Q. What is DUROCK™ brand tile membrane?
A. An easy-to-install, thin, waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane for use under tile in residential and light commercial floor and wall applications. With its superior tile bond, DUROCK tile membrane provides panel-like performance without the weight. DUROCK tile membrane, combined with DUROCK tile membrane adhesive, provides an effective crack-isolation system solution.
Q. What is DUROCK™ brand tile membrane adhesive?
A. A multi-purpose adhesive with an advanced acrylic polymer, no solvents and very low VOC emissions, primarily developed for use with DUROCK tile membrane to create a crack-isolation system.
Q. What is crack isolation?
A. Crack isolation is a common practice used when installing tile over concrete. By using a crack isolation product or system you can prevent settling cracks in the concrete from migrating up through the tile and/or grout.
Q. How are the products installed?
A. It is easy to install both products. DUROCK tile membrane adhesive is trowel- or roller-applied over the substrate that will be covered with tile membrane. The DUROCK tile membrane is then embedded into the adhesive using a smooth trowel. Where sections of tile membrane are to be adjoined, the adhesive is applied over 2” of the leading edge of the installed membrane and overlapped with the next section of membrane. This process is continued until the entire area is covered—no mechanical fasteners are required.
Q. Can DUROCK tile membrane be installed using thin-set mortar or mastic?
A. Yes. To achieve crack isolation, DUROCK tile membrane adhesive must be used to install DUROCK tile membrane. However, DUROCK tile membrane can be installed using DUROCK™ tile mastic or other ANSI A136.1 Type 1 organic adhesive, or DUROCK™ latex-modified mortar or other ANSI 118.4 latex-portland-cement mortar.