hitex cladding systems

HITEX  manufacture and market:

	HITEX  “Naturally Aspiring” Plaster System
	HITEX  “Diamond Cavity” Plaster System
	HITEX “FR” Plaster (fire rated)

HITEX Cladding Systems consist of polystyrene backing sheets of varying thickness, density and quality, an alkali-resistant fibreglass reinforcing mesh and varying degrees of latex modified plaster depending upon the water resistance specified in the assembly.

HITEX Cladding Systems are designed to meet and comply with the relevant provisions of the New Zealand Building Code.

NZBC  clauses

	B1 – Structure
	B2 – Durability
	E2 – External Moisture
	E3 – Internal Moisture and
	H1 – Energy Efficiency

Components of EIFS*  are available from

HITEX BUILDING SYSTEMS LTD
PO Box 258056, Greenmount, Auckland
Phone:  (09) 274 0246    Fax:  (09) 274 0937

Material Warranty
Labour Warranty

Systems Warranty

* EIFS: - Exterior Insulation Finish System

DESCRIPTION

HITEX cladding systems are exterior wall cladding systems based on expanded polystyrene as an insulating backing sheet, which is mechanically fastened to timber and steel framing, and/or bonded or glued to masonry and concrete.

HITEX backing sheets for the HITEX Diamond Cavity system have a patent pending rear surface cutout cavity configuration that uniquely allows air to flow in all directions between polystyrene and framing support.

HITEX backing sheets have a factory applied coating, which embeds the reinforcing mesh onto the sheets.

Latex modified plaster is applied onto all sheets on site and finished by either spray or hand trowelling to give the desired texture and strength of wall assembly specified.

The finished plaster texture (except with coloured finishes) is coated with a durable water resistant high quality acrylic based paint suitable for the texture it is coating.

MATERIALS

POLYSTYRENE INSULATION BACKING BOARDS are either:

	“S” Grade (16kg/m3) or
	“H” Grade (24kg/m3) rigid expanded polystyrene manufactured from fire retardant virgin beads in accordance of AS 1366 Part 3.  Board sizes and thickness vary depending upon the specification chosen.
	Diamond Cavity sheets have a series of angular slots to allow water to drain away and air to circulate between the framing support to assist drying of damp or moist framing.  Diamond Cavity Sheet thickness begins at 50mm.

FACTORY APPLIED COATING TO INSULATION BACKING BOARDS

The factory applied coating to HITEX sheets comprises a layer of latex modified Portland cement and other admixtures of varying properties, depending upon the specification for flexibility and water-proofness requested.  This coating (HITEX Lamina) embeds the alkali resistant fibreglass reinforcing mesh of open weave 4mm x 4mm (approximately) weighing 160gm/m² to the polystyrene.  Extra layers or heavier weight reinforcement can be specified for extra strength systems and can be either applied in the factory or on site.

FIXINGS

For HITEX factory coated backing boards.

	To timber frames – HITEX  Hot dip galvanised nails for timber framing with plastic washers.
	To steel framing – Exterior grade tek screws with plastic washers.
	To masonry and concrete polypropylene anchors and washers, contact or tube glue of non-solvent composition, concrete nails and plastic washers and or/or HITEX  Nu-Tex plaster as a bonding agent.

ACCESSORIES

	Factory applied edge treatment to sheets (Backwraps) are specified as standard sheet edge termination protection.
	Factory made sill and jamb flashings made from HITEX proprietary plaster coatings for forming window and door reveals.
	PVC corner angles with mesh overlay.
	Aluminium head flashings and undersill trays for windows and doors.
	HITEX proprietary control joints.

PLASTER ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

HITEX manufactured Architectural details comprise:

	Factory made angled parapet cappings.  (Metal flashings are recommended on parapet tops and deck handrails)
	Factory made plaster window mouldings, bands, corbels, etc
	Factory made plaster columns, rings, collars and capitals
	Factory made external corners, thickenings and rustications.

PLASTER

HITEX plaster containing Portland cement, sand, acrylic polymers and other admixtures called Nu-tex, Smooth, Drag, Adobe, Keycoat and HITEX lamina.

