dot & dab aquapanel/ direct bond Aquapanel
Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 3:12 pm
Recently it has been asked if Aquapanel can be fixed using the direct bond method. I was not sure of the answer and so I contacted Knauf technical, who kindly answered the question for me-
The Knauf Aquapanel can only be installed mechanically using a frame
system. This board cannot be direct bonded using the bonding compound
for two reasons:
1) The board itself is cement based and is not compatible with the
bonding compound which is gypsum based. As they are not compatible, the
bonding compound will not adhere the board. If you do try this, you may
find that the board comes off the compound within a few days.
2) The board does allow moisture through it over time. For this reason,
you have to ensure an air gap to the back of the board for the moisture
to disperse. This is done by ensuring that the board is fitted onto a
frame.
If you are using a metal frame, we would recommend using the Knauf
Apertura Lining systems (explained in the attached in detail). If using
timber studs instead, a minimum depth as recommended by the British
Standards is 38mm.
(This is also gives you the option of adding insulation between the
frame should you need to increase the thermal performance of your
wall.)
Just elaborating the point above regarding moisture through the board:
The board itself is not affected by water. This means that it simple
allows the moisture through it without affecting its stability or
performance. This is designed as such so that, should your tiling or
grouting fail and water finds its way to the back of the boards, it will
not cause the board to fail, causing the rest of the tiles to come off
like plasterboard would.
For domestic use, the level of waterproofness and water repellentness
you require can be achieved by the tiles alone. For commercial use, we
would recommend a polythene sheet fixed to the frame prior to the
boards.
For your information as well, we recommend tiling to commence onto the
smooth side, and you should use a cement based flexible tile adhesive.
Here you can download a copy of the Knauf Aquapanel Brochure
The Knauf Aquapanel can only be installed mechanically using a frame
system. This board cannot be direct bonded using the bonding compound
for two reasons:
1) The board itself is cement based and is not compatible with the
bonding compound which is gypsum based. As they are not compatible, the
bonding compound will not adhere the board. If you do try this, you may
find that the board comes off the compound within a few days.
2) The board does allow moisture through it over time. For this reason,
you have to ensure an air gap to the back of the board for the moisture
to disperse. This is done by ensuring that the board is fitted onto a
frame.
If you are using a metal frame, we would recommend using the Knauf
Apertura Lining systems (explained in the attached in detail). If using
timber studs instead, a minimum depth as recommended by the British
Standards is 38mm.
(This is also gives you the option of adding insulation between the
frame should you need to increase the thermal performance of your
wall.)
Just elaborating the point above regarding moisture through the board:
The board itself is not affected by water. This means that it simple
allows the moisture through it without affecting its stability or
performance. This is designed as such so that, should your tiling or
grouting fail and water finds its way to the back of the boards, it will
not cause the board to fail, causing the rest of the tiles to come off
like plasterboard would.
For domestic use, the level of waterproofness and water repellentness
you require can be achieved by the tiles alone. For commercial use, we
would recommend a polythene sheet fixed to the frame prior to the
boards.
For your information as well, we recommend tiling to commence onto the
smooth side, and you should use a cement based flexible tile adhesive.
Here you can download a copy of the Knauf Aquapanel Brochure
