Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Hydro-Blok available online to order?
Yes. Hydro-Blok products can be purchased online at Menard.
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Is there a minimum requirement for the size of tile I can use on HYDRO-BLOK Pans?
There are no size restrictions for the application of Tile or Stone on HYDRO-BLOK Pans.
When installing tile or stone that is smaller than 2″x2″, a high-performance grout with a minimum 3500 PSI compressive strength and meets ANSI 118.7 or epoxy grout 118.3 must be used to comply with the HYDRO-BLOK warranty. These products are commonly used and readily available.
Here is a list of some brands we recommend:
- Bostik Vivid and TruColor
- Mapei Ultracolor and Flexcolor
- Laticrete Permacolor, Permacolor Select, Spectralock 1
- Custom Prism
- Ardex FL
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When joining 2 curbs together at a corner should I butt them together or cut on a 45 degree angle?
We recommend a 45° miter joint when joining curbs at a corner. For extending curbs a butt joint is adequate. In both cases we also recommend mesh tape to strengthen the joint to prevent grout cracking after tile is installed.
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What is the Fire Rating for HYDRO-BLOK?
HYDRO-BLOK Foam products meet a Class A Fire Spread Rating as per ASTM E84-17 requirements.
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What is the shelf life of HB Sealant?
The shelf life of HYDRO-BLOK sealant is 18 months. Sealant will have a B.O.D. (Born On Date) displayed on the Cartridge (10 oz) or Sausage Casing (20 oz).
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Does Hydro-Blok Sealant Freeze?
The service temperature of HYDRO-BLOK sealant is between -60° F (-50° C). The recommended application temperature is between 35° F to 110° F (0° C to 42° C).
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How strong are HYDRO-BLOK Products?
All HYDRO-BLOK Foam Products are made from a very high compression XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Foam with a 40.5 psi compression rating. With the addition of a Fibre-glass mesh and concrete coating on both sides our products are extremely durable throughout the construction process and for the life of the product.
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Is HYDRO-BLOK mould and fungus resistant?
Yes HYDRO-BLOK products are mold & fungus resistant. Please check out the testing results on our website.
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Can you use HYDRO-BLOK products outside?
HYDRO-BLOK products have been extensively tested for use indoors in shower applications. Although HYDRO-BLOK products are very durable and will withstand the elements it has not been extensively tested for the durability of the adhesion of stone or tile for extended periods in outdoor applications.
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Does HYDRO-BLOK contain harmful chemicals?
HYDRO-BLOK is an environmentally friendly product which contains Zero toxic or harmful chemicals. Our Foam is CFC and HBCD free. Please refer to our testing data for more details.
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What is HYDRO-BLOK made of?
HYDRO-BLOK Products are made from an XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Closed Cell Watertight Foam reinforced with a High Strength Cement Coating & Fiberglass Mesh. All of our Foam Products are CFC and HBCD Free.
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How do I register for the LIFETIME WARRANTY?
Simply go to our website to the Support/Warranty section and fill out the form. You will need your proof of purchase to register:
https://www.hydroblok.com/hydro-blok-lifetime-limited-warranty-registration/
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Do HYDRO-BLOK products come with a warranty?
Yes, all HYDRO-BLOK products come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Please check out the details on our website:
https://www.hydroblok.com/hydro-blok-lifetime-limited-warranty/
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Can HYDRO-BLOK be used for Steam Showers?
HYDRO-BLOK can be used for steam shower applications. We recommend a single coat of liquid membrane over top of the finished product to meet TCNA Guidelines (TCNA) guidelines SR613 (masonry or concrete construction, commercial applications) and SR614 (wood or steel joist construction, residential installs).
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How do I install the mesh tape?
Apply a continuous ½” bead of joint sealant into the corner seam of the shower pan where it meets the curb or wallboard. Use the corner puy knife to smooth out the sealant so that there is at least 1″ of sealant on either side of the seams. Press 2″ mesh tape (supplied) into the seam, pressing it into the existing joint sealant. Use a sharp utility knife to make small slits to fit the corners. Use a corner puy knife to smooth the mesh tape into the joint sealant. Apply a continuous ½” bead of joint sealant on top of the mesh tape and smooth out again with the corner puy knife to fully cover the mesh tape. Instructions can also be found in our Pan Installation Guide found on our website.