FINISHES

	Durable 100% acrylic exterior grade paint formulated as suitable over plaster and cement based plaster.
	Durable 100% acrylic pre-coloured texture formulations.

DESIGN INFORMATION

HITEX Cladding Systems are designed for new and existing timber frame, steel frame and concrete and masonry buildings constructed in accordance with the relevant provisions of NZS 3604 and NZS 4229.

HITEX forms a protective skin around the building and remains flexible even in extreme climatic conditions.  HITEX is therefore suitable for architectural shapes, curves and upstairs areas where lightweight assemblies are needed.

HITEX resists moisture yet breathes.

HITEX’s Diamond Cavity system allows water to escape and air to pass allowing damp framing to dry out.

STRUCTURE

Building Code:  B1.3.1 and B1.3.2

Strength and Stability – stud spacing up to 600mm centres.

Wind Zones – for lined buildings suitable for low, medium, high and very high building wind zones.

Impact resistance – HITEX provides adequate protection for normal situation use.  For high rise areas, or areas requiring greater strength against possible damage specifications can be upgraded to commercial strength design.

Weight – HITEX wall cladding system weigh no more than 10kg/m² average

Linings – should not be used for “Naturally Aspiring” Systems 

Building paper – is optional.  See information bulletin 2003/19 for relevant details.

DURABILITY

HITEX will meet the performance criteria of NZBC Clause B2.3 (C) for a minimum life of 15 years when properly maintained in accordance with the HITEX Maintenance Manual

Thermal

HITEX satisfies the requirements of NZBC, Clause H1.3.1  The thermal resistance (R) of the various systems are:

HITEX does not recommend the use of Batts as this may cause interstitial condensation and reduces the ability of the cladding to dry out if it gets wet. 

See information Bulletin 2003/20 for details.

Water Vapour

HITEX cladding systems are barrier systems.  When installed correctly the risk of moisture damage resulting from condensation is reduced.  When using “Diamond Cavity” plaster systems as the (patent pending) cutouts allow aspiration and diffusion of moisture to the exterior.  See information bulletin 2003/21 for details.

Roof

HITEX is not designed to be used as a roofing system or to be used in areas where water can pool.

Internal & External Moisture

HITEX will meet the performance criteria requirements for Internal Moisture of NZBC clause E3.3.1 and External Moisture, Clause E2.3.2 for up to very high building wind zones as defined by NZS 3604.

INSTALLATION

General

HITEX  cladding systems are to be installed in strict accordance with the HITEX Trade Practice 2001.

Fixing of Sheets

Sheets can be fixed vertically or horizontally.  Backwrap drip edges are fitted at all baseline terminations.

Sheets can be pre-bent or formed for fitting around curved walls.

All sheet edges must be continuously supported by framing, HITEX metal Ready Studs or HITEX plastic tongues.

Nailing shall be at 200mm centres for edges of sheets and around openings and 300mm centres for sheet centres.

Sheets are butt jointed.

Nails are hammered in slightly dishing the plastic washer below the surface.

Edge treatment for weather tightness around openings must be done at the time of fixing HITEX sheets using HITEX plastered sills and jambs, aluminium head flashings and aluminium undersill trays.

Over solid masonry and concrete surfaces where bonding or gluing is used to fix the sheets, surfaces must be clean and free of loose material and where necessary HITEX keying compound used.

In all cases specified fixing must be used.

With “Diamond Cavity” sheets the vents must allow air to flow at all times.

Protection of Building Elements

Throughout the plastering process all areas not intended to be plastered are to be protected from plaster spills and damage.

Jointing

For HITEX Cladding systems all sheet joints are to be meshed over with 100mm wide reinforcing mesh of 160grm/m² and embedded in HITEX “Nu-tex” plaster.

Corners are to be meshed with 200mm wide mesh or PVC meshed corners.

Edge treatments where necessary are similarly done using backwrap mesh.

Plastering

The process of plastering is to build up a flush level wall without flash marks to the desired base ready for texture or the specified texture itself.

