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maintenance for hitex plaster system
DEAR HOME OWNER…
This homeowner’s manual will help to ensure your investment in Hitex was a wise choice and that your home will continue to look good in the future. Read and follow the suggestions carefully for peace of mind. Remember that your home is clad in Hitex as this will assist you when you have your building valued and go to sell it.
Hitex is the most technically advanced plaster system available today. We can make that claim because we have created the only plaster assembly that has a patented factory applied, water resistant coating, that’s imbedded under the layers of site applied plaster.
The Hitex plaster system consists of factory produced Hitex sheets that are fixed to the framing, providing a protective skin to the outside of the building. The composition of the sheets combine the thermal benefits of polystyrene, the water resistance of acrylics and the durability of glass and cement. Once fixed, the sheets are plastered on site to the desired texture. This is what makes Hitex durable and long lasting.
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Inspect for and repair damage. |
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Inspect for and repair sealant lines or cracks around windows and doors. |
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Inspect for and repair sealant lines around pipes and beams (penetrations and surface mounted objects). |
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Inspect plaster and Hitex coating in high exposure areas; parapet tops, sloped walls and plaster sills. If damaged then get these repaired by professional Hitex people. |
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Regularly wash down walls before winter/after winter. Detergents or anti-mould may be required. |
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Inspect and repaint at least every 5 years to high exposure areas like parapet tops, plastered sills, sloped walls and paint close to the ground. |
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Inspect paint and repaint to paint manufacturers specifications, normally one coat every 5-7 years. |
If the condition of the paint is good and maintenance has been kept up, nothing major should change.
If you have some reservations about certain areas, phone Hitex and we will come and inspect and offer advice. Over an extended time period, some parts of the cladding may need rework, especially the high exposure areas. The more regular you look after your home, the less likelihood of rework in the future, or the likelihood of decay to the timber behind the Hitex cladding.
Important Notice: Always repair leaks immediately. This will alleviate or minimise damage. Rot damage can be extensive if untreated timber has been used in the dwelling.
TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR HITEX PLASTER SYSTEM LOOKING GOOD…
Mould or algae is common in NZ. Walls often pick up dirt, which makes the surfaces grubby and dirty. Remove this with regular hose-downs. More stubborn grime can be removed by detergent and warm water. If it persists; spray on an anti-mould and follow instructions to kill spores that get into the texture.
Around windows, openings and pipes considerable movement may occur – that’s why sealant is there. If these crack or deteriorate; get them repaired, as water may enter. Keeping these areas up to scratch keeps the plaster system in tip-top order.
Damage and cracks may occur due to mechanical knocks or continual settlement of the house. These must be repaired to keep water out and to keep the plaster system looking good.
Dampness causes dirt and moisture build-up that may cause rot in the wall. Keep trees, dirt, ground levels, stacks of timber etc. clear of the plaster system at all times. Wet ground must be at least 150mm below the bottom of the Hitex to stop water being sucked up into the wall. You can determine if the Hitex has water management by the declaration on the applicator’s Work Compliance Record.
Check the inside wall around and under the windows for signs of wetness. These areas need repairing by professional people if they are found to be wet.
Re-paint these areas before the end of their serviceable lives (serviceable life = the time the colour maintains its aesthetic quality). By delaying the repaint for too long the re-paint will cost more as it will need to be primed first.
Make sure any wall attachment (only screws or bolts) are secured back into the studs and have spacers so when the brackets are done up tight they DO NOT pull or squash the plaster assembly. If timber protrudes through the walls pay particular attention to sealing.
Do not light fires or apply direct prolonged heat to the plaster system as the paint will blacken and the polystyrene behind may melt.
Do not wash the walls with solvents as these will attack the paint and soak through the plaster and melt the polystyrene.
Ladders must have protective wrapping on the legs to avoid point loading to the cladding. Keep ball bouncing to a minimum to prevent dents in the plaster.
Page last updated Tuesday, 08 March 2005
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