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Cement sheet tile underlay - which is the top?

Scootergirl

I am about to lay cement sheet underlay (innova brand 9mm) on a yellow tongue floor. Waterproofing will be done before the floor is tiled.

It has a rough and a smooth side & I can’t find anywhere (even on the product website) which tells me which side to lay facing up! Does anyone know?

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Accepted answers

JacobZ

Hi @Scootergirl,

I've spoken with the team at Innova who have informed me that there should be writing printed on one of the faces with the products name and a few other bits of info. They've stated that the side with the writing is the side which faces down.

If you're still not sure, I'd encourage you to give Innova's technical team a call on 1300 652 242. They will be able to offer the best advice for their product.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist.

Jacob

All comments

JacobZ

Hi @Scootergirl,

Can you advise what the specific product is?

I ask because the only 9mm Innova brand fibre cement sheeting I can find that doesn't have a decorative profile is https://www.bunnings.com.au/duratex-2400-x-1200-x-9mm-2-88m-fibre-cement-cladding_p0710222 which is a wall cladding and is not designed for use as floor tile underlay.

Typically, you would use ceramic tile underlay such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/hume-prima-ceramic-tile-underlay-1800-x-900-x-6mm-1-62sqm_p0710334 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-1800-x-1200-x-6mm-2-16m-ceramic-tile-underlay-flooring_p0716142 which is designed for this use with specific instructions on how to install it.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Scootergirl

I mistyped - it’s actually 6mm

Here’s the product link:

https://www.innovafibrecement.com.au/en-au/flooring-underlay/innova-flooring-underlay-ceramic-tile-underlay/

JacobZ

Hi @Scootergirl,

Is there a nailing pattern shown on the sheets? It looks like an array of dots all over the face. Generally, that is what indicates the top side.

From memory, the top side with the nailing pattern is usually smooth and the underside is rough.

If this doesn't match up with what you're seeing, let me know and I can investigate further.

Jacob

Scootergirl

It doesn’t have a nailing pattern unfortunately

JacobZ

Thanks for confirming, @Scootergirl .

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find anything in Innova’s installation information that confirms whether the rough or smooth face should be laid upwards. Rather than risk installing it incorrectly, please bear with me and I will get in touch with Innova’s technical team when they reopen on Monday.

Jacob

JacobZ

Hi @Scootergirl,

If you're still not sure, I'd encourage you to give Innova's technical team a call on 1300 652 242. They will be able to offer the best advice for their product.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist.

Jacob

Scootergirl

Thanks so much - appreciate the help!