10 Simple Checks for Hitex Plaster Claddings

The following “10 Simple Checks for Hitex Plaster Claddings” is taken from the Hitex Building Systems Ltd library and represents the 10 most commonly found problems. This is not an exhaustive list but if the tradesperson has done these things right then the rest of the job has a good chance of being satisfactory.

Inspection Checklist Any item failing these inspections requires a rectification notice to be issued before payment or code of compliance issued.
		Inspect for
1.	Stop ends at the end of roof flashings turned 50mm out to deflect water into gutters. Water cannot be left to run in behind the plaster.	Inspect that flashing has been bent out to line of gutter so water will deflect into the gutter.
2.	Butynol stop ends on decks where there is no upstand need to be raised and returned 50mm. Water cannot be left to fall behind the plaster.	Inspect Butynol has flaps left for foam fixer or that flaps are through the plaster.
3.	Sill flashing and jamb flashing intersections are sealed neatly and up behind the windows to stop water tracking across between the 2 flanges.	Inspect sealant has been used in corner and is pushed up behind window flange.
4.	Hitex sheet ends are supported by studs. Sheet edges are supported by ready stud or plastic tongues.	Press sheet edges. If the sheet bows the joint is not supported and has missed the stud
5.	Windows must have a full undersill tray as in time the aluminium sections break apart. Wood moves and tears the joints. When these joints leak, water will drop on to the undersill tray. Conventional sill flashings don’t return deep enough.	Inspect for metal undersill tray which must be bent up at the ends, up at the back and come right out to the outside of the plaster where it is turned down over the plaster upstand.
6.	Check for Green Floor joists. Wet Floor Joists contribute to 95% of all cracks found in Hitex. A floor joist section comprising 300 x 50 can shrink up to 20mm. It’s okay to delay the plastering and give joists time to dry out.	Moisture meter to floor joist. If above 22% advise not to plaster 2^nd and 3^rd coats of plaster or finishing plasters.
7.	Paint and Textured Surfaces Painted surfaces need to remain durable and washable to gain the best service life. Coloured textures need to be regularly cleaned. Hitex has a water resisting lamina over the polystyrene so even as paints age the polystyrene is protected from water entry.	Inspect paint applied to textured surfaces to ensure it hasn’t mudcracked. It has then it’s likely the painter didn’t use Hibuild or the painting was done when the weather was too cold. Re-apply Hibuild first or for serious mudcracking use fibre filled paints. Lime washes are not waterproof.
8.	Metal framed buildings require screws for fixing. Many of the screws seen on buildings are not grade 3 standard and will rust – especially in coastal applications.	Inspect screws and washers are galvanised, ceramic coated or stainless steel as per manufacturer’s recommendations. PVC washers must be used on all fixings.
9.	Penetrations like plumber’s pipes are often installed after the plasterer has left and often aren’t sealed at all. It’s best to seal these after plastering so they remain on the surface and a visual inspection identifies whether the sealant is working and turning water out.	Inspect pipes. A well sealed pipe is where you can see the smooth pipe bead of sealant under the paint on top of the plaster (and painted over).
10.	Plaster should not be applied to horizontal areas like parapet tops or sloping areas without the Hitex waterproofing system. These areas are regarded as high maintenance areas as any damage or deterioration lets water into the framing immediately.	Inspect for horizontal areas or walls with gradual slope. Ask whether any waterproofing has taken place and it not, why not. Request that it is or specify a metal cap flashing.

	Most credible references in the building industry have only a generalised knowledge of plaster claddings.
	There is a wide variety of types of plaster claddings and it’s difficult to tell the difference unless you have industry experience.
	Hitex Plaster claddings don’t generally leak by themselves.
	It’s mostly workmanship deficiencies through lack of co-ordination of trades that cause problems.

10 Simple Checks for Hitex Plaster Claddings

Inspection Checklist