For Immediate Release s388

News Release

For immediate release: For more information contact: Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed DATE (610) 341-7328 [email protected]

New Diamondback™ — A Lighter, Easier-to-Cut Tile Backer from CertainTeed Gypsum

(Tampa, Fla.) – CertainTeed introduces Diamondback™ Tile Backer, a high-performance tile backer that features an industry-first bonding technology that makes tile installation simpler, faster and less costly.

Reinforced with embedded glass mats for added strength and moisture and mold resistance, Diamondback features a patent-pending polymer coating with a unique textured surface that creates a strong bond, reducing tile slippage during installation. The innovative Diamondback coating eliminates the need for an additional moisture barrier, reducing overall installation cost for contractors and builders.

Diamondback weighs 40 percent less than traditional cement boards and is much easier to handle, cut and install, saving installers valuable time.

“Professionals can work more efficiently and confidently knowing that Diamondback Tile Backer offers best-in-class protection while increasing productivity during installation,” says John Donaldson, president of CertainTeed Gypsum. “Adding further appeal is the benefit of this product to future owners and occupants, as it is GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified and contributes directly to healthy indoor air quality.”

Ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other high-moisture interior areas, Diamondback Tile Backer is suitable for both wet and non-wet installations in both residential and commercial applications. The product conforms to ASTM C 1178, which is recognized by the Tile Council News Release Diamondback Tile Backer – Page 2 of 3 of North America and yields the highest level of mold resistance – a score of 10 – when tested in accordance with ASTM D 3273. Diamondback Tile Backer Type X is UL classified for fire resistance and can be used in fire-rated designs. The product is backed by a limited, lifetime warranty for residential applications and a limited 20-year warranty for commercial applications.

Offering a broad range of gypsum and finishing products for interior and exterior needs, CertainTeed Gypsum has served the North American building industry for more than 80 years and is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading producer of gypsum products. This, in combination with the full range of affiliated CertainTeed Corporation building products, provides architects, contractors, builders and dealers one partner to provide service and support for commercial and residential building projects.

For more information, visit certainteed.com/gypsum.

About CertainTeed Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2009. www.certainteed.com News Release Diamondback Tile Backer – Page 3 of 3