46 2018 | TECH Backer Boards the work is being performed caus- ing less fatigue to the installer, with increased production. These types of products can typically be cut with a utility knife allowing the installer to cut and fit the products where the installation is taking place with no trips back and forth outside to cut them. This is especially beneficial when working in second-floor applications. Most of these products are already water- and vapor-proof. Most of them meet and exceed the standard for low-perm membranes, making these products great for steam show- er applications. Most manufacturers offer different sizes and thickness, allowing you to build shower bench- es of any size and shape and help with other design applications. I know we are all afraid of change and we like to stay with what we know, but sometimes we need to look at more innovative products to help overcome industry challenges. The last few years of running my own business, I felt the need to transition into the use of these types of prod- ucts. Working alone, these types of product enabled me to be more pro- ductive and less fatigued at the end of the day. As an industry moving forward with compressed schedules and a shortage of labor, we need to look at these types of products to help us with our challenges. (At press time, Dave Rogers has taken a sales position with Virginia Tile.) BACKER BOARDS PRODUCTS –––– LATICRETE’s® Hydro Ban® Board is a lightweight, easy to install, ready- to-tile wallboard designed for bonded tile or stone installa- tions. It is made with a waterproof high-density extruded polystyrene core and a waterproof membrane on both sides to give triple protec- tion from water and vapor intrusion. Available in thicknesses from 1/4” to 2”, Hydro Ban Board can be used on walls, floors, ceilings and in many installations requiring dimensionally- sound and stable substrates as well as in steam rooms and steam showers. laticrete.com Progress Profiles offers the Profoil Panel, an extruded polystyrene panel with a density of 48 kg/m3 with a waterproofing membrane on both sides. The panels are 91.5 x 152.4/270 cm, available in several thicknesses. The panels are designed and tested to have mechanical resis- tance and long durability. They facil- itate time-and cost-efficient instal- lation for indoor application with thermal insulation on floor, wall and ceiling. progressprofiles.com RTC offers BreakThru Backers™ from 3D Stone and Tile, which create wedged 3D installations at a frac- tion of the e x p e n s e of specially milled, ultra-expensive, stone or tile. The same simple and time-proven installation approach is already used by the tile professionals everywhere. Design options are not limited by the availability of a few custom lines, but can utilize virtu- ally any material. These lightweight foam backers come in “wedged” or “popped” options. Wedged backers create an angular 3D look. Popped/ flat backers achieve a multi-thickness design. They are perfect for building out accent strips that are thinner than field tile. rtcproducts.com USG Durock™ Brand UltraLight Foam Tile Backerboard offers archi- tects, build- ers, and tile contractors a strong, lightweight, waterproof and vapor-retardant tile base for wet areas. USG Durock™ UltraLight Foam Tile Backerboard cuts easily with a utility knife and is dust-free. It also fastens without washers and is ideal for use with the USG Durock™ Brand Shower System. With a 10-year warranty, USG Durock™ Brand UltraLight Foam Tile Backerboard is the ideal prod- uct for your next wet area project. usg.com/tileandflooring wedi’s original Building Panel is now manufactured in the U.S. and is avail- able through- out North America. Made of a high-den- sity, closed-cell extruded polysty- rene core and reinforced with an ultrathin cement resin surface coat- ing, it provides a lightweight, sturdy backer board. With high- quality materials and a unique manufactur- ing process based on over 34 years of experience, the company assures a consistent installation experience and performance. Internally water and mold proof, it is part of the wedi Shower System, which offers product and installation warranties, as well as PRO Certified Installer sta- tus and benefits to those who have successfully completed wedi PRO Certification classes, and hold a valid certificate. wedicorp.com