Installation
What types of render products can I use on FireCrunch?
Although FireCrunch tends to perform very well with most standard products, drying times may vary. All standard type renders can be used with FireCrunch, Render Systems Australia. Check suppliers instructions. Render Systems Australia – Multiple Render Products Pro Plaster base TRADES 40 and – 4T Multi-Purpose topping compounds “must be used with FCA” to retain the warranty, other manufacturers products will not be warranted with FCA products. Set in usual way but use only paper tapes for interiors and exteriors to Pro plaster Mfg specs.
What types of paint can be used on FireCrunch?
Important information before painting or rendering FireCrunch MgSO4 cladding. FCA Magnesium boards require special attention to priming undercoating and painting under strict warranty provisions. Use roll on AquaCrunch primer sealer (internal only) Use Dulux Precision MAX adhesion primer undercoat Use any recommended Dulux water based paint finish or Dulux hardware decking paints
What thickness FireCrunch should I use for flooring?
FireCrunch 16mm TG is for exterior decking groove board. 19mm TG is ideal for flooring and for roof fire protection in bushfire areas to BAL FZ, over trusses before steel or tiled roofing installed.
What should I do if FireCrunch gets wet before installation?
You should do all you can to prevent FireCrunch getting wet before installation as there will be some water absorption. If this happens, don’t worry, it just means you will need to separate the hydrated boards from each other and allow to dry in a sheltered warm space, preferably with low humidity. The boards will not be damaged or degrade if handled correctly. Once dry, install and immediately before or after installation seal the exposed face of the board with the recommended “MgSO4 primer sealer – see recommended products. Once sealed you must use a undercoat that is part [...]
Should I use nails or screws to fix FireCrunch?
FireCrunch must not be nailed, using hand hammered nails, this will void the warranty. Power driven nail hammers can be used however, always extra screw fix the 4 corners and board centres, and as well use corrosive proof galvanised nails only. Take note of the recommended screws that must be used. (See Manuals & Drawings) FireCrunch Australasia warrant the board only when the correct screws and system manuals are adhered to. (See Recommended Products). Screw Fixing Steel frame: For screwing FireCrunch panels to steel framing, we recommend using ribbed head bugle self countersinking screws available from all major hardware [...]
How should FireCrunch be stored and handled?
Although FireCrunch does not degrade in water it should not be left out in the rain as there will be a low % of HYDRATION IE, absorption of water. If this does happen the board will have to be dried out before use… drying out the board will not cause warping or any loss of integrity. FireCrunch should always be stored flat in a dry undercover space on a horizontal pallet or on supports spaced at 450mm centres. It should not be stored laid directly on the ground. AND DO NOT LEAVE THE BOARD HANGING OVER THE PALLET EDGES [...]
How does FireCrunch perform in tropical, high humidity areas?
Priming sealing before painting or rendering. FireCrunch must always be sealed and finished regardless of where or how it is used, however this is particularly important in areas of high humidity. Extra care must be taken to ensure the board is sealed correctly on the face, top and exposed edges, leave the inner back rough side of board unsealed. All FireCrunch MgSO4 composite fire boards must be pre-sealed with Klaas S1 AquaCrunch (vapour Permeable” prime sealer. Failure to use this product before painting or rendering will void the warranty. Available direct wholesale from FireCrunch (Ask us). FireCrunch will not [...]
Does FireCrunch have installation manuals?
Yes, we do.Installation manuals can be found under Manuals & Drawings.Internal Walls / Floors / Ceilings / Wet Areas / Fire Rated Areas
Do I need any special tools for FireCrunch?
No special tools are required to use FireCrunch. It can be sawn, drilled, screwed and planed just like timber. USING TIMBER TOOLS. It is recommended that screw fasteners, not stud adhesives, are used when fixing the sheets in the wet areas of steel and timber framed buildings. FireCrunch is easy to work and machine with normal woodworking tools and equipment. Cut sheets with a fine tooth handsaw or power saw. Edges may be trimmed with a smoothing plane, power plane or sandpaper. Panels with thicknesses 10mm and under can be deep scored with a cutting knife and snapped along the straight [...]
Can I put wall and floor tiles on FireCrunch?
Yes. FireCrunch is not that dissimilar to fibre cement board when it comes to uses. FireCrunch has been trialled with budget tile adhesives and worked perfectly.
Plaster setting FireCrunch MgSO4 rebated edge TE10 joints
Setting the joints on FireCrunch is a simple process. It is very similar to standard plasterboard joint setting, however there are a few things to note. Base Coat – Use Pro Plaster PRO BASE 40 faster 40 minute set. (warranty). This is a specifically formulated extra bonding adhesive for embedding paper tape to FireCrunch Joints and internal angles. Tape – Use paper tape internally not fiba fuse types. External see Fire jointing instructions and use fire sealant on external wall joints. Do not use the fire sealant between internal board joints, just run 3 beads of fire sealant down face of internal stud faces prior to [...]