Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Cladding

Has Abbey Thermalboards Cladding ever been thoroughly tested?
Abbey Thermalboards wall cladding has been tested extensively to NCC (2019) incorporating Building Code of Australia by NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) approved laboratories as recommended by the Australian Government with provision for mutual recognition in OECD counties.

Compliance with NCC 2019 for uPVC (vinyl) cladding is compulsory for new constructions.

If any wall claddings do not meet NCC 2019 test compliance “in writing”, they may not be used and may not be certified and any property may become difficult to sell.

Our assessment is that no other UPVC(vinyl) cladding has ever had successful tests to NCC2019. The term “manufactured to Australian Standards” or AS/NZ4256.4 is meaningless unless successful tests to Building Code, NCC2019 can be produced “in writing”.

Has Abbey Cladding been evaluated for insulation?
Yes, it has been evaluated by a NATA approved laboratory to NCC 2019 Volume 2 AS/NZ 4859 Parts 1&2 2018 “Thermal insulation materials for Building” to achieve the following to ensure a property is warmer in winter and cooling in summer. Up to 48% more insulation than standard vinyl cladding.

Total Thermal resistance Rti = R3.24 Winter, R3.04 Summer

Does Thermalboards PVC have a BAL rating?
Yes, tested by NATA approved laboratory, National Constructions Code(2019) for Fire Test Compliance – simulated bushfire tests in accordance with AS1530.8.1.2018 to achieve an excellent result.

Test Result BAL-AA19

Has Abbey Vinyl Cladding been thoroughly tested for weathering?
Yes, in accordance with AS4257.7 colourfastness after accelerated UV exposure to AS1580.601.3 and after exposure to AS2433 Dimensional stability to 60°c was assessed to AS4257.2

Results: colour change and dimensional stability minor with no surface checking or crazing

Will the Abbey Cladding withstand strong winds?
Cyclones are common feature of a sub-tropical and tropical climates with recent cyclones Debbie(2017) 215km/hr, cyclone Yasi(2011) 250km/hr, cyclone Larry(2006) 215km/hr.

NATA approved NCC(2019) compliance cyclic wind loading tests showed  Abbey Thermalboards Cladding tested suitable for use in Australian Tropical Cyclone Areas (C1-C3) with fixing methods. AS/NZ 1170 Part 2-2002-AS4040.3

Former Governor General , General Peter Cosgrove AC, MC Head of the Operation Recovery Task Force, forwarded and signed sincere appreciation to ABBEY Thermalboards for wholehearted support in regard to Cyclone Larry rebuilding.

Will Abbey Vinyl Cladding support combustion?
No, it is classified as fire retardant – self-extinguishing and will not support combustion and has been tested by NATA approved laboratory for National Construction Code(2019) compliance AS1530.8.1(2018) BAL Rating AA-19

Would Abbey Thermal boards ever need painting?
The insulated vinyl boards are manufactured to exact specifications and cannot rot, flake, corrode or peel. The boards will lose some gloss overtime but will still look good even in 20-40 years’ time if basic maintenance of washing walls with a mild detergent is carried out on a regular basis.

Can Abbey Thermal boards be fitted over asbestos sheeting?
Yes, it is a common practice in managing and controlling asbestos to encapsulate asbestos by sealing the asbestos fibrous sheeting with Abbey Vinyl Cladding.

Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (asbestos advisory standard 2004) “Where insitu asbestos materials are in a stable condition but accessible, they should be controlled appropriately through encapsulation, sealing, enclosure or removal”

Are brick or block houses frequently clad with Abbey Thermal Cladding?
We have carried out many of these jobs over the past 40 years because it is common for older bricks to be looking tired and outdated.
It is not a rarity for bricks or blocks to crack particularly in dryer climate periods.

The insulated vinyl claddings would be fitted normally under a drill, plug and screw fixing method.

Can lead from old leaded paint be made safe?
Yes, lead in dust or flakes inhaled or swallowed from old leaded paint from homes built before 1997 & especially before 1970 can lead to serious health issues.

Abbey Thermalboards PVC Cladding is a safe method of encapsulation (sealing) under “Workplace Health & Safety Standards”.

Does Abbey Thermalboards provide protection from ants, termites and similar pests?
The insulation dosing product is Biflex Aquamax which provides more than enough protection against ants, termites and similar pests and is harmless for humans and pets.

Gloss Finish vs Matt Finish
A simple comparison is with paint. Matt paints and gloss paints have different formulas.

Matt paints are for internal use and do not have the ultra violet sun protection, moisture resistance, impact modifiers or easy-to-clean formulation as the more expensive gloss paints designed for external use.

The matt paints fail in external use – they are not designed for it.

This explains why Abbey only uses gloss-finished boards.