Prova Flex 269 sqft

Prova Flex and Prova Heat are specifically developed for ceramic and stone tile installations Prova Flex and Prova Heat offer uncoupling to avoid split tile and grout. Made from polyethylene uncoupling membrane, it functions as a waterproofing layer that secures moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB. Free-space on the underside of the matting offers a route for excess wetness and vapor to avoid damage to the tile layer above. Prova Flex and Prova Heat carry out all these functions while still supplying appropriate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

* Provides uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and heavy load circulation to guarantee the durability and stability of tile setups.

* Prova Flex has a small 1/8" (3 mm)- thickness which reduces tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings

* Prova Heat is 5/16" (7 mm)- thick to produce an even transition between normal 5/16" (7 mm)- thick tile and 3/4" (19 mm)- thick hardwood flooring

* Prova Heat permits ceramic tile application over single layer plywood/OSB subfloors on joists spaced at 24" (610 mm) o.c.

* Can be set up on top of concrete, plywood, OSB, gypsum, existing vinyl floorings, structural planks, sub-floors, and radiant heated floors

* Includes a grid structure of square lowering cavities and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside which is bonded to the surface area of the substrate and avoids thin-set from filling the cavities

* Quick and easy to set up; couple of tools

Designed particularly for ceramic tile and dimension stone setups, Prova Flex serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering. Prova Flex is 1/8" (3 mm) thick, which minimizes tile assembly density and lowers shifts to lower surface area coverings (e.g., carpet, crafted wood, and vinyl). Prova Flex permits for ceramic tile application over single-layer plywood or OSB subfloors on joists spaced up to 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.

Uncoupling

Tile has been successfully installed for countless years by incorporating an uncoupling layer, or flexible shear interface, within the tile assembly. Prova Flex provides uncoupling through its open rib structure, which permits in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential motion stresses in between the tile and the substrate, thus removing the major reason for splitting and delaminating of the tiled surface area.

Prova Flex provides trusted waterproofing in interior applications. Its polyethylene structure secures the substrate from wetness penetration, which is particularly important in today's building environment where most substrates are moisture-sensitive.

Vapor management

The differentiating function of Prova Flex is the existence of totally free area produced by the set up channels on the underside of the matting. The totally free area supplies a path for excess wetness and vapor to escape from the substrate that might otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above. Thus, Prova Flex efficiently manages moisture below the tile covering.

Support/load circulation

Loads are transferred from the tile covering through these column-like mortar structures to the substrate. Given that the matting is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the benefits of uncoupling are achieved without sacrificing point load circulation abilities. The capability of Prova Flex setups to support and disperse heavy loads while protecting the stability of the tiled surface has actually been confirmed through comprehensive laboratory and field testing, consisting of applications exposed to vehicular traffic.

