Deerfield Beach, Fla.—MAPEI recently introduced Mapeguard CI, a time-saving solution for ceramic tile and stone installations. Mapeguard CI is a flexible, fabric-reinforced, “peel-and-stick” crack-isolation membrane that helps to prevent existing or future in-plane floor cracks (with movement up to 3/8-inch or 10mm wide) from transmitting through grout, ceramic tile or natural stone.
“Installers will like it because it reduces the hollow sound of ceramic or porcelain tile in large echoey spaces, such as what is commonly found in malls, while maintaining standard characteristics of quick installation and crack isolation,” said Pat Armitage, sales representative, MAPEI. “After priming, installers can peel or stick the membrane and install the tile immediately, which also saves time on a jobsite.”
Mapeguard CI is thin (1.5mm), lightweight and load bearing. Depending on the level of moisture in a concrete slab, Mapeguard CI can withstand 5 pounds MVER when used with MAPEI SM Primer, 8 pounds MVER when used with MAPEI SM Primer Fast and 15 pounds MVER when used with MAPEI HM Primer. When used in combination with HM Primer, Mapeguard CI can also be used for interior and exterior environments that are below-grade, on-grade and above-grade.
For tile installers, Mapeguard CI offers a three-fold advantage for both residential and commercial floors: It is lightweight and easy to position and cut to size. In addition, Mapeguard CI mutes the impact sound of the finished tile surface. The split-back release film also makes Mapeguard CI a faster membrane to install than membranes with one-piece liners.
For projects that do not require sound ratings, “Mapeguard CI makes sense in a tile-dominated industry,” said Sonya Moste, product manager for MAPEI’S crack isolation and sound control membranes. “In these trying economic times, MAPEI seeks to offer products that perform while offering value and cost savings to customers.”