5 Coating Systems QT Eco Series

5.1 Coating /Rendering

The proprietary coating systems consist of polymer-modified cement renders, which must be finished with an acrylic texture and paint. The proprietary coating manufacturer’s instructions and application requirements must be followed at all times.

*(Available to download from the QT website) In most cases these coating systems must be applied by an approved applicator. High profile or heavy texture finishes can minimise surface imperfections or glancing light concerns. Light coloured coatings are recommended. Polymer-modified cement renders must not be applied over sealants or control joints.

5.2 Pre – Coating System Inspection

Check all internal and external corners are formed correctly and have good straight lines. Check the first horizontal course, and panels above rooflines have a good clean bottom line. Check weep holes have been installed in the first horizontal course. With a 1.8m spirit level check for variations greater than 3mm in the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels, especially where panels butt together. If variations are found, take the appropriate remedial action eg. rasp to an acceptable level, or re-fix the offending panels. It is important to eliminate large variations, as they may appear under critical or glancing light conditions. If the internal lining has not yet been installed, advise the building supervisor that internal wall lining cannot be installed using nails as the knocking vibrations will transfer through the frame and crack the render coatings (hairline cracking).

Hence internal lining must be screwed. After the inspection has been completed, application of the base coat can begin.

5.3 Application of a Polymer Modified Render Base Coat

Trowel an even coat of polymer-modified cement render over the entire QT EcoSeries Wall Panel, embed QT FullMesh into the wet Render, overlapping joints by 100mm minimum. Allow to firm and then screed and or float to a flat and level finish. The purpose of this coat is to even out the substrate and the porosity of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel. 150mm wide x 300mm long strips of QT 45° Mesh are also required to be set into the base coat at 45° angle across the corner of all windows and door openings into wet render. Do not render or texture over control joints. The above is a generic guide only.

Refer to the proprietary coating manufacturer’s instructions for a detailed description of application. Any proprietary coating system specified must meet or exceed the performance criteria of the BCA.

6 Fire Rated Construction Details QT Eco Series

Note: Prior to any firewalls being constructed it is essential that the builder consults with the project certifier to ensure that the certifier is aware of the firewall construction procedures and the certifier deems the installer competent.

Fire Resistance Level (FRL) is assessed by three performance measures:-
Structural Adequacy / Integrity /Insulation eg 90/90/90

6.1 FRL – 90 Mins. & External Fire Source

CSIRO Full-Scale Fire Test FS 3685/2695 has proven that the QT EcoSeries Wall System (shown right) is capable of achieving a fire resistance of 113 minutes Integrity and 115 minutes Insulation when tested in accordance with AS1530.4. Therefore for the purpose of Building Regulations in Australia, the QT EcoSeries Wall System achieved a fire resistance level (FRL) of 90/90/90. The FRL is applicable for exposure to fire source from the tested side (QT EcoSeries Wall Panel side).

Fire Rated Vertical Control Joint

Fire Rated Horizontal Control Joint

6.2 FRL – 90 Minutes

To achieve a 90 minute Fire Rating the wall must be constructed so as the wall consists of two layers of 13mm thick fire resistance plasterboard affixed to the timber frame internally and one layer of fire resistant building foil, one layer of 50mm QT EcoSeries Wall Panel with a 5-8mm render applied with finish, affixed directly to a 20-50mm battened out cavity. This system would be capable of achieving Fire Resistance Levels of -/90/90 for Non Load Bearing walls and 90/90/90 for Load Bearing Walls designed in accordance with AS1684 for fire exposure from either direction if tested in accordance with AS1530.4.

6.3 Extended Wall Areas

The Fire Resistance Levels of 60 & 90 minutes would still apply to the same system extended in height in modular form provided that the structural members are designed in accordance with the relevant structural design code for the height and load of actual installation and an approved joint system appropriate to the FRL and the width of the gap is used for the horizontal and vertical joints in a manner as detailed in the attached drawings.

