EPS Specimens

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

Materials

The client supplied EPS specimens as follows:
Nine specimens 50 x 50 x 50mm (nominal)
Six specimens 200 x 50 x 50mm (nominal)
Six specimens 100 x 100 x 25mm (nominal)
Ten specimens 25 x 67mm diameter (nominal)

BRANZ was not involved in the selection of these specimens and as-such is unable to comment upon how representative they are of normal production material.

Description of test procedures

The Test methods used can be found in Table 1 below

Results

The results reported here relate only to the items tested.

AS 2498.3 Determination of Compressive Strength

Five specimens 50 x 50 x 50mm (nominal), supplied by the client, were tested. The surfaces of the specimens parallel with the faces of the sample were marked to ensure that they were the load bearing surfaces and that the load was applied perpendicular to these faces. The specimens were tested at a cross head speed of 5mm/minute. The results are recorded in Table 1.

AS 2498.4 Determination of Cross-Breaking (Flexural) Strength

Five specimens 50 x 50 x 200mm (nominal), supplied by the client, were tested. The specimens were tested at a span of 152 mm and a cross head speed of 25 mm/minute. The results are recorded in Table 2

AS2498.5 Determination of water vapour transmission

Five specimens 67mm dia x 25mm (nominal), supplied by the client, were tested. Testing was conducted from 15-Feb-10 to 22-Feb-10 using an environmental chamber set to product conditions of 23.0C and 85.0%RH. The test was terminated after 6 data points were obtained for each of the 5 specimens under test. The results are recorded in Table 3.

AS 2498.6 Determination of dimensional stability

Three specimens 100mm x 100mm x 25mm (nominal), supplied by the client were tested. The length (L) and width (W) of each test specimen were measure at three positions. Two length and width measurements were made 10mm from each edge and the third measure at the centre of each edge. Thickness (T) was measure at five positions, 10mm from each corner and at the centre of each specimen. The specimens were conditioned in an oven set at 70C (dry), measurements were taken aft 20 + 1h, 48 + 2 h, 7 days. The results are recorded in Table 4.

No visual distortion was detected at any of the exposure periods

WHY DO BUILDING PRODUCT SUPPLIERS NEED CODEMARK?

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

All building products must comply with the BCA (Building Code of Australia).
The first path to BCA compliance is via a relevant “deemed-to-satisfy” Acceptance Construction Practise or Acceptable Construction Manual, typically an Australian Standard.
If a DTS solution is not available, a second path to BCA compliance is via an “alternative solution”. This may be an “engineer designed” solution for each project, or may be via CodeMark.
Each state has regulations, ensuring that a CodeMark building solution cannot be rejected. For their own protection, local authorities are now insisting on either strict compliance with a relevant Australian Standard, or on CodeMark Certification.
The two principal requirements of CodeMark third- party Certification are:
– The manufacturer must have a properly functioning Management System (similar to ISO 9001), capable of delivering consistent product to predetermine specifications.
– The nominated products must satisfy the nominated BCA clauses.

NRG GREENBOARD CODEMARK CERTIFICATION

As you may be aware new guidelines regarding expanded polystyrene cladding has been introduced by the ABCB. This proposed document advises building certifiers, designers, builders, home insurers etc. that building products must comply with the BCA.

NRG Building Systems has achieved CodeMark on the NRG Greenboard insulated wall cladding. This CodeMark Certification gives users the confidence that NRG Greenboard complies with the BCA.

For more information on NRG Greenboard and CodeMark please contact your local NRG Distributor or NRG Head Office.

SIX STAR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As Australia introduces six star Energy Efficiency requirements into the BCA there will be increased R-Values of insulation to walls. One way to achieve a high R-Value to external walls will be by installing Greenboard insulated wall cladding panels.

Greenboard combines external cladding with insulation to provide continuous thermal insulation over the entire wall area. Once Greenboard is rendered the system provides a lightweight weather resistant seam free rendered finish with great Energy Efficiency Ratings.

NRG GreenBoard CodeMark Certification

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

CodeMark is a new building product certification scheme. Third-party CodeMark Certification bodies evaluate and certify products to ensure they meet specified requirements of the Building Code.

CodeMark gives users the confidence that their building comply. Building materials, forms of construction and designs can come under the scheme.

Relevant legislation requires Building Certifiers, Designer, Architects, Builders, Home Insurance companies, Customers etc. to accept CodeMark certified products*.

WHY CODEMARK?

