Specify Tested Non-Combustible Cladding Systems fo

Introduced in 2019, the new guidance on the fire performance of external wall cladding systems left architects and designers in doubt over which claddings are compliant in buildings over 10m in height. The changes also brought into question the use of timber framing and battens on buildings over 10m in height — would these timber structures meet the new requirements for external spread of fire?

While James Hardie were confident that their range of non-combustible cladding systems provided the fire performance required, they decided to go the extra mile and undertake NFPA 285 testing in the USA in order to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations.

Two tests were conducted to provide clear answers for both architects and councils:

Test 1: RAB Board

The first test involved a RAB board fibre cement sheet fixed to standard timber frame. The aim of the test was to demonstrate that if a building is over 10m in height there would be no spread of flame as the RAB board acts as a protective layer.

Test 2: James Hardie cladding system build-up

The second test involved a cladding system build-up comprising standard timber framing, a standard lining, standard insulation and James Hardie Rab Board on the exterior of the frame, followed by timber cavity battens and James Hardie claddings on the exterior of the battens. This test was undertaken to prove that as long as the cavity is blocked at each level, the non-combustible James Hardie cladding system would meet spread of flame requirements even when using a combustible timber batten.

The results:

In each test the James Hardie build-up achieved a pass result with no spread of flame, demonstrating compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

BRANZ appraisals updated

To provide further peace of mind to architects, the US test data was taken to BRANZ who have assessed James Hardie’s cladding systems and concluded that they meet requirements for external fire spread in buildings over 10m. This is reflected in updated BRANZ appraisals for James Hardie RAB Board and James Hardie Cladding Systems.

With James Hardie’s range of non-combustible cladding systems, architects can rest assured knowing they are choosing a system that not only meets NZBC requirements for spread of fire in buildings over 10m high but also has the testing and BRANZ appraisal to prove it.

RAB Board

James Hardie

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RAB™ Board is a pre-sealed, cost effective rigid air barrier for use in medium to high-rise construction.

NZ Made

An alternative to traditional building underlays for use in medium to high-rise construction
Designed for use in Extra High wind zones and in Specific Engineering Design projects exposed to high wind pressure
RAB Board 9mm is suitable for specific design shear wall for residential or commercial applications where the structural design require strong/stiffer shear walls
60 minute fire ratings when installed as per the current James Hardie Fire and Acoustic Design Manual
RAB Board is also suitable for bracing

Clause B1 Structure
Clause B2 Durability
Clause E2 External Moisture
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials
Clause C3.5 & C3.7 External Vertical Fire Spread

See BRANZ Appraisal 611 for full information

BRANZ Appraised

Linea Weatherboard

James Hardie

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Linea™ Weatherboard provides a traditional weatherboard look with deep shadow lines that ensure sustainability well into the future.

NZ Made

Provides a traditional weatherboard look — 16mm thick bevel-backed weatherboard
Linea Weatherboard can be used to achieve bracings
30, 60 and 90 minute fire resistance ratings can be achieved when installed as per the current James Hardie Fire and Acoustic Design Manual
Direct or Cavity fix
Tongue and groove ends for easy and unflashed off stud jointing
Exceptional performance in harsh conditions, including coastal environments
Boards come pre-primed manila white in colour can be painted dark colours

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (f), (h), (j) and (q).
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(b) 15 years and B2.3.2.
Clause C3 FIRE AFFECTING AREAS BEYOND THE FIRE SOURCE: Performance C3.5, C3.7
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5, E2.3.6 and E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1.

BRANZ Appraised

CodeMark

Stria Cladding

James Hardie

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Stria™ Cladding is a wide format board that has the classic appeal of decorative render and solid masonry.

NZ Made

For use as an external wall cladding installed either horizontally or vertically in residential and light commercial:
- Feature walls
- Full cladding for new builds
- Cladding for additions and renovations
- Internal feature walls
- Ideal for overhangs, protective cantilevers and other architectural features
Designed to withstand harsh weather and coastal conditions
Can be painted any colour, even the darker shades

Feature walls
Full cladding for new builds
Cladding for additions and renovations
Internal feature walls
Ideal for overhangs, protective cantilevers and other architectural features

In the opinion of BRANZ, Stria™Cladding Horizontal, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of this Appraisal, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4. Stria™Cladding Horizontal meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, wind, impact and creep [i.e. B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) and (q)]. See Paragraphs 9.1-9.3.
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b) 15 years, B2.3.1 (c) 5 years and B2.3.2. Stria™ Cladding Horizontal meets these requirements. See Paragraphs 10.1-10.4.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2. Stria™ Cladding Horizontal meets this requirement. See Paragraphs 14.1-14.5.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Stria™ Cladding Horizontal meets this requirement.

See BRANZ Appraisal No. 1224 for full information

In the opinion of BRANZ, Stria™ Cladding Vertical, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of this Appraisal, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4. Stria™ Cladding Vertical meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, wind, impact and creep [i.e. B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) and (q)]. See Paragraphs 9.1-9.3.
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b) 15 years, B2.3.1 (c) 5 years and B2.3.2. Stria™ Cladding Vertical meets these requirements. See Paragraphs 10.1-10.4.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2. Stria™ Cladding Vertical meets this requirement. See Paragraphs 14.1-14.5.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Stria™ Cladding Vertical meets this requirement.

See BRANZ Appraisal No. 1225 for full information

The system if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with CodeMark number GM-CM30109 will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (f), (h), (j) and (q).
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(b) 15 years and B2.3.2.
Clause C3 FIRE AFFECTING AREAS BEYOND THE FIRE SOURCE: Performance C3.5, C3.7
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5, E2.3.6 and E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1.

See CodeMark number GM-CM30109 for full information

BRANZ Appraised

CodeMark

Axon Panel

James Hardie

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Creating a strong visual impact for design is easier than ever with Axon™ Panel.

NZ Made

Exterior cladding suitable for coastal conditions
Up to 60 minute fire resistance rating (FRR) can be achieved when installed as per the James Hardie Fire and Acoustic Design Manual
Has been tested and complies to the new E2/VM2 Verification method for building facades up to 25m high
Can be painted any colour, even the darker shades

See BRANZ Appraisal 1211 for full information.

In the opinion of BRANZ, the Axon™ Panel and EasyLap™ Panel Cladding, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of Appraisal 1211, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4. The Axon™ Panel and EasyLap™ Panel Cladding meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, wind, impact and creep [i.e. B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) and (q)].
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b) 15 years and B2.3.2. The Axon™ Panel and EasyLap™ Panel Cladding meets these requirements.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2. The Axon™ Panel and EasyLap™ Panel Cladding meets this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Axon™ Panel and EasyLap™ Panel Cladding meets this requirement.

See BRANZ Appraisal 1211 for full information.

ExoTec Facade Panel

James Hardie

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ExoTec™ Facade Panels provide a durable, expressed joint panel appearance for building facades, fascias and spandrels.

Panel for building facades, fascias and spandrels
Commercial and residential properties
Suitable for use on high rise buildings exposed to extreme wind pressure and other weather elements
Engineered to stand up to harsh conditions, including coastal conditions
Up to 60 minute fire resistance rating when installed as per the James Hardie Fire and Acoustic Design Manual
Installed with ExoTec Top Hat system for greater stability and moisture management, up to wind pressure of 5kPa (ULS)

Resistant to fire, rot resistant and resistant to moisture damage
Low maintenance
GreenTag Certification
15 year product warranty

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