FAQ About DumaWall
Why is part of the tongue or groove chipped off of the panels? Are my panels defective?
The panels are not defective. During manufacturing, one corner of the overlap lip is intentionally milled off. This is to provide enough space for the four corners to fit together when four panels are connected. The milled tongue or groove does not impact the product performance or finished look.
Example of milled tongue
Milled tongue at 4-panel corner
Example of a milled tongue from the back
More examples of typical milled panel tongues
More examples of typical milled panel tongues
How does DumaWall hold up with humidity?
Excellent. The panels are 100% waterproof. If installing Dumawall panels in a wet environment, such as a shower, be sure to read the shower installation guide. If installing Dumawall panels in a kitchen or bath, such as backsplash that has occasional moisture, be sure to read about acceptable substrates in our installation guide.
Can I put DumaWall outside on my patio and exposed to outside elements/UV rays?
No, DumaWall is not exterior-grade-UV-stable.
What is the maximum temperature for DumaWall panels?
Our panels can withstand a maximum continuous temperature of 140F. This means that DumaWall PVC panels can be used as a shower wall panel, but cannot be used in saunas or steam rooms. Installation within 6 inches of a stove is not recommended either. DumaWall should be installed in temperatures between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 43 degrees Celsius).
How should DumaWall panels be cleaned and cared for?
The panels can be cleaned and polished to their original condition using any typical household, non-abrasive cleaning agent. Normally, you only need a damp cloth to clean the panels thoroughly. Do not use abrasive, aggressive substances or cleaning products based on chloride. We do not recommend using solvents. Adhesive residue or pen marks are best removed using isopropyl alcohol.
Do your products emit toxic fumes? Are your products hazardous when inhaled indoors?
No. Our products are not harmful to your health. All our products are classified as A+ (very low emission of pollutants), which is the best rating for indoor wall cladding. This means you can use our products in your house with no harmful effect on health.
Can I use as a working surface and put DumaWall on my floor, use as a countertop, etc?
No. The panels are designed to be used on a vertical wall surface.
Do you offer outlet covers/switch covers?
No.
Can DumaWall be nailed through to hang pictures or a towel rack?
Yes, they can be nailed through. You can also try a more temporary solution like Command™ strips, which can be used to prevent any damage or holes in the DumaWall panel.
Can DumaWall be used in campers, RVs, 4 seasons rooms or garages (non-temperature-controlled areas)?
Yes, as long as the recommended installation methods and adhesives are used leaving 1/4 inch at the edges to allow for expansion and contraction.
Are DumaWall panels scratch-resistant?
Yes, there is a durable, UV-cured, protective polyurethane layer on the surface of the panels. This wear- and-scratch-resistant layer will prevent moderate abuse. The tiles are intended as a wall product, however, and can be scratched by sharp objects or dented by blunt force. DumaWall tiles have better wear and scratch resistance than most wall treatments, such as painted drywall or paneling. Panels should be cleaned with household or mild commercial cleaners that do not contain abrasives.
What is the Fire Rating of DumaWall panels?
DumaWall PVC panels have the following fire classification rate: US STANDARD ASTM E84: Class A Flame, Class C Smoke.
Can DumaWall panels be recycled?
Yes. DumaWall panels can be recycled and be taken to any plastic recycling facility.
What is the guarantee period?
DumaWall panels are guaranteed for a period of 10 years.
Do your products have a California Proposition 65 warning?
You may see a warning on this product regarding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The Proposition requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Proposition 65 is designed to inform consumers. This is not the same as a regulatory decision that a product is “safe” or “unsafe”. Our products emit no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and are in no way harmful if the product is used for its intended purpose. At Acoustic Ceiling Products, customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we will be happy to provide any additional information, technical specs or data you may need on any of our products.
DumaWall Installation FAQ
Can I use Dumawall panels in a niche in my tub or shower?
Yes. Please see our Shower Niche Installation Guide, here.
Is it easy to install DumaWall products yourself?
Yes. DumaWall panels are easy to install by the average do-it-yourself consumer. The panels can be cut to size using a saw (manual or electric) or a utility knife.
On what surfaces can DumaWall panels be installed?
DumaWall panels are not intended to be attached to raw concrete, poured concrete walls or concrete block basement walls. Appropriate substrates in a dry environment would include framed walls with existing tile, drywall, cement board, OSB, or plywood®. DumaWall panels must be attached to structures that comply with your local building codes and have incorporated appropriate moisture abatement measures.
FOR SHOWER, TUB OR DIRECT WATER ENVIRONMENTS. Although DumaWall tiles are 100% waterproof when used with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra in the seams, we recommend you follow your local building codes for wet environments like shower and tub enclosures. We recommend a 100% waterproof substrate that will prevent water from getting behind potentially unsealed areas that would cause mold or other damage.
Acceptable waterproof substrates are:
- Existing ceramic tile walls. No additional preparation required.
- Installation over waterproof substrates, such as Cement Board®, Schluter Kerdi Board®, GP Densheild®, Johns Manville GoBoard®, Hardiebacker®, Fiberock® and equivalent products. Always follow manufacturer’s installation instructions to create a waterproof enclosure.
FOR BACKSPLASH, LAUNDRY OR OTHER DAMP ENVIRONMENTS. Although DumaWall tiles are 100% waterproof when used with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra in the seams, we recommend a moisture-resistant substrate for damp environments like kitchen backsplash, bathrooms or laundry areas. Use a moisture-resistant drywall such as Greenboard® or Purpleboard®. Follow manufacturer’s directions and your local building codes.