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Where do I apply the mesh tape?
Mesh Tape is required only at the floor level at the plane change between the pan and wallboard/curb. Also when installing a Linear Drain or Curbless entry system where the drain meets the pan or when the Pan meets the underlayment on the dry side. In general, wherever there is a potential for standing water you will be required to apply HYDRO-BLOK Mesh Tape which is included with all of our Shower Pans. Please follow pan installation instructions found in the Training/Downloads Section of our Website.
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How do I install a linear drain into a concrete slab?
The installation of a Linear Drain to a concrete slab is the same as installation on a wood floor. Please see instructions in our Downloads section.
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What type of thinset is recommended for installing the shower pan to a concrete slab?
Any polymer-modified (Modified Thinset) can be used to install HYDRO-BLOK Pans to either a wood floor or concrete slab.
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What type of thinset is recommended for installing the shower pan to a wood subfloor?
Any polymer-modified (Modified Thinset) can be used to install HYDRO-BLOK Pans to either a wood floor or concrete slab.
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How long to I must wait before tiling?
With HYDRO-BLOK sealant you can tile within 45 minutes of application. As soon as the sealant is skinned over (dry to the touch) you can start installing your tile or stone. Thicker areas such as corners may require additional curing time before application.
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How long do I have to wait before water testing?
Because it is a moisture curing Polyurethane sealant you can water test HYDRO-BLOK sealant immediately after application.
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Can I install Marble on HYDRO-BLOK?
You can install virtually any kind of natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic to HYDRO-BLOK products. Please refer to manufacturers guidelines for setting materials recommended for your installation.
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Can HYDRO-BLOK be used as insulation?
Yes. HYDRO-BLOK has insulative properties much like XPS Foam Insulation. Please see the testing properties on our website.
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Is mesh tape required on all seams?
No. HYDRO-BLOK mesh tape is only required at the floor where standing water may occur. You only need to apply HYDRO-BLOK Sealant at the butt joints on the wallboard and in the vertical corners. Please see detailed instructions for pan & wallboard installation on our website.
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Can I install a hinge for a glass shower door onto a HYDRO-BLOK Curb?
If your glass enclosure door requires a hinge on the bottom corner, you will likely need to secure it with a screw into a solid surface. In order to do this, you can drill a lag screw right through the HYDRO-BLOK curb or pan provided you fill the hole with sealant prior to driving the screw into the floor or wall. You will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for actual installation.
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Can HYDRO-BLOK Screws be used for metal studs?
Yes HYDRO-BLOK screws can be drill directly into metal studs with no pre-drilling.
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Can you install HYDRO-BLOK over concreate or block/brick walls?
Yes, you can install HYDRO-BLOK wall boards over brick, block, or concrete walls using a small notched (1/4” or larger) trowel and modified thinset. Sealant to be used to seal the but joints where wallboards meet. You can apply a second coat of sealant along seems and flatten with putty knife or straight trowel as per typical installation instructions:
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Can HYDRO-BLOK be used to build custom benches in showers?
Yes HYDRO-BLOK large building panels can be used to build amazing custom benches and feature in you shower. It can even be used to build partition walls. We have a number of instructional videos on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPvkkVLDomQ&list=PLU_NKAXq4QUdOSM0Lgn2iq7sRHM1a44XJ
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Can I use HYDRO-BLOK ¼” Wallboard as an underlay on the floor?
Yes, you can. Actually, this is the main use of our 3’ x 5’ x 1/4” wallboard (HBWB366014). It is commonly used in combination with our pan and linear drain system in Curbless applications to waterproof the “dry side” of the shower. Please refer to our Linear Drain installation video as well as our LOW-PROFILE shower pan installation instructions:
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Can I make a curb with HYDRO-BLOK?
There are several ways you can incorporate a curb into your HYDRO-BLOK shower system design. The most common way is to purchase our pre-formed curbs available in 4 standard sizes. You can also use our Large Building Panels to make custom sizes. Please contact your local representative or create a Support Request for more details on custom curbs. We do not recommend using HYDRO-BLOK wallboard to cover wood curbs as they tend to warp and compromise waterproofing.
