Purpose of Document
This document is intended to help Designers, Builders and Building Consent Authority (B.C.A.) Building Officials who want to ensure that saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm rigid air barrier lining is specified, installed, and performs correctly as a thermally broken rigid air barrier lining.
The following instructions within this document are important to ensure correct product use and the ongoing support of the manufacturer's warranty.
What is saveBOARD betterBRACE™ 7mm?
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is a composite panel manufactured in Hamilton, NZ for New Zealand conditions as a bracing element and/or rigid air barrier.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is a multi-layer rigid air barrier system available in New Zealand for timber frames. The composition is made from 7mm saveBOARD composite panel, then once installed on the frame is covered with either a flexible underlay or joints taped.
The finished building gets protection from the weather during your building process and replaces traditional building wrap. When compared to similar products it is more cost effective, easy to install, lightweight, makes your house warmer, stronger and quieter.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm meets the requirements of Table C.2.1.1 of E2/AS1 from the compliance document for the NZ Building Code (NZBC).
Designer and Installer Qualification and Skill level
Where saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is specified / installed, the designer/installers should have the appropriate skills and knowledge of the product and, where necessary, the qualification required by law.
Please Note:
The design and installation of saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm relates to building work that forms part of the primary structure and weathertight envelope of a building which is Restricted Building Work (RBW). RBW must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). It is also neccessary to obtain building consent before the commencement of work. Failure to do so is an offence under the Building Act 2004.
Technical Support
This document must be read in conjunction with the saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm specification document. Please refer to saveBOARD 7mm specifications and details, which are easily downloaded from the saveBOARD website.
For product maintenance and warranty requirements, please refer to the guidance on the saveBOARD website (betterBRACE Rigid Air Barrier).
saveBOARD provides technical support for the full range of saveBOARD products. By visiting Technical Literature, you can access all the latest information regarding our products, including:
Product Assurance Supplier Statement (PASS), Installation Guide, Certifications.
Product Information
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is a unique structural composite panel made from 98% upcycled materials. The core of the product is made from shredded and compressed composite packaging, giving the user a sustainable and superior performing product.
The manufacturing process of the panel does not involve glues, resins, or other biological or environmentally harmful products – however we do use a PVA glue to adhere the board to the polystyrene thermal break. During construction or in-service use, it does not create toxic dust, vapours, or other potentially harmful inhalants Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.C.'s) or Formaldehydes.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is a semi-vapour permeable rigid air barrier specifically designed for use with timber framing. It is finished with a moisture-resistant facer on one side and facing paper on the internal side.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is manufactured in New Zealand for exclusive use. Please refer to the saveBOARD Product Assurance Supplier Statement for compliance with relevant performance clauses of the New Building Code.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm sheet sizes are as follows:
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2450mm x 1200mm x 7mm
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2750mm x 1200mm x 7mm
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3050mm x 1200mm x 7mm
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Custom cut up to 6000mm (special order, min x 30)
Performance Summary
The high-level performance and Environmental credentials of saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is displayed below for quick reference. The document goes into further details on design and installation requirements to ensure that betterBRACE 7mm is correctly used.
Not Perfect
betterBRACE is made from 98% recycled composite packaging. Please note that the surface may look marked, or even mouldy. This appearance is simply the colour in the recycled packaging that can be seen through the moisture resistant face. The colour can get embedded into the surface during manufacture when heat and pressure are applied. This does not affect the performance of the product in any way. saveBOARD products also have a dimensional tolerance of +/- 1mm.
NZBC Building Compliance Approval
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm has been evaluated as an ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION material through testing to the reference standards in the NZ ACCEPTABLE SOLUTIONS for the following New Zealand Building Code clauses:
B1 structure Performance Clauses B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3 (b, f, h), B1.3.4
B2 Durability Performance Clauses B2.3.1(a); B2.3.2
E2 External moisture Performance Clauses E2.3.2 (contributes to), E2.3.5 (contributes to), E2.3.6 (contributes to), E2.3.7
F2 Hazardous building materials Performance clauses F2.3.1
H1 Energy efficiency Performance Clauses H1.3.1 (b) (contributes to)
Working safely with saveBOARD
All saveBOARD products are safe to work and live with.
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saveBOARD can be cut, drilled, and sanded in the same manner and methods as most wood-based products.
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saveBOARD products do not contain materials that are known to cause cancer if work-related dust is inhaled.
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saveBOARD cutting activities do not generate harmful dust, but we recommend you always follow Health & Safety best practices to reduce or limit inhalation.
Safety recommendations for working with saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm
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We recommend cutting is completed outside or in a well-ventilated area.
