Frequently Asked Questions
Accredited EIFS systems are a Worldwide Recognised Building method and as such are insured in all user countries. As Unitex has a history of over 15 years of EIFS Accreditations and is currently Accredited our systems have never in that time faced any negative insurance issues. Non accredited systems may be refused.
Orders within Victoria are generally filled and delivered within 48 hours. NSW and other states (including local Unitex Stockists) are generally within 5 working days.
Unitex Base Board 75mm has been tested with various plasterboard situations. The results of these tests are downloadable below.
The first External Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) project by Unitex was built in 1984. These were for Victorian Housing Commission blocks of 4-6 units and single concrete houses in Jordanville (Chadstone) and Preston. The then Unitex EIFS system proved successful in solving internal wall condensation issues (that had up until that time been unsolvable) and internal living comfort. Unitex were the first in its field to have successfully manufactured the EIFS system, in Australia, and were also the first Australian EIFS projects to be monitored scientifically by The Melbourne University Building Energy Research Group.
You can do this via the Unitex website, and we can base our quote on your plan or you can contact us direct (1800 RENDER) or via your local Unitex Stockist.
Yes, and Unitex will advise on best method of repair. Good building practice and regular installation of expansion joints around the perimeter will in general negate most minor frame movement issues.
Drying times of renders varies enormously depending on weather, wind, the substrate being applied over and how thick the render is applied. There is therefore no simple answer to this question. After applying a small section of render to a wall, attempt floating as rapidly as possible before render dries. If the render sticks to your float and or peels off from the wall, it is too wet and not ready for floating. Continue applying render and checking as you go.
Yes, the standard Unitex Base Board System achieves BAL29 and a modified Unitex Base Board System achieves BAL40. Please contact your Unitex representative for further details.
The coating thickness is to be at least 6mm above the fixing buttons and insulating sheet (IB Board) providing a SB impact strength of >20 joules.
The findings concluded by the CSIRO testing were submitted to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) as part of the evidence that the Unitex Base Board System is a viable building material able to withstand many different weather and man-made abuses.
Drying times of texture varies enormously depending on weather, wind and the substrate being applied over. There is no simple answer to this question, except to say in most instances of broad wall application the ‘Finisher Applicator’ (2nd or 3rd Applicator) is following closely behind the ‘Texture Applicator’. Customers require a consistent uniform finish and it is advisable that the experienced applicator time his/her trowelling to deliver a consistent tear free surface.
When applying texture there should always be a minimum of two people, one person applying and another floating. Texture can dry quickly and care must be taken to avoid having to re-coat.
A minimum of 72 hours between these coats in average dry temperatures, however this can be up to 7 days in cold, wet, and wintery conditions, and is obviously weather and render thickness dependant. Render will obviously take longer to dry the thicker it is applied, and the cooler the conditions. Unitex recommends a substrate must be dried to a minimum WME 12% (Wood Moisture Equivalent – moisture meter) prior to applying the Unitex texture coats.
From your local Unitex office and /or Local Stockist. Also on line. » click here
A Unitex Base Block is installed around the permitter at slab (base plate/stud/noggins) and at floor roof line to the first floor base plate (stud/noggin) below the base of the sheets, ensuring the system is completely sealed and no polystyrene is left uncoated preventing degradation. Under no circumstance should raw polystyrene be left exposed.
Yes. If the paint is well bound and not flaking, peeling, bubbling etc. The recommended key coat is Unitex Polymer Render as it is a render designed to adhere to difficult substrates such as strongly adhering paint. As always, ensure the surface is dry, clean and free of oils, dust, dirt etc before applying. Test with a sharp knife, using the “Cross-hatch Method” (see Unitex.) If greater than 15% pull off and remove all loose and poorly adhering paint prior to coating.
When your Unitex EIFS system wall is installed in accordance with the technical manual it will not allow water into your building structure. Uni-EIFS have been tested under Australian Standards for Building Materials flammability and like timber are suitable for use up to 3 floors or 8.5 meters above ground slab based on flammability test standard AS 1530 (part 3). Such systems are not suitable where a 1 hour and greater fire rating is required (i.e. on neighbour or party walls).
Texture should be floated with a plastic texture float (typically red) available from Unitex and URW.
