INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS UTIL-A-CRETE® AND PROTEC™ BACKER BOARD




 

Util-A-Crete® and ProTEC™ Concrete Backer Board Installation Guidelines

Install Util-A-Crete or ProTEC with the rough side out for mortar applications. This will expose the tapered edge so that the seams will be flush once they are taped. Note: Installation guidelines apply to Util-A-Crete and ProTEC.


Walls and Tub Surrounds

Step 1
Depending on ceiling height above tub, use two pieces of 3'x5' Util-A-Crete horizontally for tub backwall, and one 3'x6' panel vertically at each endwall. To fill in endwalls and backwalls to ceiling, cut additional boards as needed.
To cut Util-A-Crete, simply mark desired size with a straightedge and pencil. Score along mark with a carbide- tipped scoring tool cutting through the mesh, snap the panel like drywall, and cut the mesh on the back side. Cuts can also be made with a carbide-tipped circular saw. Edges can be smoothed with a wood rasp. Safety glasses should be worn when using a circular saw.


Step 2
To make cutouts for fixtures, outline area with a scoring tool, cut through the mesh on both sides, and punch out with a hammer from the back side. You can also cut with a carbide blade sabre or jig saw.



Step 3
Use a wood rasp to make size adjustments and to smooth rough edges.

Step 4
Place a 1/4" spacer strip or shim around lip of tub or shower pan. Attach Util-A-Crete to wood studs (spaced max. 16" Off Center (o.c.)) with 1 1/4" or 1 5/8" corrosion-resistant wood screws, or 1 1/2" hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails spaced every 8". Attach Util-A-Crete to steel studs (spaced max. 16" o.c.) with 1 1/4" or 1 5/8" S-12 corrosion-resistant screws spaced every 8" for walls and every 6" for ceilings. Leave 1/8" to 3/16" space between sheets.

Step 5
Prefill space with tile-setting mortar or adhesive and immediately apply 2" wide Util-A-Tape over joint and corners. Embed tape and level joints.


Floors

Step 1
Apply Util-A-Crete backer board to exterior grade plywood subfloor (min. 5/8" thick) that is nailed or screwed and adhesively attached to joists. Block unsupported edges or use tongue-and-groove plywood. Laminate with dry thin-set mortar or a ceramic tile mastic type 1. Apply with 1/4" notched trowel for dry thin-set mortar or use a 5/32" V-notched trowel for mastic.

Step 2
Place Util-A-Crete with joints staggered from subfloor joints. Leaving 1/8" to 3/16" spaces between boards, fasten them to subfloor with 1 1/4" or 1 5/8" corrosion-resistant wood screws, 1 1/2" hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails spaced every 8" or 1/4" x 7/8" galvanized staples spaced every 4" in both directions.

Step 3
Prefill spaces with tile-setting mortar or adhesive, then immediately embed Util-A-Tape and level the joints.
Note: For best results in bathrooms, remove lavatory legs, radiators and heat registers. Then install Util- A-Crete and ceramic tile over the entire subfloor.


Countertops

Step 1
Install exterior grade plywood (min. 3/4") across wood cabinet supports spaced max. 16" o.c. Position ends and edges over supports. Make sure plywood has slits cut into the panel to prevent warping. Apply a waterproof membrane over the plywood to further protect from warping.

Step 2
Fasten Util-A-Crete to membrane using a 1/4" notched trowel and latex-modified mortar.

Step 3
Fasten underlayment to supports with 1 1/4" or 1 5/8" corrosion-resistant wood screws or 1 1/2" hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails spaced every 8" or 1/4" x 7/8" galvanized staples spaced every 4", in both directions and around edges.

Step 4
Prefill spaces with latex-modified Portland cement mortar then immediately embed Util-A-Tape and level the joints.

Note: All installations must conform to ANSI A.108 and the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation.
Note: All fasteners must be long enough to penetrate 3/4" into wood studs on walls or plywood on floors, or 1/4" deep into metal wall studs.
Notice: We shall not be liable for incidental and consequential damages, directly or indirectly sustained, nor for any loss caused by application of these goods not in accordance with current printed instructions or for other than the intended use. Our liability is expressly limited to replacement of defective goods. Any claims shall be deemed waived unless made in writing to us within thirty (30) days.

 


Util-A-Crete is recognized by:

CABO NER-419

ICBO SBCCI, BOCA

CITY OF NEW YORK

MEA 293-89-M

UL LISTED


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