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ALWAYS wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We recommend minimum PPE of Safety glasses – Hearing protection – Dusk mask. When working near others, instruct them to also wear PPE. Always use the right tool(s), following the manufacturer's safety recommendation.
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The front face of betterBRACE has a facing material for external exposure. The installer should wear gloves & covered sleeves during the installation along with the minimum PPE. Repeated rubs on bare skin can cause irritation. We recommend carrying sheets with the paper side against the body to minimise contact with skin.
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Refer to saveBOARD Material Safety Data Sheet for further details.
Cutting – Hand saw and Power tools
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm can be cut in the same manner and methods as most wood-based products.
STEP 1 - Using a standard carpentry pencil, mark the cut line on the saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm Hand-Cut - For handsaw cutting, a standard 500mm Handsaw with a > 7 Teeth Per Inch (T.P.I.) is suitable.
STEP 2 - For accurate cutting, it is always recommended that the cut is made with a power saw running against a fixed straight edge. Power Cut - For power saw cutting, a circular saw with > 1200w motor fitted with a standard ripping blade > 40 Teeth is suitable.
STEP 3 - Clean up the cut with a sandpaper block/ 80 Grade sandpaper or as required. *For all cutting, always follow the tool manufacturer's safety recommendations.
Drilling – Hole forming – For smooth, clean-cut circular holes:
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm can be drilled in the same manner and methods as most wood-based products.
STEP 1 - Mark the centre of the hole required on the sheet.
STEP 2 - Using a 3 – 5mm standard drill bit, pre-drill a central 'pilot' hole.
STEP 3 – Using the pilot hole as a guide, cut the hole with the hole saw that is correct for the hole size required. It is recommended to use a heavy-duty power drill, but a battery drill with sufficient power can achieve a good result.
T.I.P. – Allow the hole saw to cut. Do not apply excessive pressure as this may damage the back of the board upon exit.
Always follow the tool manufacturer's safety recommendations.
Sanding
Clean up cut edges with a sandpaper block /80 Grade Sandpaper or as required.
Seal
All cut edges MUST be sealed with an acrylic undercoat sealer.
Handling and Storage
Safe handling in transport and storage on-site is essential for worker's safety and protection of saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm.
When manually handling saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm ensure the panels are lifted correctly. For safety, we recommend a minimum of 2 people.
Where multiple pallets are stacked, all storage bearers must align to the ground. For safe working, it is not advisable to stack materials above chest height on-site and materials should always remain restrained to protect against high wind exposure.
Do not store betterBRACE outdoors without protective waterproofing. betterBRACE is intended for external use, but whilst laid flat on a pallet water will migrate between the layers that could lead to delamination between the board and polystyrene backing. betterBRACE should be stored flat on suitable bearers under protective waterproofing with a minimum of 50mm clearance from the ground and water sources. The spacing between the bearers should be no more than 600mm apart. If not stored correctly claims for damaged product will not be accepted.
It is good to trade practice to allow sheet materials to climatize to the site conditions for 48 hours prior to Installation.
Standard Installation
Installation Scope
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is suitable for use as a rigid air barrier for buildings up to and including E.H. wind zone within the scope of NZS 3604 and E2/AS1, not exceeding 10 metres in height for bracing applications, follow the saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm bracing details specified in this installation guide. Bracing with rigid air barriers can only be achieved when fixed directly to the frame. The board must be fixed in accordance with the bracing details of all framing.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm must always be fixed directly to the framing, the vertical face joints and bottom edge must be sealed with acrylic undercoat sealer if cut on site.
The cladding systems used over saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm must satisfy the various performance requirements of the NZBC E2 (Accepted or Alternative Solution) saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm is suitable for use behind NZBC E2/AS1 complying cladding systems approved by a B.C.A.
The cladding system must not be directly fixed to saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm and must be installed by incorporating a ventilated cavity E2/AS1 type cladding system.
Support Framing
All support timber framing shall comply with NZS 3604 or comply with the Specific Engineering Design (S.E.D.) requirements.
All frame durability treatments must comply with NZBC B2/AS1. saveBOARD does not recommend board installation (Externally or Internally) on very wet timber framing. It is the builder's responsibility to ensure that framing is confirmed at a moisture content < 16% before internal linings are applied. This is a saveBOARD warranty requirement.
90 x 45mm minimum timber framing size is the minimum recommended for fixing saveBOARD betterBRACE. It is the designer's responsibility to ensure that the framing and the saveBOARD substrate are suitable for installing the selected cladding.
Table 1. Structural framing stud set out
Limitations
Steel fixings and fastenings must be in accordance with Section 4.4 Steel Fixings and Fastenings, NZS 3604:2011 in particular Table 4.3 Nails or screw use.