* 1. Utilizing a thin-set mortar that appropriates for the substrate, use the thin-set mortar (mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, however still able to hold a notch) using a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16" (8 mm x 8 mm) V-notched trowel, or the Prova Flex trowel, which features a 11/64" x 11/64" (4.5 mm x 4.5 mm)square-notched style. 2. Apply Prova Flex or Prova Heat to the floor, fleece side down. Solidly embed the matting into the mortar using a float, screed trowel, or Prova Flex-ROLLER *, making certain to observe the open time of the bonding mortar. Remove and reapply if the mortar skins over prior to matting setup. Note: It may be handy to back roll completion of the matting prior to setup, or location boxes of tile on top of the matting after installation, to prevent curling. * When using the Prova Flex-ROLLER, put a weight (e.g., bag(s) of mortar/grout or box of tile) not to go beyond 75 pounds on the Prova Flex-ROLLER rack. Gradually move the roller from one end of the matting to the other, somewhat overlapping successive passes. 3. Raise a corner of the matting to examine coverage. Proper installation results in full contact between the fleece webbing and the thin-set mortar. Just abut end and side sections of nearby sheets. Note: Coverage might differ with mortar consistency, angle at which the trowel is held, substrate flatness, etc. If complete coverage is not attained, reapply and remove, ensuring to confirm appropriate mortar consistency and application. Sometimes it may be advantageous to utilize a trowel with bigger notches, such as a 1/4" x 1/4" (6 mm x 6 mm) square-notched trowel for Prova Heat. 4. Tile can be set up over Prova Flex and Prova Heat instantly; no need to await the mortar to treat. Fill the cut-back cavities with unmodified thin-set mortar and comb extra mortar over the matting using a trowel that is proper for the size of the tile. Sturdily embed the tiles in the setting product. Regularly inspect a tile and remove to make sure that complete protection is being obtained. Back-buttering is an useful method to help make sure appropriate protection, particularly when setting up large-format tiles (e.g., 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) and larger). Keep in mind: To bond Prova Flex and Prova Heat to the substrate: Use one 50 lb. (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 150 - 200 ft2 (13.9 - 18.6 m2). To bond the tile to the Prova Flex, utilizing a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Utilize one 50 pound (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 40 - 50 ft2 (3.7 - 4.6 m2). To bond the tile to the Prova Heat, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel: Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 35 - 45 ft2 (3.3 - 4.2 m2). Waterproofing The following steps are required for waterproofing only: 1. At the joints, fill the cut-back cavities with or unmodified thin-set mortar, roughly 8" (203 mm) broad, centered over the joint. 2. Comb additional unmodified thin-set mortar over the joint utilizing a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, which includes a 1/8" x 1/8" (3 mm x 3 mm) square-notched design. 3. Using the flat side of the trowel, securely push the 5" (127 mm)-broad Trugard Band into the mortar to ensure 100% coverage and to remove excess mortar and air pockets. 4. At all wall junctions, use Trugard Band as described in steps 1-3, guaranteeing a minimum of 2" overlap on to Prova Flex/Prova Heat. Notes: Trugard Band should overlap Prova Flex and Prova Heat at seams and at floor/wall shifts by a minimum of 2" (50 mm) in order to preserve water resistant integrity. In some applications the vertical area of the floor/wall transition will decline a bond to unmodified thin-set mortar. Links to such elements can be attained utilizing ideal trowel-applied waterproofing materials, such as those that require atmospheric wetness to treat (e.g., urethane sealant). For complete installation guidelines and warranty requirements please refer to the downloadable Prova Flex Installation Handbook and see the step-by-step installation videos available listed below.

* Created for usage with ceramic and stone tile

* Ideal for interior and outside tile and stone installations

* Neutralizes tension that comes from the subfloor to get rid of the primary cause of tile cracking

* Waterproofs and enables wetness in the substrate to evaporate

* Replaces backboard or a second layer of plywood

* Polyethylene material

* 54 sq. ft. roll measuring 3 ft. 3 in. x 16 ft. 5 in.

* 1/8 in. thick membrane makes transitioning to other surface areas basic

* Easy setup over a thinset mortar

Tile and stone are rigid products and are, therefore, delicate to tensions coming from in the sub flooring. Specifically developed for ceramic and stone tile Waterproofs and permits wetness in the substrate to evaporate Replaces backerboard or a 2nd layer of plywood 1/8 in.

Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface area coverings. In order to secure the integrity of the tile assembly, an underlayment that performs several functions is required. Tile is set up over Prova Flex using the thin-bed approach in such a method that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the Prova Flex matting.

Professional tile installers and Do It Yourself property owners use Prova Flex matting to avoid the cracking of tile and grout brought on by movement substrate, the fundamental product below the tile. When compared with materials like cement backer board, Prova Flex is likewise kept in mind for its ease of use.

This underlayment also functions as a water resistant membrane over moisture-sensitive subflooring such as plywood and OSB. The outcome of Prova Flex's efficiency is a tile floor with impressive durability and resistance to fractures and moisture.

