What are the advantages of Durapanel for a Builder Or Developer?

The key advantages of Durapanel for the builder or developer are:
1) Faster Construction. Reduce on site labour and building materials with offsite manufactured walls & ceilings structural panels. Time savings of up to 40% can be experienced with new build projects.
2) Easier. Panels are simple to install and do not require highly skilled labour on site. The panel is the finished surface. No plasterboard trades and painting can commence earlier in the process.
3) Parallel Trades. Once solid ceilings are installed, work can begin on the interior of the home while the exterior is finished. The ability for trades to work in parallel reduces the overall building timeframe.
4) Space saving. Maximise ROI from obtaining up to 6% more floor space with thinner internal walls resulting in achieving more rooms, or larger rooms in your floorplan.

What are the advantages of Durapanel for a Home Owner Or Investor?

The key advantages of Durapanel for the home owner or investor are:
1) Your home is finished faster. Attractive especially if you are renting waiting to get into your new home.
2) Durability. Solid, impact resistant panels reduce dents and damage that commonly occur in every day life, especially with children. Protect your long-term investment with a structure that requires very little ongoing maintenance.
3) D?cor and shelving can be fixed anywhere due to the solid timber walls. No need to locate studs or nogs/dwangs only to find your artwork will be off center in the lounge wall!
4) Space Saving. Due to the thinner internal walls, you will gain up to 6% more useable floor space. Where you might have struggled to have that extra toilet or wardrobe, is now possible with Durapanel.

How does the electrical wiring work in Durapanel?

For any electrical features on an external or double walls wiring is run through the cavity formed by battens or spacers.
For electrical features on internal walls the core of the panel is drilled or trenched to create a conduit for wiring to pass through. When panels are trenched a MDF cover strip is applied to the panel face which can be stopped flush with plaster compound.
The internal door jamb system is also a way for the wiring to access light switches beside the door. Refer to the link below for more information and drawings.

How does the plumbing work in Durapanel?

For any plumbing on an external or double walls plumbing is run through the cavity formed by battens or spacers.
For plumbing on an internal wall, a Plumbing Service Wall can be created with either a 45mm or 70mm cavity, overlaid with another 18mm Durapanel Lining.
Another option for hot/cold plumbing on internal walls is that the panel can be face trenched to create a conduit for the hot/cold to pass through. When panels are trenched a MDF cover strip is applied to the panel face which can be stopped flush with plaster compound. Waste pipes will have to go out through the floor with this method, and hidden in the vanity cabinetry.
Refer to the link below for more information and drawings.

Is Durapanel BRANZ Appraised?

Durapanel is Branz Appraised (Appraisal No. 1202 (2021)) which demonstrates that the Durapanel system comprising wall & ceiling panels and connections if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with this technical manual and the BRANZ appraisal will meet the following provisions of the NZ Building Code – B1 Structure, B2 Durability, F2 Hazardous Building Materials. The BRANZ Appraisal is an Alternative Solution in terms of the NZ Building Code Compliance.

What insulation can be used in the Durapanel Exterior Wall batten space?

Any 70mm insulation product, but we recommend 70mm Mammoth which is moisture resistant & give R2.3 finish wall value.
Recommended product – 75mm Mammoth Semi Rigid Polyester Insulation R2.0
Expol, XPS, PIR or similar products may be used but consideration must be given to electrical cable insulation compatibility.
See link for more information.

Can the latest insulation standards be achieved using Durapanel?

The insulation standards under H1 are changing from May 2023 and the minimum construction R value will be R2.0 across all climate zones. Durapanel walls using 70×45 exterior wall battens can still achieve this and comply with the schedule method, using products like R1.8 Expol 60mm or R2.0 Mammoth 70mm wall insulation. Where a building doesn?t meet the criteria for the schedule method it will need to be modelled using the calculation method with Design Navigator or BRANZ tool. There are other higher performing 70mm insulation products on the market that will increase the thermal performance of walls if higher R-values are desired.
See below for more information.
Please call Durapanel on 0800 387 272, or email [email protected] with any Technical queries.

What 'R' rating can be achieved with Durapanel Walls?

Durapanel walls will achieve an R Value greater than R 2.0 when constructed in accordance with the standard Durapanel specifications as set out in the Durapanel Technical Manual. However depending on the type of insulation used and the configuration of the external batten cavity ‘R’ Values greater than R 4.0 – R 6.0 can be achieved. Refer to the below link to find out more.

What is Durapanel made from?

Durapanel uses Triboard for its panel products, which is a 3-layer structural panel with a robust Strand-board core & smooth fibreboard face providing the perfect solution for a strong, high quality and low maintenance interior surface. Wall & ceiling panels are cut to exact dimensions in the Durapanel factory, including window, doorway, and electrical cut-outs, using CNC technology to guarantee accuracy and ease of assembly once delivered to site. Durapanel is accredited by ACTRANZ for supply of Triboard panels. Only panels which have been supplied by an accredited remanufacturer may be used as housing components.

What's the difference between Durapanel and Metrapanel?

