MULTI-PURPOSE FIBER CEMENT PANELS Guide Finex: Solid by Nature Finex Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fiber cement specialty products for construction and restoration and offers a complete line of high-end panels designed by a team of highly qualified engineers intended for general construction purposes. Finex fiber cement is a unique composite of reinforced synthetic fibers. Finex fiber cement panels are laboratory tested and meet the standards and criteria established by ISO 9002, ASTM, CCMC, ULC and the NBC National Building Code (reports available upon request). Finex s multi-purpose fiber cement panels are durable, weather-resistant, impact-resistant and fire-resistant. They are easy to handle, cut and install. Finex fiber cement panels are ideally suited for covering floors, balconies, patios, walls and ceilings and are perfect used as heat screens behind free-standing fireplaces and stoves. They can also be used for protecting the exterior insulation of foundation walls, providing noise insulation or as support boards for roof assembly (reports and installation guides available upon request). When used for balconies and patios, Finex panels are unique in that they can be attached to supports which are a maximum of 16 center to center. They require no special protective treatment and can be coated with paint (water-based, 100% latex/acrylic, alkaline-resistant) or with Finissime primer and finishing products. List of tools and materials required for installation: q Knife for scoring, or power saw with a masonry blade or a Carborundum blade q Caulking gun q Drill, drill bits and milling machine q Screws appropriate for substrate material q Chalk line q Level q Measuring tape q Protective goggles q Dust mask q Square q Wood rasp, file or Carborundum stone q Trowel q Waterproofing tape q Adhesive sealant and finishing composite PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Finex fiber cement panels are durable and resistant to humidity, cold, freezing conditions, impact, sun exposure and fire. They are ideal for covering outdoor surfaces such as balconies and patios. Finex panels can stand up to all climate conditions without risk of alteration. Once the panels have been properly screwed into place and their joints filled with caulking, they do not require any additional protective treatment. Available Sizes: 4 x 4 x 6 mm (approx. 1/4 ) 4 x 8 x 6 mm (approx. 1/4 ) 4 x 8 x 12 mm (approx. 1/2 ) 4 x 10 x 12 mm (approx. 1/2 ) General Use 6 mm (approx. 1/4 ) panels are preferable when installing vertically and 12 mm (approx. 1/2 ) panels are best when installing horizontally, except in the case of high-impact (vertical) walls where 12 mm (approx. 1/2 ) panels are recommended.
FLOORS, BALCONIES AND PATIOS Joists must be in perfect condition for panels to be securely installed. Apply waterproofing tape over wooden supports. Install the panels on the framework with joists spaced 12 or 16 apart center to center. Perforate the panel beforehand. Account for a 3/4 space (minimum) around the edge of the framework for screwing. Space screws 12 apart along the joists. Cutting Finex panels are easy to handle and install. Cut the panels to the desired size in an open and wellventilated area using a power saw with a masonry blade or a Carborundum blade. Safety goggles and a dust mask are recommended. Power saw with a masonry blade or a Carborundum blade. Pre-drill a traced circle and knock out with a hammer. 12 -spaced joists 16 -spaced joists Screwing pattern Note : To prevent water accumulation on the surface of the panels, leave a slope of at least 1/8 for water drainage away from the building. THE FIBER CEMENT TREND Long considered a material restricted to structural applications, fiber cement is now used for interior architectural and design purposes. It is coveted for its durability and the fact that it is impact-resistant, weather-resistant and fire-resistant. A wise and reassuring choice, this exceptional material lends comfort and style to any home. Photo : leclairphoto.com Library and national archives of Quebec
