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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

From your local Unitex office and /or Local Stockist. Also on line. » click here

You can contact the Unitex office on 1800 RENDER. You can also send us your plan online (free plan quote service) via our website.

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.

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 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)

Approx. 8kg m2

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.

Unitex Base Board 75mm has been tested with various plasterboard situations.  The results of these tests are downloadable below.

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