For HITEX Cladding systems plastering is either done by hand or spray applying and levelling a 1-3mm layer of HITEX “MultiLev” Plaster.  The specified texture is then applied.

Extra Reinforcing

On two storey buildings (or higher), window and door openings are to have butterfly mesh over the corners.  Where necessary, narrow strips of cladding joining larger walls to have additional mesh to strengthen these areas.  If construction joints are not used and midfloors are expected to settle, apply additional reinforcing one metre wide around these areas.

Sealants

Construction grade silicon sealants or equivalent silicon or acrylic sealants are applied around jamb openings and penetrations in a neat continuous bead.  Sills and heads are not to be sealed, they must allow water to drain out naturally.  Backing rods or compressed foam strips are recommended to be fitted behind window flanges for high and very high wind zones.

Construction Joints

Construction Joints as detailed in HITEX installation manual are required in walls where the HITEX passes over different substrates, where the wall abuts different cladding types and where the building has either seismic design movement provision or cantilever floor construction.  Control Joints should be specified in situations where excess building settlement can be expected, especially on wet frame two storey buildings and two storey buildings expecting settlement of more that 10mm.

Finishing

Can be either paint applications or acrylic based textures, spray or hand applied to the desired colour.

See manufacturers instructions for suitability.

MAINTENANCE

Washing – all surfaces should be regularly hosed down to remove dirt.  Mould or hard to remove stains can be treated with hot soapy water or mild concentrations of anti-mould.

Inbuilt colour texture systems require to be kept in good condition in accordance with the HITEX Maintenance Manual.

Painting – HITEX Cladding systems require the paint to be kept in good condition and maintained in accordance with the HITEX Maintenance Manual.

Paints must be durable for a minimum of 5 years.  Pre-coloured texture formulations will require glazing or painting to remain durable – after at least 5 years.

Sealed areas – areas around windows and door openings and penetrations of pipes and beams must be kept in good condition to prevent water entry.

Maintenance Provisions

Maintenance shall be undertaken in accordance with HITEX Building Systems Publication “HITEX Maintenance Manual”.   Repairs maybe carried out by HITEX if requested.

Guarantees and Warranty

HITEX provide warranties on the work it or a HITEX Registered Applicator does, in accordance with HITEX publications when the plaster system has been installed and maintained in accordance with the HITEX maintenance manual.  Warranties are available on materials supplied by HITEX.

Site Investigations

Site investigations are continually being undertaken by HITEX reviewing its plastering techniques, sealing and finishing systems to ensure the most durable and economic assembly process is continued for its exterior plaster wall claddings.  HITEX have been manufacturing exterior plaster assemblies for in excess of 16 years in Auckland and has an excellent track record.  

HITEX Trade Practice

HITEX offer a comprehensive training scheme for any contractor wanting to adopt the application processes of the HITEX cladding system.  HITEX recognises all trained contractors and offers them many benefits and support.  Training comprises of a free Basic Entry Level course and assessments of all candidates in the field with a qualified assessor that can also assign credits in the HITEX log books which assist in working towards the National Certificate “Proprietary Plaster Cladding Systems”.  HITEX charge for further training and assessment in onsite tasks, onsite management, sales and quoting called the HITEX Registered Applicator Diploma.  For further information contact the HITEX office.   

Tests

	Water resistance, permeability and absorption tests have been carried out by WR Stevenson, Civil Engineering Laboratories, Auckland.
	Tensile, plaster to polystyrene bond tests, fastener pull through and impact tests have been carried out by Works Consultancy Service Labs. Auckland.
	Sirowet, Pull through and Fire tests have been carried out by BRANZ.
	Drying tests have been carried out by Auckland University.

Sources of Information

	NZS 3604: 1990 Code of Practice for light timber frame buildings
	Exterior Plaster – Publication entitled “Good Trade Practices”.
	Exterior Insulation Finish Systems Industry Members Association of USA Guideline Specifications for EIFS class PB and PM: 1994
	HITEX Plastering Publications
	AS 1366:  1982, Rigid Cellular Plastic Sheets P.3.

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Page last updated Tuesday, 08 March 2005