Impressive benefits for everyone:

Confidence – legislated product acceptance by building control authorities* (product opinions, appraisals etc. do not have the legislated acceptance);
Confidence – managing legal liability;
Confidence – national operation across Australia, therefore increasing market potential and improving efficiency;
Confidence – for designers, architects, builders, building control authorities, consumers and others who specify use, approve or invest in CodeMark certified products;
Confidence – underpinning the performance-based BCA through facilitating the use of new and innovative products; and
Confidence – listing current CodeMark certified products and accredited CodeMark certification bodies in Australia at the ABCB website.

NRG – CodeMark Accreditation Advantages

Offering increased credibility and acceptance, boosting consumer confidence in, NRG & Distributor network as well as ‘Accredited Installers’.
Assurance, that the NRG Greenboard system meets stringent national standards, encompassed by CodeMark Accreditation.
Quality Assurance in the manufacturing process of NRG Greenboard, through constant product testing, reporting procedures etc.
Quality Assurance – NRG Greenboard profile cutting procedure, recording and documentation to the point of distribution by NRG.
Accreditation of installers, rendering and painting of the NRG Greenboard system through the introduction of ‘new structured’ training courses and information material, as this will, ‘underpin’ the ‘CodeMark’ Accreditation (essential).
Builders and Owner Builders, NRG Greenboard will also develop a ‘new structured’ training courses and information material and as well for this large market segment.
CodeMark Accreditation is a ‘holistic’ approach to this marketing strategy and encompasses all of the above. Without the authorised and accredited structure proposed, CodeMark accreditation would not be given, therefore it is essential that this fact is made known when promoting and marketing the NRG Greenboard system.

Additional benefits for Certificate Holders:

Confidence – offering increased credibility and acceptance of a certificate holder’s CodeMark certified products, whether established or new, therefore boosting consumer confidence in their organisation:
Confidence – entitling certificate holders to display the CodeMark “Mark of Conformity” ; and
Confidence – introducing a choice of certification bodies, therefore encouraging a timely and cost effective service.

Additional benefits for Certification Bodies:

Confidence – providing accreditation from an internationally recognised accreditation body, therefore increasing credibility;
Confidence – increasing acceptance and credibility of a certification body’s relevant product testing and evaluation methods; and
Confidence – entitling certification bodies to display the CodeMark “Mark of Conformity”.

Greenboard Accessories

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

NRG Greenboard 40mm – 60mm – 75mm

Showing unique diagonal grooving system – Advantages better key for rendered surface, in addition to allowing the inner surface to breath against the sarking membrane.

3mm Render Bead

Application, used in composite construction i.e. fibrous cement, textured sheeting adjoins Greenboard finished surface.

15 Sill Bead x 40mm & 60mm width x 6mm build x 3000mm

Reveal Bead 40mm – 60mm – 75mm
width x 6mm build x 3600mm – Application, Window Reveals/Control Joints

Starter Bead 40mm – 60mm – 75mm
width x 6mm build x 3000mm – Application, slab, high set, above roof

Stud Fixing & Washers
Timber Fixing and Metal Fixings

• N.B. Screws are to be Galvanised or Treated (Class 3)

• All NRG PVC Washers and Fixings are required at 300mmMaximum centres – Refer to Page 9 DWG 1.0

• Extreme environments – consideration should be given to

the use of T316 Stainless Steel Fixings

Foam Adhesives
Application – Installation of both Sunhoods & Blades, ideal for filling minor chip corner etc.
Powers – Expanded Trigger Foam
Power(s) Foam Cleaner(s)x

Masonry Fixings
a simple but effective method of fixing Greenboard to masonry surfaces

NRG Greenbaord Mesh
Reinforced, alkali resistant, fibreglass 160g/m mesh

NRG 3B Greenboard Reinforced Render
Modified polymer cement render. Just add water.

Sunhood & Blades Fixing
Sunhood & Blade Fixing
Galvanised Brackets
Coach Screws (Timber)
Anchor Bolts (Masonry)
Purlin Bolts (Steel)

Waterproofing Membrane
Apply over finished rendered surface to waterproof NRG Sunhoods … prior to application of texture paint finish.

NRG Greenboard Wall Cladding System

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

NRG Greenboard Energy Efficient Wall Cladding System
NRG Greenboard is an insulative walling system suitable for external cladding of timber or steel framed buildings as well as solid concrete and masonry walls. The system provides a weather resistant, seam free rendered finish in a wide range of textures and colours.

Design Freedom, NRG Greenboard -Curved walls, rounded corners, embossed patterns, raised wall areas, mouldings and other architectural features are simple to achieve and economically viable with the versatile NRG Energy Efficient Wall Cladding System.

