Unitex Cladding

Built in Australia. Accredited for Australian Conditions.

Unitex has been manufacturing lightweight cladding systems in Dandenong, Victoria since 1983. The Unitex Base Board System is an External Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) — a fully integrated assembly that combines structural cladding, EPS insulation, and a rendered finish in a single, factory-prepared panel. It is CodeMark certified, BRANZ appraised, and BRAC accredited, with BAL 29 and BAL 40 bushfire ratings for construction in high-risk areas.

For builders and applicators across Australia, that accreditation stack matters. CodeMark certification means the system is deemed to satisfy all NCC/BCA requirements without additional engineering approval — no interpretations, no grey areas. You specify it, you install it as per the manual, and you have full compliance confidence from day one.

Every Unitex cladding system is manufactured at our Dandenong facility using quality raw materials. Products are not imported and relabelled — they are made here, tested here, and supported here, by a technical sales team that understands Australian construction conditions.

The Unitex Cladding Range

Unitex offers five distinct cladding system configurations, each suited to specific project types, exposure conditions, and bushfire risk levels. All systems are based on the Uni-Base Board panel — an EPS insulation sheet with a factory-applied polymer render coating and alkali-resistant fibreglass (AR/FG) mesh reinforcement, available in 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm thicknesses.

Uni-Base Board Cavity System

The cavity system incorporates EPS cavity battens to create a drained and ventilated air gap between the Base Board panel and the structural wall frame. This primary and secondary line of defence against water ingress makes it the preferred choice for projects with complex junctions, parapets, or elevated exposure conditions. The Uni-Base Board Cavity System holds CodeMark Certificate CM-AUS-80002 and BRANZ Appraisal No. 758 (2018).

Suitable for timber and steel-frame construction. Recommended for projects where weathertightness performance must meet the highest standard.

Uni-Base Board Non-Cavity System

The non-cavity system — also known as the direct-fix system — is screw-fixed directly to the building frame over sarking-clad substrate. It is simpler to install than the cavity system and well-suited to residential projects where exposure conditions are moderate. The system delivers R-values up to R-2.6 for full wall with 75mm Base Board — significantly higher for 100mm. CodeMark Certificate CM70007, BRAC Certificate V11/03.

Uni-Base Board System (BAL 29)

A system configuration specifically tested and certified for construction in Bushfire Attack Level 29 zones, in accordance with AS 3959. Independent testing by Exova Warringtonfire confirms performance at this rating when installed with specified components. Certificate No. 51504300.3B.

Uni-Base Board System (BAL 40)

For construction in BAL 40 — high bushfire risk — zones. This is a critical differentiator for builders working across the urban fringe and regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland where BAL 40 sites are increasingly common. Tested and certified by Exova Warringtonfire, Certificate No. 20230228-FAS230014-A.

Uni-IB Board

The Uni-IB Board is a raw EPS insulation board for applicators who prefer to apply the render coating on site rather than use the factory-pre-coated Base Board. Suitable for both cavity and non-cavity configurations, and compatible with the full Unitex render and texture range.

Why Builders Specify Unitex Cladding

Lighter Than Brick, Faster to Install

The Unitex Base Board system is significantly lighter than brick veneer, concrete block, or fibre cement sheet — and that weight difference has practical consequences on every project. Reduced scaffold load calculations, easier panel handling for safe working height compliance, faster installation cycles, and no loss of interior floor space when retrofitting over an existing frame. For volume builders managing multiple sites, the time and labour savings compound quickly.

Thermal Performance That Meets and Exceeds Energy Requirements

Unitex Base Board delivers approximately 400% greater energy efficiency than equivalent-cost rendered brick veneer. The integrated EPS insulation provides high R-values from the cladding layer alone, simplifying the energy compliance pathway for NatHERS assessments and reducing the need for additional insulation in walls. As government energy rating requirements continue to tighten, that performance advantage becomes more commercially significant with every building season.