In this tile floor covering guide, we offer thorough info on this popular product, so you can decide if Prova Flex underlayment is best for your tile job.

What is Prova Flex Matting?

The crucial to understanding why this membrane will greatly improve the structural stability and durability of your tile flooring is to get an excellent handle on simply what Prova Flex is. By the way, professionals in some cases describe this product simply as Prova Flex, and we will too.

Now, let's break down this definition into its parts:

* A polyethylene membrane: Polyethylene is the most common plastic readily available. The Prova Flex matting is a flexible, water resistant kind of it.

* With a grid structure of square cavities: These cavities are filled with thin-set mortar that produces a mechanical bond in between the mortar and the tile.

If you filled the box with mortar and let it treat, you couldn't merely pull out the block of mortar because its base would be bigger than the top. Each Prova Flex square cavity is formed like such a box, so the treated thin-set mortar ends up being anchored within the cavity, though it doesn't "stick" to the plastic matting. Since it does not adhere to the surface area, the matting can move with growth and contraction of the subfloor without transferring that motion to the grout and the tile and causing fractures.

* And an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside: The fleece support sticks to a subfloor such as concrete or wood utilizing thin-set mortar.

How Does Prova Flex Work to Avoid Splitting?

Prova Flex membrane minimizes splitting by soaking up the tensions produced when the substrate below it moves due to shifting, expanding or contracting.

When the substrate relocations-- and it will in every floor covering setup-- the Prova Flex product flexes with it to prevent the movement from transferring through and causing the tile and grout to fracture. In other words, the material reduces the effects of the movement like auto shock absorbers.

With the flexible layer of Prova Flex set up, the tile isn't abided by the substrate. It is mortared to the Prova Flex underlayment, which in turn, is mortared to the subfloor. This is the crucial to avoiding the transmission of the movement that is the primary cause of splitting in tile floors. Surprisingly, tile installers have been utilizing sand for thousands of years as a non-rigid layer of material between the tile and the substrate to prevent breaking. Prova Flex simply takes the performance of a sand layer to the next level of efficiency by also supplying a water resistant vapor barrier.

Keep in mind on Uncoupling: You'll stumble upon the term "uncoupling" when talking about Prova Flex with sellers or professionals; you might hear it referred to as an uncoupling membrane. The term refers to the fact that the Prova Flex material avoids the tile mortar from adhering to the subfloor. It can be confusing because when we hear "uncoupling," we believe of something being paired or linked. In reality, the Prova Flex membrane prevents the coupling in the very first location.

Where Prova Flex Can Be Installed

Prova Flex underlayment is used efficiently in a wide variety of floor covering applications. Here's a summary of the areas where you can make the most of the performance Prova Flex deals.

Wood Substrate: OSB, plywood and framing members need to be covered with a material such as Prova Flex underlayment since wood is really prone to changes and to wetness. When bearing loads, Wood expands and contracts with wetness and temperature levels changes and bends. These movements will harm tile and grout without the existence of a flexible, motion-absorbing product. Wood will also be harmed by water, something this polyethylene membrane avoids. Prova Flex can be installed over these wood subfloor systems:

* 16" or 19.2" O.C. (on center) joist spacing with single-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile setup

* 24" O.C. joist spacing with double-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation

* 24" O.C. joist spacing with single-layer OSB or plywood subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation

* Double-layer OSB or plywood for natural stone setup

* Existing vinyl over an ideal subfloor for ceramic and porcelain tile installation

* Structural slab subfloors for tile or stone installation

Concrete Substrate: Concrete is a tough substrate to cover with difficult flooring such as tile and natural stone. The significant factor is that concrete can broaden nearly twice as much as ceramic tile and grout.

When the concrete expands and agreements with changes in temperature level, installing tile straight on concrete WILL result in substantial cracking of the flooring within a short duration of time.