Vertical Installation and Joints
All saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm sheets must be installed vertically (stencil facing outwards), with an expansion gap between the sheet edges of 2-4mm required. This includes external and internal vertical corner joints.
All vertical board joints should be fully supported by vertical timber studs. Any horizontal joints or cut-outs within a sheet should be supported by solid blocking of the same gauge as the studs.
Steel fixings and fastenings exposure category must be in accordance with Section 4.4 Steel Fixings and Fastenings, NZS 3604:2011, in particular table 4.1.
The bottom edge of sheets must overhang below the bottom plate by 15 – 20mm. The bottom sheet edge must remain a minimum of 100mm clearance (150mm recommended) to the ground and saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm should not be in contact or exposed to standing water during construction.
Horizontal Joints
For wall heights greater than 3050 mm or the custom length used, horizontal wall joints are permitted, provided the panel joint is over solid blocking of the same gauge as the studs.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm fixings
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm must be installed with its fiberglass side facing out towards the external cladding. The fiberglass applied on the face helps the board to drain the moisture freely over the face and keeps it dry. To retain board integrity, all nail fixings must finish flush with the board surface.
Bracing and Non-Bracing fixings
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm must be fixed with ring shank nails. Tables 2 & 3 below lists the recommended fixing types.
Nail fixings must be 2.8mm x 50mm Galvanized Ring Shank Nails to provide the minimum bracing capacity required.
Fixing Durability
Structural fixings are a critical component of a building system. To comply with the NZBC B2 Durability requirements, all structural fixings must have the same level of Durability as required for a structural wall system. Tables 2 and 3 list fixings suitable fixings for NZBC Corrosion Zones A-C only.
It is the designer's responsibility to confirm exposure requirements for individual projects. When such corrosion risks as Sea Spray or Geothermal exposure exist, it will be necessary to increase the fixing Durability to Stainless steel type or equivalent to the satisfaction of the B.C.A.
Bottom Plate Fixing
Use GIB HandiBrac® hold-down connections at each end of the bracing element. Install in accordance with the installation instructions supplied with the connectors and follow instructions for the recommended fastenings to be used for either concrete or timber floors. Within the length of the bracing element, bottom plates are to be fixed in accordance with the requirements of NZS 3604.
System 4: saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm
400 x 2400 mm wall using GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets (or similar)
Wall construction:
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90 x 45 MSG8 studs.
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saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm panel one side.
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Fixings: 2.8mm x 50mm Galv Ring Shank Gun Nails at 150 mm centres around the perimeter.
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GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets fixed to each end-to end studs and to bottom plate with concrete hold downs as per manufacturer’s specifications.
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Tested on a concrete floor with M12 hold down bolts.
System 5: saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm
600 x 2400 mm wall using GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets (or similar)
Wall construction:
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90 x 45 MSG8 studs.
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saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm panel one side.
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Fixings: 2.8mm x 50mm Galv Ring Shank Gun Nails at 150 mm centres around the perimeter.
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GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets fixed to each end-to end studs and to bottom plate with concrete hold downs as per manufacturer’s specifications.
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Tested on a concrete floor with M12 hold down bolts.
System 6: saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm
1200 x 2400 mm wall using GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets (or similar)
Wall construction:
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90 x 45 MSG8 studs.
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saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm panel one side.
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Fixings: 2.8mm x 50mm Galv Ring Shank Gun Nails at 150 mm centres around the perimeter.
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GIB HandiBrac® hold down brackets fixed to each end-to end studs and to bottom plate with concrete hold downs as per manufacturer’s specifications.
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Tested on a concrete floor with M12 hold down bolts.
BRACING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm may be used as a bracing element with structural timber framing systems that comply with New Zealand Building Code.
Scope of use
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm bracing may be used for:
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New buildings construction; and
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Alterations to existing buildings.
For alterations to existing buildings, the designer/builder must satisfy themselves that the existing subframe/structure is suitable to achieve the desired bracing performance, and the saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm BU/m must be considered indicative only when applied to the existing structure.
Bracing Design requirements
When specifying saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm as a design bracing element, it is the designer's responsibility to confirm the following site-specific conditions:
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Environmental exposure zone
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Wind zone
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Critical structural design input (Wind and Earthquake loads) as applicable to the wall bracing calculations required
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Structural framing specification requirements
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Suitable durability treatment for structural frames/substrate
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Suitable design and specification for an NZBC compliant cladding and roof system
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All other matters that may affect performance
Specification for Extra High Wind Zone
Wind zones: Extra High.
