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22/05/2007 - MEDIA RELEASE
UNLICENCED INSTALLATION OF POLYSTYRENE CLADDING
BUILDS IN RISK.

A multilayered exterior wall cladding system, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) offer superior energy efficiency, design flexibility and ease of installation to many alternative products. However, many builders and owner builders don’t realise is that in Victoria installation of an EIFS by a tradesperson – or anyone else – who does not have the appropriate Registered Builder Practitioner’s licence can affect the insurance cover.

One of Australia’s leading manufacturers, suppliers and installers of EIFS, Masterwall has ensured that they comply with the appropriate regulations. The Managing Director, Andrew “Sandy” McPherson is both a registered Building Practitioner (RBP) Builder - Domestic – Limited and RBP Builder – Domestic – Manager.

Installation of EIFS by a Registered Building Practitioner will not only ensure insurance cover, but will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the system has been correctly installed.

A typical EIFS system such as Masterwall comprises a range of components:

  • Polystyrene insulation panels which are secured to the exterior wall surface with a mechanical fixing system
  • A joint sealant program to ensure water tightness and thermal integrity.
  • Other components include special flashing tape for the openings and breathable builder's paper. A durable, water-resistant exterior base coat, applied to the panels. This usually includes fibreglass mesh reinforcing for added strength and longevity.
  • A durable, crack-resistant, acrylic trowel – on texture coat.

Incorrect installation can have expensive and far-reaching consequences. The well-known 'leaky house' syndrome in New Zealand occurred largely because of incorrect installation of cladding. This led to water ingress and subsequent structural damage to a significant number of buildings. Correct installation of EIFS will ensure optimum performance and that all building regulations are met.

Current practice in Australia relies on the rendering process to seal the face of the building and the openings to the wall system. This is totally contrary to established best practice in more experienced markets. There, it is accepted that a correctly installed EIFS system includes sealants to all joins and the use of flashing tape and sealants to seal and flash all openings, prior to the application of the acrylic render system.

Comprehensive specification and installation instructions for Masterwall’s EIFS are available for download from www.masterwall.com.au. In easy to follow steps they demonstrate best practice procedures for both designing with EIFS and installation.

So what’s the bottom line? EIFS have a lot to offer which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in residential construction – but the onus is on builders and owner builders to ensure that the installation is performed by an appropriately licenced person.

For more information on the MasterWall ready to render polystyrene insulation panel, please contact MasterWall on 03 9553 3211

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Master Builders o Australia

"We build architect designed houses and townhouses in the middle to top end of
the market, so finding quality suppliers is critical.

MasterWall present as specialists and they are. They really try and understand the job and visit the site before they start. We generally use their full supply, install and render package.

MasterWall’s service is great, there’s always a supervisor onsite and they do everything they can to do a thorough and professional job".

Matt Lowe
Lowe Constructions