Durapanel is a 3-layered panel with a wood strand core (real wood flakes, similar to OSB – Oriented Strand Board) sandwiched with resins between an MDF outer ?skin?. The result is a paint ready panel that has high resilience and impact resistance and greater stiffness than other similar products. The dimensionally stable core provides superb load bearing and screw holding, and the MDF surfaces give a smooth finish for painting or overlaying.
Metrapanel is derived from particle board, which is wood fiber rather than strands, and pressed together with resins.
Due to the strength of Durapanel, windows and doors can be CNC cut in the factory and transported to site, and therefore don’t have to be cut out onsite. Factory attached battens, fixings, brackets and tapes are also applied to Durapanel in the factory to minimize time on site.

What type of floor is required for Durapanel?

The Durapanel system is suitable to be installed on both Timber & Concrete floor systems. Typical foundation details, timber subfloor framing, and concrete slab foundation details shall be as per NZS3604:2011, or other flooring systems of equivalent strength e.g. Codemark or engineered floor system.

Do you need a hiab or crane for installing Durapanel?

It is advised to use suitable lifting machinery such as Hiab, Cranes, fork-lifts etc, using appropriately trained operators and implement adequate safety procedures and use certified lifting clamps, slings and guide-ropes to support panels during erection.

Can Durapanel Ceilings be used with traditional timber frame walls?

Durapanel ceiling panels are not limited to using in conjunction with 36mm Durapanel walls, and as per section 8.1 of the Durapanel technical manual can also be laid across the top of timber framed walls.
The ceiling system is described in the Durapanel Technical Manual (Section 8 -detail 8.10). Supporting walls do not have to be constructed using the Durapanel System. Section 1: Scope and Compliance (section 1.4) describes the system as suitable for dwellings and similar buildings within the scope outlined in clause 1.1.2 of NZS3604. This is interpreted that components of buildings (e.g. ceilings and/or walls) are compatible and can be used in conjunction with other systems taken from other building standards (e.g. NZS3604)

How do I install Durapanel?

Refer to the Site Installation Guide for the correct methods of installing Durapanel.

Who can install or build with Durapanel?

To maintain a satisfactory standard of quality and as a requirement of the Durapanel Warranty, panels may only be installed under the direct supervision of a Licenced Building practitioner, who has had prior training and approval by Durapanel to install the system.
Licensed Builders wanting to become approved installers of the product should apply to Durapanel ahead of starting any projects.

Can you have a 90mm batten on the exterior wall?

No problem to have a 90mm batten on the exterior wall, instead of a standard 70mm batten. See detail 5.43 of the Durapanel Technical Manual. A counter sunk screw is required. 90mm battens can be pre-attached offsite in the factory also.

What is the best way to rebate an acrylic shower tray into the Durapanel wall?

Rebates into the panel can be precut in the factory using CNC technology.
Rebate should be 40mm higher that the upstand so a 40×10 H3 timber bead with silicone can be inserted hard down on top of tray upstand to protect the panel.
Also it is best to apply primer (ideally waterproof material) over the cut Durapanel board.
The shower lining will then come down over the tray upstand.

Can you sit a gable end truss out over the battens?

Yes this method of forming a gable end is acceptable, although recommended solution is for the gable end truss to sit over the Durapanel wall, rather than the batten, and then pack the truss out to the batten (building) line. Specific scenarios may be different, refer to Section 6 for Gable end solutions.

What is the fire rating of a Durapanel wall?

A fire rating is derived from the type of system used. Durapanel has a 60/60/60 Load bearing intertenancy wall system and 90/90/90 for non-loadbearing intertenancy wall system.

Can you build 3 storey with Durapanel?

Yes three storey can be achieved, however the design of the structure will have to be engineered as the scope of the Construction Manual and BRANZ Appraisal only covers up to two storey construction.

What insulation is recommended between Durapanel Intertenancy walls?

Glass wool 75mm noise control blanket (i.e. Pink Batts Silencer Acoustic Insulation Blanket R1.9)

Can you Sqaure Stop Durapanel Ceilings to Durapanel Wall joins?

Yes, Durapanel Ceilings can be square stopped to Durapanel Walls. It is important that the Durapanel is below 15% moisture level so there is no further movement. You will need to follow the same process as the wall panel joins where the surface is primed and cemkey bonding agent is applied. Refer to Durapanel Technical Manual for further information.

In Wet Areas, can you waterproof straight onto Durapanel?

Yes waterproofing can be applied direct to the surface of the panel providing the surface is even and clean. Ensure any rebates for brackets/conduits are stopped/plastered flush. Waterproofing membrane needs to be suitable for use on a timber substrate, check with the waterproofing membrane supplier.

Shower liners can also be glued directly onto the Durapanel.

Do the Durapanel Solid Panels release toxins and are they harmful?

Durapanel wall and ceiling panels are manufactured using melamine urea formaldehyde and pMDI resins in the formula. During fabrication or remanufacture panels are sealed resulting in the finished product encapsulating any off-gassing of these products. Any emissions (even before painting) meets the E-Zero classification when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4266.16:2004

According to BRANZ appraisal 481 and BRANZ Appraisal 1202 the Durapanel System meets the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials (Performance F2.3.1) The system will meet this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

What are the dimensions and weight of Durapanel?

36mm Wall Panels:
Max size = 4000 x 2450
Weight = 220KG
18mm Ceiling Panels:
Max size = 4000 x 2450
Weight = 110KG
Refer to the Durapanel Technical Manual for more information.