helps projects achieve LEED and other green building rating goals.”

The GlasRoc Tile Backer is compatible with a wide range of adhesives and thinsets, making it ideal for installers.

According to the manufacturer, the boards cut and snap like traditional gypsum panels and weigh up to 30% less than standard backer boards, making cutting, handling, and installation easier.

The boards also meet OSHA’s crystalline silica rule for low-level silica exposure construction guidelines.

GlasRoc Tile Backer is available in 12-inch thick sheets that measure 4 by 8 feet and come in 34 pieces, as well as 5/8-inch thick sheets that measure 4 by 8 feet and come in 26 pieces.

It is intended for use on ceramic tiled walls, ceilings, and countertops, as well as as a backing for laminate-faced panels and fiberglass shower units and tubs.