Waterproofing and insulation are some of the most important things to consider when renovating your bathroom.

Alongside underfloor heating, tile colours, and bathroom fixtures, your waterproofing and insulation should be the main priority for creating a perfect bathroom that can keep you warm on those cold winter mornings.

ThermaSheet tile backer board gives the ideal surface to lay your tiles directly for greater insulation properties, waterproofing, and much more. But what is ThermaSheet, and how do you install this in the wet areas of your home?

To help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of ThermaSheet and how this can benefit your bathrooms, Trade Warehouse has compiled this complete guide. This blog will discuss the definition of ThermaSheet tile backer board, its uses, benefits, and how to install it in your home.

What is a ThermaSheet tile backer board?

Before we get into the specifics, let's discuss the definition of a ThermaSheet tile backer board. ThermaSheet refers to a specially manufactured cement polymer type board that provides an ideal surface to lay your bathroom tiles.

These boards are used in wet areas like your bathroom or kitchen for additional waterproofing and insulation. It is made of a rigid foam core with fibreglass mesh and an added layer of polymerised cement mortar.

The material's layering method provides additional mechanical resistance and allows building industry professionals to layer adhesive, render and screed when installing a bathroom.

The properties of ThermaSheet are pretty complex. The strength is down to its complex composite construction with a closed-cell structure.

The complex composite structure means water can't get through microscopic holes and leak down into your flooring. This super tight structure is also great for underfloor heating as it specialises in providing greater insulation. This keeps your rooms toasty for longer.

You can also use this for walls and floors with excess moisture, such as in spas, steam rooms, bath panels, shower enclosures, and washstands. One of the key benefits of using this material is that you won't need an additional timber framework to support this structure.

What does ThermaSheet do?

So, what exactly does it do? Well, ThermaSheet works to reduce downward heat losses. This provides a more effective and efficient heating system by spreading the heat throughout the room. Reducing hot spots and energy loss in this way benefits your wallet and your household temperature on particularly chilly mornings.

What it does will depend on the environment that you use it in. You should always use ThermaSheet in bathrooms and wet rooms, but you can also use this material in construction.

This comes in various thicknesses and is durable for construction and even permanent water submersion. That means you can use your tile backer board for swimming pools, external walls for extra insulation and protection against gardens, water features, and so much more!

Benefits of using ThermaSheet tile backer board

Here's a guide to some of the key benefits of using ThermaSheet in or outside your home:

Energy saving

As we've mentioned, one of the most significant benefits of using ThermaSheet is that you'll experience increased energy efficiency. ThermaSheet estimates that you'll experience a 50% reduction in heat-up time.

This will reduce the time you'll need your heating on and allow you to reach much higher temperatures at a lower cost. Additionally, the concrete slab won't absorb any heat, so your total wasted heat will also reduce!

Waterproof

Wet areas and areas that experience partial or total water submersion need extra protection to avoid leaks and moisture permeating the structures of your home.

The tight and complex structure of these slabs means that these materials are water-resistant and great for additional waterproofing. So if you're worried about dampness, this is a must-have material in your bathroom or any other areas that are exposed to moisture for prolonged periods.

Versatile usage

You're not restricted to using this material in your bath or wet rooms. In fact, due to its insulating and waterproofing properties, ThermaSheet is exceptionally versatile. That means you can use them for both internal and external structures, providing comprehensive water protection all around your home.

High compressive strength

Not only does this material provide substantial benefits inside or outside your home, but it's also super strong. Because of the additional bond between the cement polymer coated board and fibreglass, this material has a super high compressive strength rate. This material has a compressive strength rate of 330k/Pa or 30 tonnes/m2.

Ecofriendly

We're all trying to find more ways to be eco-friendly these days, and rightly so. Sometimes, the construction materials you use to build your dream bathroom or home installations can negatively impact the environment. But you won't need to worry about this with ThermaSheet.

This product is eco-friendly because it's CFC and HCFC-free. 

Still, your lower energy consumption due to increased efficiency will also mean you're reducing your reliance on fossil fuels that may supply your electricity and gas to your home. Much of Australia is still reliant on fossil fuels, so it's essential to cut your consumption where possible for the environment.

Sound reduction

We're all familiar with that tinny echo that sometimes follows us around bathrooms. It's understandable due to the lack of carpets and soft furnishings to absorb sounds, but it doesn't make loud dripping tap noises any less annoying while enjoying a hot bath.

One of the most overlooked benefits of using ThermaSheet is that users typically experience a noise reduction. This is because the low mass help to absorb sound, improving the acoustics in your home.

How to install ThermaSheet in your bathroom

How you install ThermaSheet in your bathroom will depend on your floor type. Here's a guide to installing ThermaSheet:

Timber flooring

You can lay ThermaSheet directly on a paid set tile adhesive for timber floors. It's essential not to use solvent-based or readily mixed adhesives for this installation project. You can apply your adhesive to your floor using a towel and firmly bed each board to the adhesive, ensuring there are no gaps.

For waterproofing installations, you'll need to cover all joints with waterproof tape and treat this with polyurethane agents.

Alternatively, you can use mechanical fixings with 12 screws and washers, ensuring you provide a secure and tight hold across the boards.

Concrete floors

When applying tile backer board to concrete floors, you'll need to ensure that this is free from dust and debris and is level. You can then seal this with a primer before installing ThermaSheet.

You can use a rapid set file adhesive to install your sheeting, applying the adhesive with an 8mm trowel. The critical thing to remember is to ensure no gaps between boards and depressions in the flooring.

Summary

Are you looking for ThermaSheet for your bathroom? Look no further than Trade Warehouse! Trade Warehouse supplies an extensive range of tile backer boards in several sizes, including 10mmx1200mmx60mm.

We also supply an extensive range of all your other installation needs, including polyurethane waterproofing! We offer customers nationwide delivery, so no matter where you are, you can secure all the products you need to install your dream bathroom with ThermaSheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ThermaSheet?

ThermaSheet is a tile backer board designed to improve insulation and waterproofing with its complex composite structure.

What are the advantages of using ThermaSheet?

Some of the advantages of this material include the following:

• Eco-friendly
• Waterproof
• Sound reduction
• Versatile
• High compressive strength
• Cuts easily

Can I use ThermaSheet with floor heating systems?

Yes. This material can enhance underfloor heating, creating a larger surface with better insulation.