Here are the particular types of concrete subfloor that need to be covered with Prova Flex prior to the installation of tile or stone flooring:

* Standard concrete subfloor

* Plaster concrete underlay over wood or concrete subfloor

Floorings with Glowing Heat: Prova Flex is an exceptional option for usage in any application where radiant heating is installed in the flooring. That movement will cause tile fractures without a layer of motion-absorbing material such as Prova Flex.

* Wood substrate

* Thin piece light-weight concrete or plaster

* Structural concrete piece

Floors Requiring Waterproof Installation: Gypsum concrete and wood substrates such as plywood and OSB will soak up moisture and expand. This will result in damage to floor covering set up over these products. That is why a water resistant barrier should be installed above the subfloor in locations where water is common.

In addition to showers and tub surrounds, you must think about utilizing a water resistant barrier in the bathroom, cooking area, laundry space or basement.

Since it is made from water resistant polyethylene, a waterproof barrier can be created using Prova Flex. One additional item is needed, Trugard Band, a water resistant product utilized to seal the seams where layers of Prova Flex abut one another. The Trugard Band is applied utilizing unmodified thin-set mortar.

Prova Flex also offers products for waterproofing drains and wall-to-floor connections.

Exterior Applications for Prova Flex

This flexible item can be used outdoors when setting up tile or stone. The decoupling efficiency reduces the effects of any movement of the substrate that would otherwise damage the grout, tile or stone. In addition, the waterproof performance of Prova Flex is vital in numerous applications.

Here are the kinds of exterior applications where using Prova Flex is recommended.

* Concrete substrate

* Wood substrate

* Exterior concrete floorings, sidewalks and patios

Prova Flex membrane is available in 2 thicknesses, 1/8" and 5/16". Every one offers the 4 fundamentals that Prova Flex is designed to deliver: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and load circulation.

Which density you choose depends upon the needs of the task you're tackling.

Prova Flex (1/8"): Reduces overall density of the installed flooring, and this lowers the shift to flooring that is lower such as vinyl, carpet or engineered wood.

Prova Heat (5/16"): Enables you to install ceramic tile over a single layer of plywood or OSB subfloors on joists with wider spacing such as 24 inches on. In addition, Prova Heat and standard 5/16" tile produces a floor height that is level with basic 3/4 ″ hardwood floor covering.

* Removes the major reason for splitting and delaminating of tiled surface areas

* Features a grid structure of square lowering cavities and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside

* Includes an open-rib structure, which permits in-plane motion

* Supplies uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and heavy-load distribution to ensure the toughness and stability of tile installations

* Installs over a wide variety of substrates, consisting of plywood/OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floorings etc.

* Prova Flex is 1/8-in thick, which reduces tile assembly thickness.

* Steps 3-ft 3-in x 16-ft 5-in.

* Provides uncoupling waterproofing vapor management and heavy load distribution to guarantee the durability and integrity of tile installations.

* Just 1/8in.- thick streamlines transitions to lower surface area coverings.

* Quick and easy to install over wood or concrete subfloors.

* 95% lighter than cement backerboard or plywood.

* Particularly Developed For Ceramic And Stone Tile Installations Prova Supplies Uncoupling To Avoid Cracked Tile And Grout. Prova Also Serves As A Waterproofing Layer That Secures Moisture-Sensitive Substrates Such As Plywood/Osb.

The Benefits of Prova Flex.

Prova Flex is way easier to set up than cement board.

First, it's light.

Second, it stops tile and grout from breaking.

Third, it can waterproof the wood subfloor.

If you're scared of mold in the restroom Prova Flex will help.

A quality tile setup consists of an uncoupling membrane, such as Prova Flex, Prova Heat and Prova Flex-HEAT. In addition to waterproofing, this vital membrane separates the tile assembly from movement in the underlying substrate, therefore removing the leading reason for cracking in a tiled surface area. Here are some pointers to working effectively with these membranes.

