PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION
July 2012
ComTex® facade panel and fixing system
Introduction
The following information outlines the specifications for the James Hardie® ComTex® facade panel and fixing system that
can be included into a project specification. Depending on the project, certain options can be deleted.
Note:
The James Hardie® ComTex® facade panel and fixing system must be installed and maintained in accordance to
the current The James Hardie® ComTex® facade panel and fixing system technical specification.
1.1
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT
Comply with statutory requirements/materials, labour and construction plant/materials and work, together with
additional conditions including: attending pre-construction meeting: Quality Assurance Inspection & Test Plan:
Warranties; and other.
1.2
COMTEX® FACADE PANEL AND FIXING SYSTEM
ComTex® facade panel and fixing system panel is a 9mm external cladding substrate for application of trowelled or
roller applied high-build 2 mm textured weatherproof acrylic finishes. Both long edges are rebated. Manufactured
from treated cellulose fibre, Portland cement, sand and water, cured by high pressure autoclaving manufactured to
AS/NZS 2908.2 ‘Cellulose – Cement products Part 2: Flat sheets’.
1.3
NO SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions are not permitted to any specified system, or associated components and products.
1.4
MANUFACTURER’S DOCUMENTS
James Hardie documents relating to work in this section are:
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1.5
The James Hardie® ComTex® facade panel and fixing system technical specification
MSDS
ComTex® facade panel Physical Properties
GROUND CLEARANCE
Install James Hardie external cladding with a minimum 150mm clearance to the earth on the exterior of the building
or in accordance with local building codes if greater than 150mm is required. Also, maintain a minimum 50mm
clearance between James Hardie external cladding and roofs, decks, paths, steps and driveways. Adjacent
finished grade must slope away from the building in accordance with local building codes, typically a minimum
slope of 50mm minimum over the first metre. Do not install external cladding in areas where it may remain in
contact with standing water or debris.
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THIS TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT MUST BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH THE CURRENT TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS MUST BE INSTALLED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. ALL COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESPECTIVE
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. FOR THE PRODUCT WARRANTY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS REFER TO THE APPLICABLE JAMES HARDIE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE.
1/4
PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION
1.6
TERMITE PROTECTION
Where the exposed slab edge is used as part of the termite barrier system, a minimum of 75mm of the exposed
slab edge must be visible to permit ready detection of termite entry
1.6
MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
1.6.1
COMTEX® FACADE PANELS
(a) Thickness: 9mm
(b) Width 1200mm
(c) Length: 2400, 3000 mm
1.7
FASTENERS
1.7.1
1.7.2
1.8
FIXING TO TOP JH HATS (used when not fixing to light gauge steel frame 0.55-1.6mm BMT)
James Hardie 32mm HardiDrive® Screw
FIXING TO STUD FRAME (NO JH TOP HATS)
STEEL:
0.55mm to 0.75mm BMT, use Buildex FibreZIPS 9-16 x 40mm screws minimum class 3.
0.80mm to 1.6mm BMT, use 40mm minimum class 3 (grey) HardiDrive® screws or 40 mm Quickdrive®
Drive the heads of both screws just below the surface of the panel.
TIMBER:
Use 40 x 2.8mm galvanised fibre cement nails. Nails should be driven flush with the surface, but not
overdriven.
WIND PRESSURE
Meets the requirements for design wind pressure for …..kPa (ultimate limit state design) as regards
framing spacing’s, framing fixing to substrate, panel fixing spacing’s.
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2/4
THIS TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT MUST BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH THE CURRENT TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS MUST BE INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. ALL COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESPECTIVE
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. FOR THE PRODUCT WARRANTY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS REFER TO THE APPLICABLE JAMES HARDIE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE.
PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION
1.9
FRAMING
1.8.1
FRAMING:
JH METAL TOP HATS (FIXING TO NON RESIDENTIAL WALL CONSTRUCTION, GIRTS, MASONRY
HEAVY GAUGE STEEL)
Use ComTex® top hats at vertical panel joints. Intermediate JH Top Hats between panel joints.
