How to install Ecomag?
Ecomag board is a very easy product to handle, despite its apparent rigidity. It must be installed in a professional ‘tradesman-like’ manner to get the desired durability and perfect finish.
Cutting
- Ecomag board sheets can be cut very easily with a carbide tip cutting blade of 4’’ or 4.5’’ which can be easily used in hand grinders.
- For rough cuts, place the Ecomag board sheet rough side up, scour along a straight line with the knife, then snap along the scoured line.
- Pass the knife again along the other side to separate the two sheets to get a clean cut.
- Finer cuts are achieved by using power tools such as Hand Grinders, circular saw, jigsaw, bench top saw, etc. (Please note the section of Health and Safety Practices regarding dust)
Screwing
- Ecomag board may be screwed to the frame as appropriately.
- Ensure that the screws have enough length to provide a good grip to the frame.
- When using screws ensure that they are minimum 12mm away from the board edges, and 15mm away from the corners of the board.
- Before screwing on the Ecomag board, Service holes must be created using drills, hole saw, or jig saw. (Service holes must be grinded 2mm deep on the board before drilling screw; the service holes provides better grip to the screws as well as it gives an proper leveled finishing)
- Furthermore, ensure that screws do not over-spin, thus lose grip of the frame.
Installation on Steel Frame
- Steel studs must be a minimum of 32mm wide at joint face, and 0.55mm gauge minimum BMT (Base Metal Thickness).
- Steel framing must comply with the requirements of NZS3404 "Steel Structure Standards“ Steel sections shall be galvanized or zinc coated of 0.55 - 1.0mm BMT (Base Metal Thickness) All the framing and substrate used must comply with relevant building regulations and standards.
- It is also important to ensure that the frame is square and straight to provide the flush face to receive the sheeting.
Masonry Substrate
- It is important to ensure that the substrate is allowed enough time to dry before the installation of Ecomag board the wall surface must be clean, dry and free from any outside matter that may affect the straightness of the battens.
Jointing
- For straight joints, align the recessed ends together, making sure that the joints are dry, clean and free from grease, oils or any other materials.
- By using a grinder, grind minimum 2mm deep and 50mm wide on the joint line between two boards then place the appropriate jointing tape (50mm fiber mesh jointing tape) along with in a layer above the jointing compound .
- Add another layer of jointing compound to the desired finish, to fix joint tape then sand off any excess materials above the joint tape.
- After making equal levels on boards gaps then apply one coat of stucco will help to hide joint gap and for better finish.
- This will provide an equal level surface finish at the time of painting and after painting there will be no visible joint marks.
- (Note: The performance of every wall joint is the responsibility of its installer, as this is governed by the standard of workmanship and installation practices.)
- There are several factors that may affect the joint performance, such as framing quality, movement and vibrations, moisture, humidity, temperature, etc.
- These factors must be carefully understood and considered by the installer when selecting jointing compounds, by ensuring that the product selected has the physical attributes required to perform these considering factors.
- For corner joints, use a suitable corner reinforcement product, and finish off with appropriate jointing compounds.
- If working conditions are hot and dry, dampen the area around the joint prior to working.
- (Note: Jointing compound can also be used to cover fastener/Screw heads and any other imperfections. Feather out towards the outside, allow to fully dry before sanding.)
Finishing's
(Waterproofing & Painting)
- For Ecomag board can be finished in a variety of ways including Paint, Plaster, Wallpaper, Tile or as required.
- For wet areas, the waterproofing requirements of all relevant codes, standards and regulations must be met. Water proofing membranes manufacturer’s specifications and application methods must be consulted and complied with.
- Depending on the type of paint used, sanding is recommended prior to the application of paint.
- It is important to ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry and free from any dust or sanding residue.
- Brand named paints like Jotun , National etc. usually give better results. Always follow the paint manufacturer recommendations for paint suitability, mixing instructions, and application.
- Use of a 'Sealer Coat' or 'Preparation Undercoat' is recommended. Also ensure that any imperfections are cured or dealt with before the application of paint.
