Ethan Clarke
Blueboard is a type of fibre cement sheeting used in construction. It is a strong, pre-primed base sheet that is finished on-site with a specialised texture coat system. Blueboard is often used as an external cladding in residential homes, providing a lightweight and monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry. When working with blueboard, it is important to note that the surface should not be wet before the application of render, as this will affect the adhesion of the coating. To achieve a professional finish, moulded strips, or beads, can be placed on the corners of the surface to be rendered. Additionally, black plastic sheets are used to cover paths or driveways and protect them from spilt render.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet |
| Manufacturer | James Hardie |
| Thickness | 7.5mm or 8.5mm |
| Material | Fibre cement |
| Use | External cladding in residential homes |
| Features | Pre-primed, monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry, strong and durable |
| Finishing | Requires specialised texture coat system and joint reinforcement |
| Installation | Easy, suitable for full wrap or composite construction designs on timber or light gauge steel-framed homes |
| Maintenance | Requires protection from sunlight and masking of exposed surfaces |
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What You'll Learn
Blueboard is a fibre cement sheet
Blueboard fibre cement sheets are pre-primed and finished on-site with a specialised texture coat system. This system includes joint reinforcement, which helps to create a decorative, monolithic rendered look. The sheets are often used as external cladding, providing a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing option for full wrap or composite construction designs on timber or light gauge steel-framed homes.
When rendering blueboard surfaces, it is important to follow specific steps to ensure a professional finish. For example, moulded strips, or beads, should be placed on the corners of the surface to be rendered, and the surface should not be wetted prior to the application of the render coating. Additionally, a heavy-duty drill mixer is recommended for large rendering jobs to ensure a consistent mix.
Blueboard fibre cement sheets offer a strong and durable option for construction projects requiring a lightweight, monolithic rendered look. With its pre-primed surface and specialised finish options, blueboard provides a convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional masonry.
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It's used as an external cladding for residential homes
Blueboard, also known as Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet, is a strong and durable fibre cement base sheet that is 7.5mm thick. It is often used as an external cladding for residential homes, renovations, and extensions. Blueboard is ideal for creating a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for heavy masonry. This lightweight alternative reduces structural and scaffolding costs, especially on second-story builds and extensions, as it eliminates the need for a bricklayer.
Blueboard is typically finished on-site using a third-party texture coat system, which includes joint reinforcement. Before rendering Blueboard, it is important to note that the surface should not be wetted prior to the application of the render coating, as this will affect adhesion. Instead, a heavy-duty drill mixer is recommended for large rendering jobs to ensure a consistent mix.
To achieve a professional finish, moulded strips, or beads, can be placed on the corners of the Blueboard surface. These beads can be attached using an approved adhesive or with a small amount of render. Additionally, a 50mm fibreglass self-adhesive tape can be applied along the joints between the sheets to prevent cracking and crazing.
Overall, Blueboard is a versatile and cost-effective option for external cladding in residential settings, offering a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional masonry.
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It's a lightweight alternative to masonry
Blueboard, also known as Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet, is a lightweight alternative to masonry. It is a strong, pre-primed 7.5mm-thick fibre cement base sheet that is finished on-site with a specialised third-party texture coat system. This system includes joint reinforcement, which helps to prevent cracking and crazing. Blueboard is ideal for use as an external cladding in residential homes, renovations, and extensions where a lightweight system with a monolithic rendered look is required.
One of the key benefits of blueboard is its weight. Because it is a lightweight alternative to masonry, blueboard reduces structural and scaffolding costs, especially on second-story builds and extensions. This is because blueboard does not require the services of a bricklayer, which is typically necessary for a building rendered brick wall.
Blueboard is also a durable option, made by James Hardie for over 20 years. It provides a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry. For an even easier solution, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding is available. This 8.5mm thick panel features a v-groove joint and has the render texture embedded in the panel.
Overall, blueboard is a strong, lightweight, and durable alternative to masonry that is ideal for use in residential homes and renovations where a lightweight system is required. It offers a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for heavy masonry materials.
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It's finished on-site with a specialised texture coat system
Blueboard, also known as Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet, is a strong and durable fibre cement base sheet that is finished on-site with a specialised texture coat system. This system allows for the creation of a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry. The blueboard is a popular choice for external cladding in residential homes, renovations, and extensions, where its lightweight nature and monolithic rendered appearance are desirable.
The process of finishing blueboard on-site involves several steps to ensure a professional and aesthetically pleasing result. Firstly, corner beading should be fixed to the external corners of the surface using an approved adhesive, ensuring straight and plumb alignment for a neat rendered finish. Moulded strips, or beads, are then placed on the corners of the surface to be rendered, providing a clean and crisp edge.
To prevent cracking and crazing, it is essential to apply a 50mm fibreglass self-adhesive tape along the joints between the sheets and other abutting structures. This tape is embedded in the joint and covered with a thin coating of render, ensuring a flush finish. The render mix should be prepared by mixing one bag of render with 4 litres of clean water, ensuring a lump-free and stiff consistency. It is recommended to use a heavy-duty drill mixer for large rendering jobs to achieve a consistent mix.
After mixing, the render should be allowed to stand for 5 minutes to activate the polymer chemicals, followed by a quick stir before application. It is crucial not to wet the blueboard before applying the render, as this will affect the adhesion of the coating. For best results, the render should be applied within 30 minutes of final mixing, and any excess render should be discarded. In warm conditions, gently mist spraying the applied render will help maintain its finishability.
Overall, the specialised texture coat system used to finish blueboard on-site involves careful preparation, mixing, and application of render, along with the use of beads and tape to ensure a professional and durable monolithic rendered finish.
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It's also known as Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet
Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet, also known as the original blue board, is a strong, pre-primed 7.5mm thick fibre cement base sheet. It is made by James Hardie and has been used for over 20 years. The sheet is finished on-site with a specialised texture coat system, including joint reinforcement.
Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet is ideal for creating a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry. It is suitable for use as an external cladding in residential homes, including renovations and extensions, where a lightweight system with a monolithic rendered look is required. The base sheet is resistant to fire, termites, rot and damage from moisture.
Installation of the Hardie™ Tex Base Sheet involves measuring, cutting, and fastening the blueboard to the framing with screws or nails. This is followed by taping and plastering the joints. Joints between blueboard sheets are covered with a special tape, and then acrylic jointing compound is applied to the joint, typically with two coats to achieve a smooth finish.
For an even easier solution, Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding can be chosen. This is an 8.5mm thick panel featuring a v-groove joint, which has the render texture embedded in the panel.
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Frequently asked questions
Blueboard is a fibre cement sheet that is 7.5mm thick. It is used as an external cladding for residential homes and home extensions.
The plastic sheet is placed on the ground to cover paths or driveways and protect the area from spilt render.
Blueboard is used to create a decorative, monolithic rendered look without the need for masonry. It is a lightweight alternative to traditional brick walls.
To render blueboard, you can use Cement Australia's Render It™ Multisurface Grey. It is important to never wet the blueboard before applying the render, as the coating will not adhere properly.