Wind pressure: Up to 4.5 kPa U.L.S.
Substrate structural fixings: saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm installation must be as per the instructions in this manual. Bracing elements can be achieved effectively by using all current New Zealand Building Code approved mechanical fixing strap, bracket, and hold down systems (Pryda, HandiBrac, Mitek, etc.).
Substrate framing - Timber: Wall stud spacing must not exceed 400 mm centres for EH Wind Zones as per Table 2 & 3. Prior to internal lining installation, the structural framing moisture content is recommended to be ≤ 16%.
Bracing Sheet service penetrations: Service penetrations holes must not exceed 100mm x 100mm in dimension or 150mm diameter maximum. Penetrations are limited to a maximum of 2 holes per sheet, and multiple penetrations must be a minimum of 750mm apart. Penetrations are not to be located within the top 150mm or bottom 250mm of a bracing sheet.
Sheet Installation and fixing: Must be strictly in accordance with the instructions in this guide.
JOINT TREATMENT, OPENINGS AND PENETRATIONS
Option A: Over-fix with Synthetic Wall Wrap/Underlay
betterBRACE can be over-fixed with a synthetic underlay within 30 days, to achieve a 90-day exposure duration before cladding installation as per the wall wrap manufacturers specification. Once the building is enclosed with betterBRACE and signed off by council (if required), it allows the builder to install the internal linings at the same time as claddings. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for fixing over a rigid air barrier. When over-fixing a wall underlay joints do not need to be taped but all openings and penetrations must be sealed.
If the underlay is torn or punctured, the damaged area must be patched with flashing tape or additional wrap overlaid (ship lapped) with an overlap of at least 150mm.
Leave window and door openings covered (diagram 9) until the joinery is ready to be installed. Cut the underlay and install flashing tape when the joinery has arrived and is ready to be installed (diagram 10).
Recommended Underlays
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Thermakraft Watergate Plus
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Marshalls Tekton Building Wrap
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Proclima Tescon Extora, Tescon Extoseal and Solitex Extasana Adhero.
Sealing Site Cut Edges
All cut edges made on site must be sealed with an acrylic undercoat sealer before wrapping.
Penetrations
Service penetrations (including cabling) must be sealed with a flexible flashing tape providing a minimum of 100mm cover beyond the joint or penetration or a penetration seal.
Service penetrations through saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm and a wall underlay must slope to the outside (Angle of > 5°).
The flashing tape or penetration seal must be installed with a minimum of 25mm cover projecting around the pipe and 100mm minimum surface adhesion to the underlay surrounding the penetration.
Recommended Penetration Studs
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Thermakraft OneSeal
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Marshalls Trade Seal
Window/Door Openings
The surface must be free of dust and dirt and must be dry before applying any tape. Use a minimum of 150mm wide tape and refer to the tape manufacturer installation instructions for full details.
Check that the flashing tape being used is compatible with the wall underlay. Extend the flashing tape from the corner in both directions a minimum of 200mm, or further if required, to ensure all exposed framing and the exposed edge of betterBRACE has been covered. As best practice, it is recommended that the full opening is taped.
Use a strip of tape 75mm x 150mm across all corners at a 45 degree angle (butterfly strip). Apply first, under the tape used to seal the opening on the bottom of the opening. On the top corners, apply the butterfly strips over the top sealing tape, pushing the tape into the corners of the opening. This provides a secondary measure of protection in the corners.
Recommended Flashing Tapes
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Thermakraft Thermaflash
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Marshalls SuperStick Building Tape
Option B: Tape Joints and Penetrations
betterBRACE joints and penetrations can be tapped to achieve a 30-day exposure duration before cladding installation. All vertical board joints and openings must be sealed to stop the moisture ingress into the framing behind betterBRACE. Once the building is enclosed with betterBRACE and signed off by council (if required), it allows the builder to install the internal linings at the same time as claddings. The vertical joints must be sealed with a minimum of a compatible 75mm wide joint tape applied with even coverage to both sheets.
Jointing Tape
The following products are recommended:
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Thermakraft Premium Joining Tape
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Marshall Superstick
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SIGA Wigluv
It is important to follow the joint tape manufacturers' recommendations regarding the installation of their jointing tapes in specific climatic conditions and substrate preparation. We recommend the use of a firm rubber roller to ensure firm and even pressure resulting in the correct bond when installing the joint tape to the saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm surface.
Any horizontal joints or service penetrations should be sealed with a suitable flexible flashing tape or a penetration seal providing a minimum of 100mm cover beyond the joint or penetration.