More information about installation methods are included on our installation guide.
Can I put DumaWall on my ceiling?
Yes. If you choose to apply to a ceiling, you will need to use both the recommended adhesive and mechanical fasteners (nails or staples) to prevent the panels from falling.
Do I need to seal my basement concrete wall before I install DumaWall?
It depends on the age and surface of your basement wall. In newer homes, the poured concrete walls are traditionally sealed from the outside. In older homes with concrete block foundations, you can seal with a concrete sealer like a Kilz. We do not recommend DumaWall Panels be installed on raw concrete walls. See our installation guide, here.
How do I need to prep my wall before I install DumaWall?
If you choose to install DumaWall on an existing wall, clean it with a good degreaser to make sure the wall is free from any contaminates that would affect adhesion.
What kind of adhesive and sealant should be used?
When gluing DumaWall products on regular surfaces such as plasterboard or wood, we recommend using Power Grab Ultimate adhesive. For Canadian customers, we recommend Lepage No More Nails Wet Instant Grab adhesive. For DumaWall to be used in wet environments, a bead of sealant must be used in each seam between panels. The sealant we recommend is DAP Kwik Seal Ultra. For Canadian customers, we recommend Kwick Seal Plus. A standard 10-ounce tube of adhesive is enough for approximately five DumaWall panels.
Should extra silicone be added between panels?
Not normally, however when installing in a wet room (such as a shower, for example), apply a line of silicone sealant to the tongue and groove connection between the panels to ensure a completely waterproof joint. Also apply a line of silicone sealant between the panel and the edge of the shower or bath, and on inside corners. The sealant we recommend is DAP Kwik Seal Ultra. For Canadian customers, Kwik Seal Plus. Be sure to read the sealant or adhesive instructions before use.
Can I put DumaWall in the shower?
Yes, seal all edges with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra sealant at the joint to prevent water infiltration. Apply a line of silicone sealant to the tongue and groove connection between the panels to ensure a completely waterproof joint. Also apply a line of silicone sealant between the panel and the edge of the shower or bath, and on inside corners. The sealant we recommend is DAP Kwik Seal Ultra. Be sure to read the sealant or adhesive instructions before use. Please see our Shower installation guide for more info.
FOR SHOWER, TUB OR DIRECT WATER ENVIRONMENTS. Although DumaWall tiles are 100% waterproof when used with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra in the seams, we recommend you follow your local building codes for wet environments like shower and tub enclosures. We recommend a 100% waterproof substrate that will prevent water from getting behind potentially unsealed areas that would cause mold or other damage.
Acceptable waterproof substrates are:
- Existing ceramic tile walls. No additional preparation required.
- Installation over waterproof substrates, such as Cement Board®, Schluter Kerdi Board®, GP Densheild®, Johns Manville GoBoard®, Hardiebacker®, Fiberock® and equivalent products. Always follow manufacturer’s installation instructions to create a waterproof enclosure.
FOR BACKSPLASH, LAUNDRY OR OTHER DAMP ENVIRONMENTS. Although DumaWall tiles are 100% waterproof when used with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra in the seams, we recommend a moisture-resistant substrate for damp environments like kitchen backsplash, bathrooms or laundry areas. Use a moisture-resistant drywall such as Greenboard® or Purpleboard®. Follow manufacturer’s directions and your local building codes.
Do I need to grout DumaWall?
No. Grouting is not necessary as DumaWall already has a manufactured grout line built in.
Can I install a bench or shelf in my shower with the DumaWall panels?
Yes. As long as you seal all the connecting joints with a waterproof sealant you can use the DumaWall panels to create a niche or shelf. We recommend installing any horizontal tile at very slight angle (under 10 degrees), so the water does not rest on the panel but slides off.
Can I paint DumaWall?
Yes, but the panels are not intended to be painted. If desired, consult with your paint department for proper primer and paint for good adhesion.
If I wanted to remove 1 tile (or a few) how would I do so and what would I use?
This can be accomplished and is treated like any other tongue and groove connection. Using a utility knife, cut the tongue of the panel you choose to remove. Once the tongue on both sides is removed, use a putty knife or paint scraper and slide the tool under the panel to be remove and apply outward pressure releasing the adhesive from the wall. You may need to repair the wall after removal if adhesive damages surface to prepare it for new panel.
What should I use for edge trims?
We recommend using our new DumaWall Trims.
Silicone sealant can also be used instead of trims. Inside corners can be caulked with a matching caulk or you can use clear silicone sealant.
What if I want to trowel the adhesive on?
You can trowel on the adhesive with a 1/4-inch notch trowel for more even coverage after applying adhesive to the back of the panel or trowel directly onto your wall.
Should I seal the DumaWall for extra protection?
This is not necessary. However, if you are using this in a wet environment such as shower enclosure, we do recommend sealing all edges with a silicone sealer.
How do I cut DumaWall?
Standard wood working tools like a table saw or circular saw with a fine tooth provide the best cut edge. Use a 60-tooth blade or higher. Alternatively, you can score one side a few times with a utility knife and snap the tile at the line. This method may require sanding the snapped edges.
How To Replace a Severely Scratched / Damaged Duma Panel
Download instructions here.