Since 2012, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards have recognized the best, most innovative building products of the year. The panel of judges, made up of professional builders and tool experts, selects winners in 200 categories after rigorous testing and research.
This year, Grip-Rite MORE™ Backer Board and Underlayment won the Wall and Flooring – Underlayment category. Joining our long list of winners from previous years, our revolutionary magnesium oxysulfate cement board brings an eco-friendly, climate-resilient solution to builders around the United States.
With a growing number of building solutions entering the market each year, determining the best matters. The Pro Tool Innovation Awards help guide contractors and dealers towards products that outperform the rest of the competition.
Despite challenges facing the construction industry, technological advances are driving growth. According to the PTIA, with an increase in innovation, winning requires an even greater level of innovation and creativity than ever before.
Grip-Rite MORE™ Backer Board and Underlayment is a mineral-based cement board with benefits that exceed your expectations. It combines future-focused features and easy integration into existing construction practices. Our magnesium oxysulfate (MgO) cement board is a climate-resilient alternative to similar existing products, offering numerous added benefits.
MORE™ is rated for use in multifamily, high-occupancy dwellings, with Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings indicating how effectively a wall assembly reduces airborne sound traveling from one room to another. Instead of using gypsum cement, contractors can install this solution directly over OSB or plywood, eliminating the need for a sound mat.
Magnesium oxysulfate cement (MgO) is a mineral-based cement that’s lightweight and durable. It’s MORE™ environmentally friendly due to low carbon emissions during processing and the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to a healthier home.
With energy-efficient production, no quartz silica dust, and low heat transfer, it easily outperforms traditional cement backer boards. It’s also resistant to most environmental factors that damage conventional cement.
MORE™ has a similar installation process to traditional cement board solutions. It’s easy to cut and doesn’t require special tools for round or complex shapes. A carbide-tipped scoring knife and a straight edge are enough to get you started. Score and snap for a dust-free, clean edge. For a secure grip on wood substrates, use ProTwist CB158 Cement Board Screws.
Grip-Rite MORE™ breaks the gypsum cement bottleneck, removing time lost to wet placement, curing, and sealing. Instead, contractors can simply attach panels to studs and move on with the next steps of construction.
Easily achieves STC and IIC requirements for multifamily, hospitality, and hospital applications.
Grip-Rite MORE™ not only speeds up construction timelines, but it also offers a MORE™ cost-effective and efficient installation process.
No mess, no waiting for gypsum cement to dry and cure, no sound mats, just subfloor + Grip-Rite MORE™.
Approved for UL L528 1- and 2-hour fire-rated assemblies.
On average, our magnesium oxysulfate-based cement boards are 28% lighter than other leading cement boards*. While foam backer boards are lighter, they lack the flexural and impact strength of Grip-Rite MORE™. You’ll experience less breakage than with a conventional cement board.
Climate-resilient building practices consider how well a structure or building solution withstands weather extremes and seismic events.
Grip-Rite MORE™ is meant to last, with its eco-friendly fabrication and high resistance to breakage and water damage. Even in a flood scenario, tests show zero mold or mildew growth and zero degradation from freeze-thaw cycles.
MORE™ is fire-resistant, with zero flame or smoke spread in the ASTM E84/UL 723 testing standard. The material also shows less than .01 inches of moisture movement under ASTM C1185.
Check out our installation video for all the details.
Grip-Rite MORE™ Backer Board and Underlayment is the perfect choice for your next building project. It’s packed with high-performance and climate-resilient features, designed to remove the gypsum cement bottleneck in construction. Easy installation with minimal downtime ensures your projects stay on track, saving crews time and money.
Find out Where to Buy MORE™ of our products and get the job done right!
*Based on average published weight of Hardie® Backer Board 1/4″ Cement Board and Hardie® Backer Board 500.