You can contact the Unitex office on 1800 RENDER. You can also send us your plan online (free plan quote service) via our website.
Primarily to have a strong insulating walling system that both protects the building from the weather and decorates with colour, and gives a textured masonry effect of your choice. Around the world similar systems are seen as providing the highest insulating walls whilst measurably reducing on-going energy bills.
The R value is a measure of the insulation value of a complete wall from internal plaster to exterior surface. Brick veneer is typically less than 0.8.
For Unitex Base Board 50mm, the R value is: 2.08 (including sisalation)
For Unitex Base Board 75mm, the R value is: 2.62 (including sisalation)
For Unitex Base Board 100mm, the R value is: 3.2 (including sisalation)
The Unitex EIFS Technical manual and all instructions required is on the Unitex website, or please contact Unitex and our experienced Technical Sales Rep will check the purchase records and if needed will attend an onsite inspection.
With a specified number and array of mechanical fasteners screwed (minimum of 30 mm) into the timber or steel frame. There are fastners to suit all thicknesses of Unitex EIFS and conditions (ie coastal, inland, near breaking surf etc, wind classification areas).
Most certainly! The Unitex Technical Sales Force will spend time on site with our valued customers to achieve the best from our products for your project.
There are several reasons:
1) Immediate protection from the elements. Raw polystyrene, if left un-coated will surface degrade and reduce adhesion of base coat renders, causing possible delamination of renders.
2) The first coat of render applied to polystyrene panels is crucial. This render must have superior adhesion and flexibility than standard renders for brickwork for instance. In the Unitex factory, EPS sheets are transformed into Unitex Base Board sheets by applying alkali resistant fibreglass mesh and a strongly adhering and flexible polymer modified cement coating with a consistent film build with a toothed profile. The special toothed profile makes it easy for the applicator to trowel on the base coat levelling render, (Uni-Dry Cote BBR 8.5 kg), at the recommended film build once the Unitex Base Board sheets have been fixed to the frame, ensuring that only the most flexible render on the market with the greatest adhesion has been applied on your project.
3) Raw polystyrene sheets should not be coated whilst wet as this prevents renders from adhering to the surface. This can cause major delays during winter months. Unitex Baseboard is manufactured inside under controlled conditions.
4) System warranty’s for your peace of mind, Unitex Baseboard is a risk free proven surface.
5) Speed. Unitex Baseboard saves time as the first coat of render is already completed.
The Unitex Base Board System generally costs similar or less than rendered brick veneer etc, however in R-value (insulating value) offered the Uni-EIFS is approximately 400% more energy efficient than equivalent cost for rendered brick veneer.
Yes, Unitex recommends that Uni-EIFS systems are only installed by an experienced Trades person. Unitex can arrange for a local recommended Trades person to quote and carry out the installation or Unitex also offers a plan and on site quoting service for the customer’s peace of mind. Unitex installation manuals and Guidelines are also available on our website for your own understanding of the process. Unitex Technical Sales Representatives are also available for technical support and site inspections.
Approx. 8kg m2
This depends on the substrate. But you need to apply as many coats of render as needed to achieve a true and level and smooth sponged surface acceptable for the final surface applied finish and paint coats.
Note: keying coats are generally 1 to 3 millimetres thick. Build levelling coats are generally 5 to 10 millimetres. And sponge float finishes are generally 1 to 2 millimetres.
Unitex has been manufacturing defect free EIFS products/systems for approximately 27 years defect free. Andrew Concannon, MD of Unitex states ‘because of this, we know Unitex EIFS systems are still ‘good as gold’ after 27 years. I know from my training in Europe 37 years ago that EIFS in Europe and America are now over 48 years in continual use for externally insulating and protecting building structures.’ The Unitex Speciality Render and Surface Applied Coating System when applied as per manual is maintenance free. However, for a decorative look, or for a fresh look (if so desired) it can be touched up (repainted) if required after 7-8 years.
The Unitex Base Board system can be used on external walls of Class 1 to 10 Housing and Commercial Projects. It can be installed by direct fix to the timber or steel frame or via cavity battens. It can also be installed on battens for older walls (brick, block, weatherboard, compressed cement fibreboard sheeting etc).
*Unitex Base Board is part of the Unitex EIFS range