1.8.2
1.8.3
1.8.4
STUD FRAME
TIMBER
The minimum finished face width is 45mm. If 35mm minimum width studs are used, then back to back
studs are required behind the vertical panel joints.
STEEL
The minimum flange width is 38mm. If studs with 35mm wide flanges are used, back to back studs are
required behind the panel vertical joint. Use of steel framing must be in accordance with NASH standard for
Residential and Low-Rise Steel Framing Part 1: Design Criteria and the framing manufactures’
specifications. Framing members must have a base metal thickness (BMT) between 0.55 to 1.6mm. The
steel framing must have the appropriate level of durability required to prevent corrosion.
Thermal Break
For steel Frames, it’s a building code requirement to install a thermal break behind direct fixed cladding.
James Hardie recommends the HardieBreak thermal strip. For top hat fixing method, HardieBreak thermal
strip is to be fixed behind the top hat and in front of the vapour permeable membrane. For direct fix of
ComTex façade panels to light gauge steel frames (0.55-1.6mm BMT), HardieBreak thermal strip is
installed directly behind the sheets and in front of the steel frame, ensuring all edges are covered. Refer to
the HardieBreak thermal strip installation guide for more information
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Install a vapour permeable membrane between the sub frame and under the top hats.
A vapour permeable membrane must be installed under Comtex® sheets in accordance with the AS/NZS
4200.2 ‘Pliable building membranes and underlays – Installation’ and the manufacturer’s specifications.
The membrane must have the following properties in accordance with AS/NZS 4200.1:
 Vapour barrier - low or medium
 Water barrier – high
2.0
SEALANT
Polyurethane: James Hardie Joint Sealant.
2.1
CONSTRUCTION
2.1.1
ARRANGEMENT
Sheet to be installed in a vertical orientation
2.1.2
CURVING
…..mm radius and as detailed on Drawing No………
2.1.3
CONTROL JOINTS
Control joints are required around the perimeter of the module to allow for differences in thermal expansion
between ComTex® panel and the supporting structure. For layout, see Clause 3.1.1.
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3/4
THIS TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT MUST BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH THE CURRENT TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS MUST BE INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. ALL COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESPECTIVE
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. FOR THE PRODUCT WARRANTY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS REFER TO THE APPLICABLE JAMES HARDIE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE.
PRODUCT
SPECIFICATION
2.1.4
JOINTING
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2.1.5
ComTex® panels are joined using set joints.
The ComTex® panel is manufactured with a recess on the two long sides.
Set joints are constructed between adjoining panels by butting together the recessed edges of the
panels.
The recess on the panel edges provides for the third party site-applied system of reinforcing tape
and jointing compounds. (See Figure 6). Tape and joint system is provided by the coating
applicator.
FINISHES
Surface must be finished with a suitable 2mm thick texture coat system in accordance with the coating
manufacturer’s written recommendations for fibre cement substrates and by an accredited texture coat
applicator.
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2.2
MAINTENANCE
It is the responsibility of the specifier to determine normal maintenance requirements. The extent and nature of
maintenance will depend on the geographical location and exposure of the building. As a guide, it is recommended
that basic normal maintenance tasks shall include but not be limited to:
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Washing down exterior surfaces every 6-12months
Periodic inspections should be made to ensure fasteners are adequately securing the sheets to framing.
Re-applying of exterior protective finishes
Maintaining the exterior envelope and connections including joints, penetrations, flashings and sealants that
may provide a means of moisture entry beyond the exterior cladding.
Cleaning out gutters, blocked pipes and overflows as required.
Pruning back vegetation that is close to or touching the building.
*Refer to your paint manufacturer for washing down and recoating requirements related to paint performance.
TM and ® denote a trade mark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Limited
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THIS TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT MUST BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH THE CURRENT TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS MUST BE INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE. ALL COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESPECTIVE
MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. FOR THE PRODUCT WARRANTY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS REFER TO THE APPLICABLE JAMES HARDIE TECHNICAL PRODUCT LITERATURE.