Additional Benefits:
• Sound Insulation – 60mm Greenboard (Rw 35, Ctr – 6)
• Environmentally Friendly – Recyclable, Re-usable Products.
• Insect Repellent
• Flame Retardant

NRG Fencing
NRG Fencing looks great, its sturdy profile and attractive appearance will give any development that distinctive architectural appearance. No more costly strip footings and engaged pier construction.

NRG Fencing has less than ten components are lightweight and easily to handle. It can be purchased in kit form or erected by our skilled team of tradespeople.
NRG Fencing is finished off with stylish and decorative Hebel post caps, top rail and post capping moulds and finished with a decorative textured paint.

NRG Greenboard Installation Guide

Posted on August 15, 2011 by

This guide provides information on the correct procedures for the installation of NRG Greenboard The details are provided to assist carpenters/ installers and cover most common applications.

START

(A) Before commencing to fix NRG panels check that

i. The frames are straight and plumb

ii. All windows and flashing are correctly installed

iii. Breathable sarking has been fitted

iv. Solid back blocking where required

Consideration should be given to the installation of wall mounting accessories i.e. taps, electrical, fittings etc. It is important to allow for adequate back blocking for these items.

(B) POSITIONING OF STARTER BEAD:

FIXING / CUTTING / BACK BLOCKING

(A) NRG panels can be layed horizontally or vertically depending on what suits the job.
• Position NRG panel into starter bead, check for level and fix into studs using NRG washers and screws.

• Standard fixings are 300c vertically and 450c horizontally (refer to fixing table)

(B) Adjoining NRG panels are to be glued on both horizontall and vertical edges using recommended construction adhesive (i.e. Bostik No More Nails) or an expanda foam.

(D) At external corners, NRG panels are overlapped the full thickness of the sheets and glued using recommended construction adhesive.

(E) Allow a 3mm gap between NRG panels and openings (door, windows) for sealing. It is recommended the straight edge of the sheet be fixed next to the openings for easier sealing.

BACK BLOCKING

(F) Where the NRG panel has a vertical join off a stud it is necessary to back-block as follow.

i. Fixing stud material vertically (widest facing outwards) and securing between bottom plate and noggin. Alternately between noggin and top plate, making sure to glue both NRG panels and fix through each panel with screws and washers into back block at 300c.

(G) Fill any gaps or holes with expanda foam.

3 BEADING & SEALING

At this point particular care needs to be exercised to ensure that the installation of all beading around windows and doors is completed correctly. This is not a gap filling exercise but an intregral part of the total NRG Greenboard walling system.

(A) Rendered Reveals 60mm, 75mm, 100mm Greenboard

i. All sills, heads & jambs to be rendered.

ii. Using marking tape, accurately adhere to frame of joinery, 4mm from the edge creating a neat parallel margin.

iii. Using Bostik Primer 5077, and a clean rag, dampen cloth with Primer and quickly clean the window reveal, ready for sealant application.

iv. Cut a medium size end off the nozzle of the sealant. Apply a bead of sealant into the gap between the Greenboard and the taped window reveal. Using a coving tool, neatly create an internal cove finish.

v. Remove masking tape from joinery leaving a 100% water proof seal.

vi. This peocedure is repeated after rendering and prior to texture coating, to ensure double sealing around windows and doors.

(B) External Beads

i. External points of building, columns etc.

ii. All sill, head and jambs (60mm, 75mm, 100mm)

iii. Install external bead by applying a bead of Bostik No More Nailst o internal sides of the bead.

Then press firmly into position, check for plumb and straightness, scraping of excess glue, tacking into position until dry.

(c) 40mm Reveal Bead

i. Allow a 3mm gap between Greenboard and opening .

ii. Glue 40mm reveal bead into 3mm gap pressing firmly against the Greenboard. Make sure there is sufficient glue to fix beadto Greenboard.

iii. Tape and prime reveal bead and opening reveal. Apply a bead of sealant into the gap between the reveal bead and opening reveal. Smear sealant with tool. Remove tape and Paint.

(d) Expansion Beading Joints

Expansion Joints allow movement within the building & avoid unsightly cracking.

i. Vertical Expansion Beading Joints: Every 8 metres (above/ below window)

ii. Horizontal Beading Expansion Joints: Located between floor levels.

iii. Install ‘Render Expansion Bead’ between both Greenboard surfaces, applying a bead of No More Nails to both internal surfaces of bead. Press into position, scrape off excess glue, and tack fix until dry.

(Expansion Joints) Option 2

i. Chalk line after render

ii. 10mm cut through render and into panel

iii. Tape either side of joint

iv. Seal

v. Remove tape and Paint