Waterproof Backer Board

Product Overview

 

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) waterproof backer boards are engineered substrates for tile installation in high-moisture environments. Built with a closed-cell XPS foam core reinforced on both sides by alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh and polymer-modified cement mortar, these boards provide a rigid, lightweight, and 100% waterproof foundation for walls, floors, and showers.


Designed to replace traditional cement backer boards and plywood, they eliminate moisture vapor transmission, reduce structural dead load, and bond directly with thin-set mortar.

 

 
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Key Features

 

100% Waterproof Core

Closed-cell XPS matrix prevents water absorption and moisture migration, eliminating mold and mildew risks behind tiles.

01

High Structural Strength

High compressive load capacity supports heavy stone, ceramic, and porcelain tiles without sagging or delaminating.

02

Lightweight & Ergonomic

80% lighter than traditional cement boards; single-person handling reduces installation time and labor fatigue.

03

Thermal Insulation

Built-in thermal break properties (R-value / U-value efficiency) improve energy retention in heated assemblies.

04

Easy Fabrication

Can be scored and cut cleanly with a standard utility knife without generating airborne silica dust.

05

 

Technical Specifications

Property

Test Standard

Typical Value (6mm - 12.5mm)

Typical Value (20mm - 50mm)

Core Material

—

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Surface Coating

—

Polymer-Modified Cement + Fiberglass Mesh

Polymer-Modified Cement + Fiberglass Mesh

Core Density

ISO 845

32 ~ 36 kg/m3

35 ~ 40 kg/m3

Compressive Strength

EN 826 / ASTM D1621

>= 300 kPa (43.5 psi)

>= 400 kPa (58.0 psi)

Water Absorption (24h)

ISO 2896

< 0.1 vol%

< 0.1 vol%

Water Vapor Transmission

ASTM E96

< 0.8 Perm

< 0.6 Perm

Pull-through Resistance (Screw/Washer)

EN 12090

>= 180 N

>= 220 N

Fire Performance

EN 13501-1 / ASTM E84

Class E / Flame Spread < 25

Class E / Flame Spread < 25

Standard Dimensions

—

1200 x 600 mm (48'' x 24'')

2400 x 600 mm (96'' x 24'')

Thickness Tolerances

ISO 2768-m

+/- 0.3 mm

+/- 0.5 mm

 

Custom Size Waterproof Shower Backer Board

 

Product Structure

[ Polymer-Modified Cement Coating ] <- High bond strength for thin-set mortar [ Alkali-Resistant Fiberglass Mesh ] <- Enhances tensile strength & impact resistance [ Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Core ] <- Closed-cell foam providing 100% waterproof & thermal barrier [ Alkali-Resistant Fiberglass Mesh ] <- Balanced structural reinforcement [ Polymer-Modified Cement Coating ] <- Uniform surface texture on both sides


Surface Layers: Dual-layer polymer cement reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fiber mesh, optimized for direct adhesion with C2/S1 tile adhesives.


Core Matrix: Extruded polystyrene foam produced via continuous CO2 foaming technology, ensuring zero voids and uniform cellular structure.

 

Applications

 

Wet Rooms & Shower Surrounds

Direct tile backing for shower walls, built-in niches, and bathtub surrounds.

 

Flooring Substrates

Uncoupling and waterproof underlayment over wooden or concrete subfloors prior to tile installation.

Steam Rooms & Spas

Moisture-impermeable lining for residential and commercial steam enclosures.

Architectural Elements

Core substrate for custom vanities, bath benches, pipe boxing, and partition walls.

 

Size & Customization Options

Standard Thicknesses

6mm, 10mm, 12.5mm (Walls & Floors); 20mm, 30mm, 50mm (Benches, Niches & Partitions).

Standard Sizes

1200 x 600 mm, 2400 x 600 mm, 2600 x 600 mm.

OEM/ODM Capabilities

Custom dimensions and thicknesses.
Surface profiling (grooved boards for curved applications).
Custom logo printing on fiberglass mesh or protective film.
Private label packaging and pallet configurations.

 

Quality Control & Compliance
 

Raw Material Inspection: 100% incoming checks for virgin polystyrene resin, cement polymers, and fiberglass roving tensile strength.

 

In-Process Monitoring: Automated density profiling and continuous laser thickness gauges during XPS extrusion and coating lamination.

 

Laboratory Testing: Batch testing for compressive strength, bonding shear strength, and accelerated water immersion resistance in compliance with ASTM and EN test protocols.

 

Traceability & Certification: Each pallet carries a unique production batch barcode linked to raw material lots. Full third-party test reports (TÜV / SGS) and compliance documentation (CE / ASTM E84 / EN 14411) are available for regional building code submittals.

 

Packaging & Shipping

 

 
 

Palletization

Stacked on fumigation-free wooden or composite plastic pallets, edge-protected with heavy-duty corner guards.

 
 
 

Wrapping

Vacuum shrink-wrapped with UV-resistant PE film to prevent transit moisture and surface abrasion.

 
 
 

Loading Optimization

Container configurations engineered for 20GP and 40HQ shipments to maximize freight efficiency and minimize damage rates.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Can boards be installed directly over wood or steel framing?

A: Yes. Fasten directly to studs spaced up to 400mm (16 inches) on center using corrosion-resistant screws and specialized metal or plastic backing washers.

Q: What tile adhesives are compatible?

A: Standard polymer-modified cement-based tile adhesives (C2TE / ISO 13007) or epoxy mortars bond directly to the mesh-reinforced surface.

Q: Do joint lines require waterproof tape?

A: Yes. All board-to-board joints, screw penetrations, and internal corners must be sealed using waterproof sealing tape embedded in thin-set mortar or liquid membrane.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom runs?

A: Standard sizes are available with low MOQ from stock. Custom thicknesses, lengths, or private label packaging typically require a 20GP container minimum.

 

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Request a Quote & Sample Policy

Standard and custom-cut samples are available for third-party laboratory testing prior to bulk commitment.
Inquiry checklist: Thickness, quantity, destination port, and required regional test certificates (CE / ASTM / ICC-ES aligned).

As one of the leading waterproof backer board manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy advanced waterproof backer board made in China here from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and competitive price. Also, pricelist is available.

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