All foundations must comply with the relevant standards and local authority requirements, with appropriate consideration given to soil type. QT EcoSeries Wall Panel is suitable for construction on concrete slab or suspended floors. The concrete slab can either be rebated or non-rebated. The slab rebate will need to be a minimum of 50mm below floor level and 100mm above paved level or 150mm above ground level (See local standards). To ensure a flush finish, the width of the slab rebate needs to allow for the thickness of the coating system, the thickness of the panel (40mm or 50mm), and the size of the extended wall cavity 20 – 50mm (30mm nom). Minimum ground clearances, must be maintained at all times during the life of the building. Insufficient clearance from the ground to the bottom of the wall panels will affect long-term durability.

4.2 Termites

The Building Code of Australia in conjunction with AS 3660 specifies the requirement for termite risk management. (See local standards). The edge of a slab-on-ground may be used as a visual perimeter barrier. Provided that the slab edge is left exposed not less than 75mm above finished ground or paved level. The face of the perimeter must not be concealed by a flashing, rendered, tiled or clad.

The exposed edge of the slab must be kept clean and free of debris and regularly visually inspected for termite activity. QT EcoSeries Wall Panel does not hold any nutritional value for ants or rodents.

4.3 Windows

Wherever possible windows and associated flashings should be installed prior to the installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel. When ordering the window frame it is essential to plan where the window flange will be positioned either flush with the stud frame, flush with battens or even over the panel.

All materials that are susceptible to deterioration due to plastics migration or alkalinity of cement base products must be protected (check with product manufacturer).

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be cut into bands that can be installed around windows, doors, along horizontal control joints, etc to enrich the aesthetics of the project. They are installed so the top and bottom edge (bevelled at 15 degrees) falls away from the wall. Where bands meet, they should be cut at a 45˚ angle, across the face of the corbel to help conceal the join and increase the adhered surface bond. Bands are bonded into place with polyurethane foam and corbel screws or nails to mechanically fix the bands until the foam is set.

4.4 Decorative Mouldings

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be cut into bands that can be installed around windows, doors, along horizontal control joints, etc to enrich the aesthetics of the project. They are installed so the top and bottom edge (bevelled at 15 degrees) falls away from the wall. Where bands meet, they should be cut at a 45˚ angle, across the face of the corbel to help conceal the join and increase the adhered surface bond. Bands are bonded into place with polyurethane foam and corbel screws or nails to mechanically fix the bands until the foam is set.

4.5 Doors

Door framing must be fixed in position prior to the installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The door framing will allow the panel to be cut and installed neat but independent of the frame. Door frames must be fixed to the structural framing. Decorative mouldings can be used to emphasize the door opening.

All materials that are susceptible to deterioration due to plastics migration or alkalinity of cement base products must be protected (check with product manufacturer).

4.6 Parapets

Parapets are generally used to conceal or to emphasize features of a building. The top of the parapet must be designed and installed to shed water and maintain the weatertighness of the building below.

4.7 Wall to Roof

Wall to roof details can often be unsightly as they are easily seen and hard to conceal without compromising the weathertighness of the dwelling. Because of its visibility, it is essential to create clean straight lines either by using a uPVC moulding or cover flashings.

4.8 Soffit & Eaves

The eaves or roof overhang play a significant role in the comfort performance of the building. Eaves or overhangs are used to shade the walls from the summer sun, while capturing the sun’s heat in the winter. Eaves will reduce glancing light, which highlights the wall surface. Glancing light is the light that is nearly parallel to the surface of the wall and casts visible shadows and uneven projections of the surface finish QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be installed to suit various soffit designs and details.

BGC Duratex provides a tough, durable, waterproof wall cladding system.

Duratex:

• is tough and durable
• is a waterproof wall cladding system
• is fire resistant
• ideal for lightweight construction
• factory applied blue tint for ease of identification
• can be used in residential and commercial applications
• accepts a wide range of textured coatings

*some sizes may not be available in all states, please check with your local BGC office for availability.

To minimise the possibility of manual handling injuries, Hebel suggests the following:

• Use mechanical aids, such as trolleys, forklifts, cranes and levers, or team lifting to move Hebel.
• Keep the work place clean to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, which can cause injury.
• Plan the sequence of installation to minimise panel movements and avoid awkward lifts.
• Good lifting techniques to be adopted to minimise the risk of injury.

Mechanically Assisted Handling

Moving and handling Hebel Floor Panels and Hebel Lintels should be done using mechanical aids such us forklifts, cranes and special panel lifting trolleys. Different panel lift attachments are available for installing panels. For purchasing or hire of these devices please contact CSR Panel Systems.

Health, Safety & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hebel AAC products are cement-based, which may irritate the skin, resulting in itching and occasionally a red rash. The wearing of gloves and suitable clothing to reduce abrasion and irritation of the skin is recommended when handling Hebel AAC products.

Approved respirators (AS/NZS1715 and AS/NZ1716) and eye protection (AS1336) should be worn at all times when cutting and chasing. Refer to the Hebel Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Fig. 12.1 Standard personal protection equipment.

Cutting

The use of power tools when cutting masonry products may cause dust, which contains respirable crystalline silica, with the potential to cause bronchitis, silicious and lung cancer after repeated and prolonged exposure. When using power or hand tools, on Hebel products, wear a P1 or P2 respirator and eye protection. When cutting, routing or chasing Hebel products with power tools, use dust extraction equipment and wear appropriate hearing protection. Refer to the appropriate Hebel MSDS.

Reinforcement exposed during cutting is to be coated with a liberal application of Hebel corrosion protection paint.