1. How do I remove the memory from a role of Prova Flex?

A roll of Prova Flex can hold memory or shape, in some cases causing it to curl or bounce throughout installation, especially at the end of a roll.

The easiest service is to:.

Step 1: Bring the matting as much as space temperature.

Action 2: Measure and cut the product needed.

Action 3: Back-roll the area to take out the memory.

2. How do I stop chalk lines from rubbing-off?

Chalk lines are typically used to mark the flooring and matting during installation. Since Prova Flex is made of plastic, the chalk can be rubbed-off easily.

To stop this, attempt:.

Choice 1: Spray hairspray over the lines. You don't need to stress over this functioning as a bond-breaker, since the thin-set is mechanically locked into the dovetailed inlays on the topside of the Prova Flex.

Choice 2: Use an ink line instead!

3. How do I attain correct thin-set coverage?

Full thin-set mortar coverage is necessary for ensuring a protected bond and support for the tile.

There are 3 actions to this:.

Step 1: Guarantee appropriate mortar consistency.

When setting up Prova Flex, guarantee the thin-set mortar is blended to a relatively fluid consistency, however still able to hold a notch. It may not transfer to the bonding fleece under the Prova Flex as needed if the mortar is too thick.

Step 2: Mortar application.

Apply thin-set to the area where the Prova Flex is to be set up, using the correct trowel size: 1/4" x 3/16" (6mm x 5mm) v-notch OR A Prova Flex trowel: 11/64" x 11/64" (4.5 mm x 4.5 mm) square-notch.

Comb extra mortar using the notched side of the trowel. Combing the mortar in one direction likewise assists, making it simpler to collapse the mortar ridges when embedding the Prova Flex.

Action 3: Embedding the Prova Flex.

Apply the Prova Flex fleece-side down and solidly embed utilizing a float or a Prova Flex roller. Make certain to observe the open time of the thin-set. Eliminate and reapply prior to installing the membrane if the mortar skims over.

Next, raise a corner to inspect protection. You need to see full contact between the fleece-webbing and the thin-set mortar. Re-embed the Prova Flex.

And under the old tile was a thick mortar bed. Get in systems and this amazing tile underlayment product, the Prova Flex.

Today, we're showing you what we've discovered subfloors, tile setup projects, underlayment, decoupling items, and why we chose to utilize the Prova Flex. If you're pondering a restroom renovation, or Do It Yourself tile setup job, this information may be available in really handy to you ...

WHY WE CHOSE Prova Flex XL FOR OUR RESTROOM TILE INSTALLATION JOB:.

During demolition of our master restroom job, we struck our very first "snag" of the renovation procedure. When we began removing the old 12 × 12 stone tile (seen below), instead of striking a plywood subfloor listed below, there was a 1" lightweight concrete subfloor with ingrained wire mesh.

We had not ever seen this kind of subfloor in any of our other remodellings, however I knew there had to be some explanation for why the initial floor would have been set up like this. No chance someone simply decided to go through what would have been a much more labor intensive process for no reason. No broken tile so the Prova Flex seems doing its task splendidly. Best of luck with your tile flooring!

Why We Like It.

They've created an unique system that quickly and elegantly corrects all the usual issues associated with tile floor covering. If you're investing in a pricey tile flooring, it's worth guaranteeing that your floor covering lasts as long as your home.

Functions & benefits.

* Water-proofer-- polyethylene membrane blocks moisture from soaking down through grout and prevents mold and mildew.

* Crack-isolator-- uncouples the subfloor and prevents growth and contraction from splitting tile and grout.

* Vapor barrier-- open-ribbed building keeps water vapor from permeating into thinset and grout from listed below.

* Heavy load assistance-- unique design of membrane prevents splitting from heavy point loads.

* Safe-- made with no harmful active ingredients, no off-gassing or odors.

* Complete security-- utilize other Trugard products for walls, outside, convected heat and more.