This technical manual covers the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel, a masonry veneer wall cladding system with a cavity. The QT EcoSeries Wall Panel is a masonry panel that offers a solid substrate, can provide a wide range of finishes, has high thermal insulation and sound abatement, fire resistance and ease of construction. QT EcoSeries Wall Panels are manufactured from a material called ‘Conpolcrete’ which consists of a blend of cement and recycled polystyrene. Patent Pending.
1. Design
1.1 Material Properties
| Width | Length | Thickness | Weight | ||
| 900mm | x | 2250mm | x | 50mm (nom) | 40kg (nom) |
- Total Square Metres per Panel = 2.0 m2.
- Number of 50mm Panels per Pallet = 23 panels Pallet Weight:- 940kg (approx) (± 20 kg safety factor).
- Pallet Size – 900mm Width x 2250mm Length x Max. 1350mm Height (nom).
1.2 Thermal Performance
The Thermal performance of the QT EcoSeries Wall System is calculated in accordance with AS 2627.1 Thermal Insulation of Dwellings. QT EcoSeries Wall Panel has a k-value of 0.07 w/mk.
1.3 Impact Resistance
QT EcoSeries Wall Panel when coated with a cement base render, can provide resistance for hard body impacts typically found under normal situations.
1.4 Acoustic Performance
The QT EcoSeries Wall System was tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1276.1 for Airborne Sound Transmission and achieved STC41 and Rw41(-3;-8)(Wall Composition: 50mm QT EcoSeries Wall Panel with 30mm (nom) cavity on a 70mm x 35mm stud frame and 10mm plasterboard) CSIRO TL399. Acoustic performance can be significantly increased with the addition of bulk or acoustic insulation batts.
1.5 Fire Performance
QT EcoSeries Wall Panels when tested to AS/NZS 3837 and in accordance with BCA Specification C1.10a Section is classed as a GROUP 1 material.
Early Fire Hazard Indices (Test to AS/NZS 1530 Part 3)
| Ignitability Index | 0 |
| Spread of Flame Index | 0 |
| Heat Evolved Index | 0 |
| Smoke Developed Index | 0-1 |
1.6 Durability
In normal conditions and when maintained properly in a weatherproof condition, the cladding systems should exceed 30 years of trouble free serviceable life. When the system is installed in high corrosion zones, such as coastal locations within distances of up to 500m from the sea, particular care must be taken to ensure that openings through the cladding panels are kept to a minimum to prevent corrosive salt aerosols from entering the wall cavity and affecting metal components. (Permitted openings are base weepholes, soffit vents and openings beneath window joinery at sills).
Wildlife Attack
The panels will not support growth of micro-organisms such as fungi or bacteria and do not hold any nutritional value for ants or rodents.
1.7 Cavity
Cavities form an important role in the weathertightness and life cycle of any wall system QT EcoSeries Wall Panels constructed without a cavity will void any warranty. The cavity acts as a secondary barrier against wind driven rain penetration entering the wall framing. The cavity also allows the wall to ventilate and drain which is essential for a healthy wall.
1.8 Vapour Permeable Sarking
Vapour permeable sarking must be installed to the face of the building framing prior to installation of the battens and panels. The vapour permeable sarking has two main functions, weathertightness and thermal resistance. In its weathertightness role it protects the building framing from direct contact with moisture generated by wind driven rain penetration, while allowing the condensation of moisture from interior artificial heating and cooling to escape. Thermally the vapour permeable sarking divides the wall into two separate air spaces, which significantly increases the thermal performance of the wall.
1.9 Weepholes
On the first horizontal course (ground level) weep holes are to be installed at centres not exceeding 1200mm immediately above any damp proof membrane or flashing. Weepholes are also required in areas where there is a possibility of moisture build up. Weepholes must be limited to 8mm in width to reduce the potential for vermin access.