Penetrations
Service penetrations (including cabling) must be sealed with a flexible flashing tape providing a minimum of 100mm cover beyond the joint or penetration or a penetration seal.
Service penetrations through saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm and a wall underlay must slope to the outside (Angle of > 5°).
Sealing Site Cut Edges
All cut edges made on site must be sealed with an acrylic undercoat sealer.
Installing Window/Door Openings
The surface of the betterBRACE 7mm must be free of dust and dirt and must be dry before applying any tape. Refer to the tape manufacturer installation instructions for full details.
Using a recommended flashing tape or sealing tape seal the full opening to cover all exposed timber of joinery openings.
Using a minimum 150mm wide tape, apply to the timber frame as per manufacturers instruction, wrap the tape a minimum of 60mm on to the face of the betterBRACE 7mm.
Use a strip of tape 75mm x 150mm across all corners at a 45-degree angle (butterfly strip). Apply first, under the tape used to seal the opening on the bottom of the opening. On the top corners, apply the butterfly strips over the top sealing tape, pushing the tape into the corners of the opening. This provides a secondary measure of protection in the corners.
saveBOARD betterBRACE 7mm: Fixings
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
saveBOARD is committed to a sustainable future. We hold many of the common industry environmental certifications & labels. Ultimately, we can provide transparency to our clients and customers on how we make our saveBOARD products. We have provided relevant additional information below:
Designing Out Waste
We are focused on several initiatives that design out waste in the built environment, these include:
💲Free Return Service: Send back off-cuts and end-of-life products to be remanufactured into new materials. It costs less than landfill and better for the planet.
🛠️Cut-to-Length Service: Only pay for what you need, saving money and reducing on-site labour for cutting sheets.
🚪Recycling Manufacturing Waste: Our side trimmings and reject boards are continuously recycled into new saveBOARD products, its just something we do.
🌏Soft Plastics Recycling: We offer free soft plastics recycling to all our clients, providing a comprehensive site-wide solution not just saveBOARD focused.
GreenStar Credits
The use of saveBOARD products will earn, or contribute towards earning, Green Star credits in the following Green Star categories:
Credit 19: Life Cycle Impacts
saveBOARD are low-carbon products. We have 5x EPDs covering 6x products, which are registered on EPD Australasia website. The global warming potential of our products ranges from -4.3 to -10.1 kgCO2e/m2 for A1-3 including biogenic carbon attached to the original fibre packaging.
Credit 21: Sustainable Products
Only one of following Credits may be claimed per product ie saveBOARD products currently meet 3 out the 4 requirements, but you can only claim against one requirement.
21B: Sustainable content
saveBOARD products contain 99% recycled content.
21C: EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)
Our EPDs are available on our website (EPD).
21D: Third Party
Certified by Eco Choice Aotearoa, and GECA Ecolabel both Level A certifiers.
21E: Stewardship Program
saveBOARD has a Product Steward Program that will qualify for this criterion.
Credit 22: Construction and Demolition Waste
Credits for this clause are claimed for the total amount across the project. Soft plastic waste generated on site can be collected and sent to saveBOARD to use in the manufacture of new board. This can be included in the overall total.
HomeStar (NZ Specific)
Homestar is New Zealand's leading holistic sustainability certification for new home design and construction. The use of saveBOARD products will contribute towards earning Homestar Points in the following categories:
EN2 Embodied Carbon
For use in your calculations the embodied carbon of saveBOARD products is 0.11 kgCO2e/kg.
EN3 Sustainable Materials
Up to 10 points are available where at least 50% of the material content is reused, eco-preferred or responsibly sourced materials. When calculating enter saveBOARD products in category (6), measured in m2.
EN4 Construction Waste Minimisation
Minimising Waste
saveBOARD products are available cut to length (minimum quantities apply). This will reduce off cuts during installation.
Onsite Sorting
Soft Plastics can be sorted and returned to saveBOARD to be remanufactured into new board. Ask us for a copy of “Accepted Plastics”.
Waste Diversion
As above, soft plastic waste can be recycled with saveBOARD. Any off cuts can also be returned to be manufactured into new boards.
Declare Label
Declare is a database of non-toxic, sustainably sourced building products that meet the stringent requirements of the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge.
Declare label is available for all saveBOARD products. Declare is like a nutritional label for building products, offering specifiers, contractors and building users insight into the ingredients used in the manufacture of building products. All saveBOARD products have all achieved Red List Free status.
Environmental Labels - Eco Choice Aotearoa
Eco Choice Aotearoa is New Zealand's official ecolabel. More than listing sustainable products for green homes or businesses, Eco Choice's Type I ecolabel offers strong, independent proof of environmental best practice for those products and services that bear the mark.