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