Complete Compliance, Without the Paperwork

CodeMark certification is a deemed-to-satisfy compliance mechanism under the NCC. When you specify a CodeMark-accredited system and install it in accordance with the technical manual, compliance is established — no independent engineering report required, no alternative solution pathway, no building surveyor uncertainty. Unitex holds CodeMark for both the cavity and non-cavity systems, covering the full range of standard residential applications.

For projects in bushfire-prone areas, the BAL 29 and BAL 40 certifications provide the same certainty. Specify the correct system with the specified components, and the rating is proven.

Australian-Made, Locally Supported

Unitex cladding products are manufactured in Australia. That means consistent supply from a local production facility, quick turnaround on orders, and technical support from a sales team based in Victoria, NSW, and South Australia. When a project question comes up mid-installation, you call a Unitex technical sales representative — not an overseas distributor.

Our accredited applicator program ensures that Unitex systems are installed by trained professionals who understand the technical manual requirements and warranty conditions. If you need a referral to an accredited applicator in your area, contact our team directly.

System Specifications and Substrate Compatibility

Unitex cladding systems are compatible with a wide range of substrates, including timber frame, steel frame, fibre cement sheeting, AAC panels, concrete blockwork, and raw polystyrene. Each substrate has specific preparation and fixing requirements covered in the Unitex Application Manuals and System Specifications guides.

Before specifying a system, confirm your substrate type against the relevant system specification. If your substrate is not listed or you have unique project requirements, contact the Unitex technical team — our representatives work through non-standard applications regularly and can provide guidance or refer you to an appropriate solution.

Get a Quote for Your Project

Unitex offers a free quotation service from electronic plans. Email your floor plans and elevations to sales@unitex.com.au and our team will provide a system quantity and materials estimate. For projects at concept stage, use the Base Board System Materials Calculator on our website to get an indicative material quantity.

Ready to specify or order? Call 1800 RENDER (1800 736 337) or visit your nearest Unitex Render Warehouse (URW) branch — Oakleigh South (VIC), Seven Hills (NSW), or Dry Creek (SA) — with early trade opening from 6:00am on weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions — Unitex Cladding

What is the Unitex Base Board System?

The Unitex Base Board System is an External Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) consisting of factory-coated EPS insulation panels fixed to the structural frame, overcoated with a polymer base coat render and finished with an acrylic texture or decorative finish. The complete system is CodeMark accredited, BRANZ appraised, and available in cavity and non-cavity configurations.

Which Unitex cladding system do I need — cavity or non-cavity?

The non-cavity (direct-fix) system suits most standard residential applications where exposure conditions are moderate. The cavity system is recommended for projects with complex detailing, elevated exposure, or where a drained and ventilated air gap is required for additional weathertightness performance. If you are unsure which system suits your project, contact a Unitex technical sales representative before specifying.

Can Unitex cladding be used in bushfire-prone areas?

Yes. The Uni-Base Board System (BAL 29) and Uni-Base Board System (BAL 40) are independently tested and certified for construction in Bushfire Attack Level 29 and BAL 40 zones respectively, in accordance with AS 3959. Systems must be installed using the specified components as detailed in the technical manual to maintain certification.

What R-value does Unitex Base Board deliver?

The Unitex Base Board System delivers up to R-2.6 for the full wall assembly using 75mm Base Board, and higher values for 100mm panels. This is significantly above what rendered brick veneer achieves at equivalent cost, and in most cases satisfies NatHERS thermal performance requirements without additional wall insulation.

Does Unitex cladding require an accredited applicator?

Accredited applicator installation is required to maintain warranty coverage on Unitex cladding systems. Unitex operates an accredited applicator program and can refer builders to trained installers in their area. Contact the Unitex technical sales team to discuss your project and applicator requirements.

Is Unitex cladding suitable for Class 2 buildings or multi-residential projects?

The Unitex Base Board System is certified for Class 1 and Class 10 buildings as standard. For Class 2–9 applications, suitability should be confirmed by consultation with the Unitex technical team. Contact sales@unitex.com.au or call 1800 RENDER to discuss your specific project type.