Tile Shapes now use Hydropanel on all its tile backing projects

(06/04/2009)

Tile Shapes has recently changed all its tile backing boards to Hydropanel, Marley Eternit’s new multi-purpose fibre cement board. Tile Shapes now use Hydropanel on all its tile backing projects because the boards offer high levels of impact resistance, enabling them to be fitted directly onto timber floors. Hydropanel’s robustness then enables floor tiles to be fitted directly onto the boards, saving a huge amount of time on these types of installations.

Water resistance was also a major reason for Tile Shapes changing to Hydropanel boards. This is because the company carries out a large amount of tiling work in kitchens, bathrooms and showers and other wet room areas where high levels of moisture is generated. In these applications, if water permeates into the Hydropanel boards, it naturally evaporates without deforming, cracking or disintegrating the fibre cement material and therefore overcomes the issues of using gypsum based boards.

Hydropanel boards offer Tile Shapes advantages when it is installing acoustic insulation systems, which is useful in its schools and hotel projects and where again its impact resistance provides huge benefits. The board is non-flammable and inhibits fire propagation and can be used in fire wall applications for up to 120 minutes.

Daniel Haynes, Contracts Director at Tile Shapes, commented: “We changed to Hydropanel backing boards because it offers all-round benefits. In areas with high moisture levels, we have found it a cost-effective solution compared to plasterboard, and importantly, it allows for ceramic tile systems to be fitted onto timber floors.” He added: “Our fitters have been very impressed with Hydropanel as it is simple, dependable and a hassle free installation.”

Hydropanel is manufactured from fibre cement that is heated to a very high temperature in an autoclave. This process gives the fibre cement boards its water proof quality and high strength, making it a suitable structural building board. Hydropanel can be used on wall, floor and ceiling applications. Tiles, paint or wallpaper can be applied directly to the boards.

Jayne Arkell, Marley Eternit Business Manager - Hydropanel, said: “We are delighted that Tile Shapes has changed to our Hydropanel backing boards. The company is a leader in the tiling market and understands the benefits that a dependable and multi-functional backing board can offer.”

Hydropanel’s qualities has led to it being specified by designers and installers for use in hospitals, underground parking, offices, swimming pools, shops and many other demanding environments. It is available in thickness of 6mm, 9mm and 12mm and is simple to install using either galvanised steel screws or stainless steel nails. The 12mm board is interchangeable with a standard plasterboard, which means that Hydropanel can easily be substituted for use in areas prone to moisture, such as around baths and sinks.

Tile Shapes distributes its range of ceramic tiles to retail outlets throughout London and the Home Counties and offers a comprehensive sampling facility.

Related categories:  Bath panels   Consumables   Kitchen furniture   Residential applications