7 Finishing QT EcoSeries Wall Panel

7.1 Services

Ensure service pipes and wires are fixed or checked into the frame and not laid loose in the extended wall cavity. All materials that are susceptible to deterioration due to plasticiser migration must be protected (check with product manufacturer). Some PVC products or electrical cabling that penetrate the coating system and QT EcoSeries Wall Panel, require a conduit to ensure it is protected. Copper pipes require a sleeve, conduit or tape to prevent contact with the wall panel.

7.2 Penetrations

Voids or gaps created by service penetrations through the exterior wall require weather-proofing and or waterproofing. A common method is to inject with expandable polyurethane foam and seal with a long lasting exterior gap sealant to make a weather tight seal. Where practical add a flange or decorative feature over the hole or penetration.

Penetrations —————————————————

7.3 Sealants

Use an exterior grade weatherproof sealant for exterior wall construction and as a general – purpose gap filling. Apply sealant in accordance to manufacturers recommendations. For a sealant to work effectively, the sealant must be applied as shown in the sketch below, Opening Width (D) x Depth (D/2) half the width. Use backing rod as required. Ensure surfaces are in good condition clean and free from oil, dust, loose materials including old sealant and release agents. Apply masking tape to surfaces where contact with sealant is not required. Tape should be removed before sealant cures. Smooth the surface of the sealant and ensure excess sealant is removed.

Refer manufacturers curing or drying times before painting.

Sealant Application ——————————————

7.4 Heavy & Frequently Adjusted Fixtures:

Heavy items are not to be fitted directly to the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel. They should have their own stand-alone supports or be tied to the supporting wall frame (eg. Clothes lines). Items subject to frequent handling (e.g. Flood-Lights and sensors) require a mounting plate, to be fixed across at least two or more frame studs to give longterm fixing support. The backing plate must be of a material that will offer, long-term weatherproof durability. If the internal lining is already installed, the mounting plate can be installed externally prior to the installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel.

8 Product Information QT EcoSeries

8.1 Storage and Handling

Care should be exercised in handling the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels to avoid any damage to edges, ends and faces. Panels must be stacked flat, off the ground and supported on a level platform. Plastic Shrinkwrap applied to pallets of panels for transportation from the factory, must be removed at the destination (i.e. distributors warehouse or direct to site) to allow panel to continue drying and equalise with local humidity. The panels must be kept dry at all times by storing under cover, or providing weatherproof covers to the stack. Panels must be dry prior to fixing. Intermittent weather exposure is not detrimental to the panel.

However if QT EcoSeries Wall Panels become wet, allow thorough drying before fixing. Drying shrinkage may occur if the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels are not allowed to dry sufficiently. The proprietary Coating System must be applied and completed within 1 month from the date of installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels and cement based renders, will release their salts and/or fines if saturated; this condition is know as efflorescence. In order to prevent efflorescence the cement products must be sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture and/or installed with careful attention to the weather-tightness details to prevent the ingress of wind driven rain, gutter overflow or moisture tracking along a surface with capillary action. The water that has permeated through the panel and render will collect and dissolve any salts and/or fines that are then released through hairline cracking in the render which are caused by hydrostatic pressure build up. The dissolved salts and/or fines will crystallise on the external surface. Should efflorescence occur, it is essential that the moisture source be eliminated and any hairline cracking repaired to maintain weathertightness. Refer to coating manufacturer for suitable surface repair techniques.

Panels must always be carried on edge. Any minor damage should be repaired with joint compounds or polyurethane foam. Fixings and other accessories must be stored so that they are kept clean, dry and undamaged.

All components must be used within the designated shelf life. Any damage to Clips and Channel may affect the integrity or performance of the wall system. Panel may be cut with an electric circular saw 60 pt tungsten tip blade, diamond blade or handsaw. Panels are best shaped with the use of an electric plane or a handrasping tool. Holes or services may be formed with the use of an electric fretsaw or drill. When power tools are used for cutting, grinding or forming holes in the panels, appropriate safety measures as set out under the heading of Health and Safety must be observed.

