Laval, Quebec -- MAPEI announces the arrival of Mapeguard Board, a multipurpose, premium-performance, lightweight, high-density, waterproof backer-board panel that is designed for use under ceramic tile and stone installations. The board features an extruded polystyrene core and a high-strength, waterproof membrane and facer on both sides to provide water and vapor protection.

“For use under ceramic tile and stone installations, the rigid board is high-strength and perfect for residential and commercial applications,” explained Brian Pistulka, MAPEI’s Business Manager for Tile & Stone Installation Systems. 

Featuring a multi-layered design, Mapeguard Board is available in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 1/4" to 2" (6 to 50 mm). Lightweight and easy to handle, it can be quickly and easily installed. “Although the high-density material is strong and rigid, it actually cuts easily with a standard utility knife,” Pistulka continued. “And, it fits in with our other waterproofing products, such as Mapeguard WP ST sealing tape, Mapelastic^® AquaDefense or Mapelastic Turbo, to create a system solution for showers.” 

Mapeguard Board features a low perm rating and is approved for use in steam rooms and showers. It can also be used in interior residential and commercial floors, walls and ceilings. In addition to tile installations, the rigid board can be used for the fabrication of shower benches, shelves, seats, niches and curbs. 

“If you are installing backsplashes and countertops, or showers and tub surrounds, now you can use MAPEI’s Mapeguard Board to deliver a dimensionally stable substrate, which then can be covered by MAPEI’s waterproofing, mortars and grouts. With Mapeguard Board, we now offer the complete system solution from the substrate itself to the sealer,” Pistulka said. 

About MAPEI

Founded in 1937 in Milan, MAPEI is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry and has contributed to the construction of some of the most important architectural and infrastructure works worldwide. With 102 subsidiaries operating in 57 countries and 90 manufacturing plants in 35 nations, MAPEI Group employs more than 12,000 staff worldwide. The foundations for the success of the company are specialization, internationalization, research & development, and sustainability.

MAPEI Canada (MAPEI Inc.) represents the Canadian subsidiary of the MAPEI Group. Canada was in fact the first country outside of Italy where MAPEI established production facilities and where the company began its internationalization plans in 1978. Today, the Canadian subsidiary has facilities located throughout the country, with production facilities in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, a distribution center in Alberta. MAPEI Canada is part of the MAPEI North America group of subsidiaries, which also includes MAPEI USA (MAPEI Corporation) and MAPEI Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands (MAPEI Caribe). MAPEI North America represents 28 facilities collectively with a workforce of over 1,800 employees. MAPEI facilities have been certified to ISO 45001,  ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 quality standards. An environmentally conscious manufacturer that reinvests 5% of its revenue into R&D, MAPEI offers training for architects, contractors, installers and distributors through the MAPEI Technical Institute. For more about MAPEI Canada, visit www.mapei.ca or call +1 800-42-MAPEI (2734).