OzKit Homes Newsletter
CSR Cemintel Endeavour profile cladding in kit home construction
CSR has produced a remarkable wallboard material made from cement reinforced with cellulose fibre and cooked in an oven. This composite combination allows the best properties of both materials to be utilised, the fibre gives strength and rigidity, while the cement binds to the fibre and provides the bulk and waterproofing. They can be used on timber and steel framed buildings, they will not rot or warp when correctly installed and maintained, and are resistant to fire and termite damage.
There are three profiles available, the basic Plank is similar to the standard ‘Hardie Plank’ except that it is much lighter. The single board Headland profile has better durability for high wind areas and is able to be blind nailed. Both of these profiles are overlapped top and bottom, leaving the boards raked out from the studs at the base.
The most efficient of the three profiles, the Endeavour, is nailed flush to the studs using a machined interlocking 17mm rebate that allows nails to be hidden behind the next plank. Installation is much easier since each board rests directly on the previous lower board. This can be a bonus in speed and efficiency since standard wallboard planks usually require a special guide or extra nails to locate the bottom edge of each new plank.
The Endeavour 4.2m plank weighs just 4.1 kg - that is very light. The significantly reduced weight of each plank makes a huge difference from start to finish during the installation process. Carrying the boards to the wall is more kindly to the workers back and each board is easier to handle as it is placed on the wall to slide straight down into the slot that automatically levels and holds it just right while the top edge is pinned to the studs. These Endeavour boards are 295mm wide and need to be pinned at the center as well as at the top of each stud so not all nails are hidden.
Fast and easy is how these boards compare to others on the market. Fibre cement boards are stiffer and more robust than plastic products and give a satisfying feel of strength that can be very important to the final result. CSR provides a range of accessories that help to quickly give a classy appearance, premoulded windowsills and external window reveals allow the owner builder to put make kit homes come together in a very satisfying manner.
Once the boards are on the wall it is a simple matter to apply two coats of a water based exterior acrylic paint to give an excellent waterproof surface in any colour that will last for ages. Brush, roller and even a spray gun system can be used, one big advantage of having to paint your house is that you can choose to change the colour later on.
Normal installation preparations are needed, these include –
- proper stud spacing particularly at corners in high wind rating sites
- a sarking wall wrap and proper flashing to all openings to form a water vapour barrier
- corner mouldings for the boards to butt up against
- flexible sealant for all edge joints
- setup a datum line around the whole job before you start
CSR brochures providing more complete information can be downloaded at www.cemintel.com.au.