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

8.2 Quality Policy

QT Systems Pty Ltd is dedicated to delivering quality building systems for internal and external use on residential and commercial projects. QT Systems Pty Ltd is committed to ensuring that its Conpolcrete building products provide the highest standards and consistency by meeting the requirements of customers and regulatory authorities. This objective is met through the implementation of a Quality System, based upon the requirements of an internationally recognised quality standard: AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000. Continued testing and independent scrutiny will ensure QT Systems Pty Ltd continues to offer an eco-friendly alternative construction material that consistently provides outstanding performance.

8.3 Maintenance

Annual inspection of the exterior walls must be made to ensure they remain in a weatherproof condition. Checks must be made of the exterior coating system, sealants, flashings, control joints and any water-proofing systems. Should any repairs be required, seek remedial advice from the manufacturer. If the project is still under the statutory warranty period contact the appropriate body, or check with your insurer.

8.4 Limitations of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel System

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels are not designed to provide bracing for the building. The internal linings or other specifically designed systems must provide external wall bracing.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels are not suitable to be used for chimneys and flues.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels must not come in contact with the ground for extended periods of time. The panel must not be used for retaining.

This Technical Manual is limited to residential construction, for other applications contact your QT Distributor.

Designers must check that the details in this Technical Manual meet their own specific design requirements. For use outside the scope of this Technical Manual, specific design may be necessary. The Architect, Designer, Engineer, Specifier and Builder, are responsible for specific design and should ensure compliance with the BCA.

8.5 Product Support

Installers are registered trades people, equipped to install the panel and its complementary accessories. These installers, acting as independent contractors, should be industry licensed trades people such as carpenters or dry wall installers who are familiar with the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel system and components. The authorized agent or appointed licensee shall supply all QT EcoSeries Wall Panel system components directly to the contracting or sub-contracting party. We recommend you seek advice from all manufacturers or suppliers, regarding correct installation and maintenance requirements associated with their products. Failure to comply with specification requirements, which may compromise the exterior coating, sealants, flashing, weatherproofing and waterproofing, will render any manufacturers warranty void.

QT Systems Pty Ltd regularly updates its literature to keep up with system and product developments, changing trends in design, and therefore reserves the right, to revise and change its technical information without notice.

8.6 Health and Safety

As with all cement based composite products, they contain crystalline silica. Breathing in fine silica dust is hazardous and may result in bronchitis, silicosis (lung fibrosis) and lung cancer. Do not breathe dust, always contain dust during clean up and disposal i.e. place dust in a sealed bag. Safe working practice is to avoid contact with skin, eyes and lungs, e.g. full-length clothing including boots, P1 or P2 dust mask, and safety goggles to AS 1337. (Wash worn clothing regularly, each day). We recommend that you always seek advice for recommended handling, health and safety requirements for products or components by other suppliers and manufacturers. Consult your local Work Place Health and Safety Officer for specific advice. Also see Material Safety Data Sheets for specific products.

8.7 Components & Accessories

8.8 General Warranty

New Product 15 year Warranty. This warranty cover limits any cost or liability arising from the supply of defective Conpolcrete products, excluding third party manufactured accessories and components. Liability is limited to replacement and or repair of any defect solely attributable to defective Conpolcrete manufactured products that do not meet the manufacturers standards. No liability is assumed or implied for project supervision or defects caused by improper installation of the system.

8.9 Disclaimer

QT Systems Pty Ltd provides the information in this manual in good faith and to the best of its knowledge the information is correct and covers most situations where its products may be used. However, it is acknowledged that not every possible application of QT products could be covered within this manual therefore specific design and detailing, must be undertaken by the designer. The Specifier, Architect, Designer and Engineer for the project are responsible to ensure that the information and details in this manual are suitable for any intended application or specific design.

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