Depending on the installation location, the answer may be yes. For non-wet interior applications, such as an accent wall, a water barrier is not required, and the panels can be installed directly onto sheetrock/drywall. Use waterproofing appropriate to the location. For exterior walls and wet areas such as showers, protect the substrate and plan for a bondable surface where adhesives are used.

Details

• Exterior walls: install over sheathing with a code-approved weather-resistive barrier (WRB), proper flashing, and sealed penetrations. If an adhesive bond would land on a slick WRB or plastic sheet such as "Tyvek", do not rely on adhesive alone. Add cement board or furring to create a solid, bondable surface and mechanically fasten panels.

• Showers and wet rooms: use cement board plus a liquid-applied membrane waterproofing or sheet membrane behind cement board. Seal inside corners, niches, and penetrations. Use compatible construction adhesive and corrosion-resistant screws, and allow full cure before use.

• Masonry and concrete: if moisture is present, treat with a compatible waterproofing or vapor-control coating first. Ensure the surface is clean and dry to the touch before installing.

• Underwater or splash zones: use marine-grade or continuously wet-rated adhesive and sealant, stainless or suitably coated fasteners, and follow manufacturer cure times before immersion.

• What to avoid: relying on adhesives to stick to glossy plastic vapor barriers. Where a non-bondable layer exists, add a bondable backer and use mechanical fastening.

• Finishing: seal seams, terminations, and fastener heads with a compatible sealant, then touch up for a continuous look.

Call our office at (314) 524-2040 or email sales@repunlimited.com for additional assistance or guidance.