Technical Specifications

PRODUCT DATA SHEET
Description
PROVA-FLEX® is a durable, lightweight uncoupling
membrane that provides crack isolation protection
on cement slabs and an easy-to-install, labor saving
alternative to backer board on wood substrates. The
PROVA-FLEX® unique design features an
impermeable polypropylene sheet formed with a
regular pattern of hollow studs to hold thinset
mortar, sandwiched between a woven
polypropylene netting on top and a polypropylene
non-woven anchoring fabric that is laminated to the
bottom with a polyolefin based adhesive (Shear
Stress Control). The top netting ensures a superior
mechanical bond with the cured thinset holding the
tile to the PROVA-FLEX® (when compared to open
dove-tailed designs), while the bottom fabric
neutralizes stress caused by multi-directional lateral
substrate movement thereby protecting the tiled
surface.
Properties
 Provides excellent bonding surface for tile
 Bridges stress cracks and control joints
 Light weight, labor saving
 Equalizes substrate vapor pressure
 Water impermeable
 Chemical resistant, non-rotting
 Rated EXTRA HEAVY by TCNA Robinson Floor
Test (ASTM C627)
Typical Applications
PROVA-FLEX® provides the ideal underlayment for
interior residential and commercial tile applications
on both cement slabs and wood substrates.
Lightweight but durable, PROVA-FLEX® provides a
tenacious bonding surface for tile and a separation
layer between tiles and the substrate, preventing the
transfer of stresses to the tile surface. PROVA-FLEX®
is not recommended for exterior applications.
Suitable Substrates
Plywood and OSB (Exterior Glue only) substrates for
ceramic tile installations:
 16” o.c. joist spacing, minimum subfloor
thickness: 5/8”
 19.2” o.c. joist spacing, minimum subfloor
thickness: 3/4”
 24” o.c. joist spacing, minimum subfloor
thickness: double layer 3/4” + 3/8”
For natural stone and large format tile installations,
substrate deflection cannot exceed L/720.
Concrete slabs that are stable, flat, structurally
sound, and free of agents, coatings, etc. that could
inhibit the thinset mortar bond.
Installation
Substrate must be flat, clean, dry and load
structurally sound. Measure and dry cut the PROVA-
FLEX® to fit the installation area. Apply thinset
mortar to the substrate using a 1/4” square notched
trowel. (Select thinset as recommended by the
manufacturer for the installation substrate). Using
the flat side of a trowel, firmly press the PROVA-
FLEX® into the thinset ensuring that the fabric
underneath is completely embedded in the thinset
and air pockets eliminated. Select a thinset
recommended by the thinset manufacturer for the
type of tile to be installed. Fill in hollow studs on top
side of PROVA-FLEX® with flat side of trowel. Comb
out the thinset on top of the PROVA-FLEX® and
install tile per TCNA guidelines and industry
standards being careful not to exceed working
thinset working time. PROVA-FLEX® should be
protected from heavy loads prior to tile installation.
Detail instructions should be read prior to installing
PROVA-FLEX®.
NOTE: One bag of thinset covers approximately 100
ft.².
M-D PRO
Ph: 1 [phone] Fx: 905-625-4249 E: [e-mail]
provaproducts.com