Tile floors require a strong, stable underlayment.
Most types of gypsum wallboard are neither water-resistant enough nor strong enough to serve as underlayment. The one exception is gypsum-fiber underlayment, a specially-designed gypsum product that, though strong, is not completely waterproof.
Function
An underlayment is a material that supplies strength and rigidity to a floor. Home builders use it as a substrate for wood flooring, linoleum, tile and most other flooring materials.
Significance
Gypsum wallboard consists of a core of gypsum material covered on both sides with paper facing. If water comes in contact with gypsum wallboard, it causes the wallboard to fall apart.
Features
Most builders recommend using concrete backer board for an underlayment. It is waterproof, strong and provides a stable surface to which flooring materials can adhere.
Misconceptions
Regular gypsum products have some strength, but they not able to withstand the wear and tear of constant foot traffic. For this reason, they are only suitable as wall and ceiling materials.
Expert Insight
As of 2010, only one company produces gypsum-fiber board: Chicago-based USG Corp., which markets the product under the name Fiberock.
Related posts
Score the lines you want to cut with a utility knife.Installing floor tile requires a strong, flat, stable surface that can support the tile and the adhesive holding it in place. Unless you have a...
"Underlayments are crucial to the success of the flooring on top of it," according to Tim Carter of Ask the Builder. An underlayment is a layer of wood or board between the subfloor and...
Underlayment is important for hardwood flooringFloor coverings of any type generally need some kind of material between the covering and the surface beneath them. This practice is perhaps more rec...
Gypsum wallboard is a common material used to cover interior walls and ceilings.Gypsum wallboard is the most commonly used material to cover walls in interior projects. It has evolved into a versa...
WallboardWhen building or remodeling a home, one of the decisions that needs to be made is what material to use for the walls. There are several options, including drywall, plaster or plywood. One...