FLOORS, BALCONIES AND PATIOS Fastening Finex fiber cement panels must be fastened using screws appropriate for the substrate material. Ensure that screws penetrate at least 3/4 into the substrate. BUILDING BALCONY 48 DEEP OR LESS ON-SITE BEVELLING Drill holes using a bit with a diameter at least 1/16 bigger than the diameter of the screw to be used. Countersink screws 1/16 and fill with finishing compound. Leave a space of 1/8 to 1/4 between the panels and fill the space with caulking before placing and fastening the next panel. UNLIMITED SLOPE TOP VIEW OF BALCONY AA SECTION AA SECTION BB SECTION STEEL STRUCTURE 1 (max) WOODEN STRUCTURE Apply a generous amount of adhesive sealant (allow overflowing). Let dry and remove excess using a blade. BUILDING BALCONY 48 DEEP OR MORE For a smoother finish, bevel exterior edges using a file, rasp or Carborundum stone. SLOPE UNLIMITED TOP VIEW OF BALCONY AA SECTION STEEL STRUCTURE BB SECTION WOODEN STRUCTURE Apply adhesive sealant. FLAT 12 MM PANELS (APPROX. 1/2 ) OVER STEEL DECK BUILDING Install next panel. SLOPE UNLIMITED NOTE: Adhesive sealants and/or finishing primers or products do not constitute a waterproofing system. If a waterproofing system is required, it must be installed before the Finex panels. TOP VIEW OF BALCONY CC SECTION DD SECTION STEEL STRUCTURE
WALLS, CEILINGS AND HEAT SCREENS Description Finex fiber cement panels are durable, weather-resistant and impact-resistant. They are a permanent and worry-free covering for your walls and ceilings. Because they are fire-resistant, they are ideally suited for protecting heatsensitive walls, including those behind free-standing fireplaces and stoves. Ideal for any of the following applications: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements Cornices, eaves, gables, verandas, canopies and other semi-exposed soffits Garages, workshops and sheds Heat screens WALLS AND CEILINGS Framing must be constructed in accordance with local building codes. Walls must be flat, uniform, dry and free of dirt, dust and grease. Wood Framing Walls Joists must be straight, of equal size and properly aligned. Supports for Finex panels must be spaced a maximum of 16 center to center in areas of high humidity and a maximum of 24 center to center for all other applications. Wood Framing Ceilings Joists and rafters must be spaced a maximum of 24 center to center. If this spacing exceeds 24 center to center, laths must be placed in a perpendicular direction under the joists or rafters, 18 center to center. Lath dimensions for joists spaced more than 24 center to center are as follows: Metal Steel Structure Walls and Ceilings For interior walls that are not subject to excessive structural movement, follow the instructions provided by the metal framing manufacturer. Supports should never be spaced more than 24 center to center when using Finex panels for bearing and non-bearing walls. Laths should never be spaced more than 18 center to center. Fastening See fastening instructions for FLOORS, BALCONIES AND PATIOS. NOTE: Do NOT countersink screws when working with fiber cement panels 6 mm (approx. 1/4 ) thick. Positioning pattern Walls Locate joints of panels on center line to ensure sufficient vertical edge fastening with screws. Avoid aligning panel joints with door and window corners or openings to prevent cracking due to shifting of the framing. Note: Vertical structures subject to side impact require the use of fiber cement panels that are 12 mm (approx. 1/2 ) thick. Ceilings Panels must be fastened perpendicular to the joists or laths. The joints of the panels must be aligned with the center of the joists or laths. Note: If joists or rafters are spaced more than 24 center to center, place laths perpendicular to the joists, spacing them 18 center to center. Fasten ceiling panels to the laths. Add as needed. Joists (center to center) 24 to 36 36 to 48 Lath dimensions 2 x 2 3 x 2 Fasten panels to supports only. All supports must be spaced a maximum of 24 center to center.
HEAT SCREENS Walls must be flat, uniform, dry and free of dirt, dust and grease. Furring strips Existing wall Install panels vertically or horizontally, ensuring that they extend at least 12 beyond the sides of the appliance. Supports 16 c/c Minimum 1 from ceiling Finex panel The heat screen is placed over the existing wall, supported by furring strips a minimum of 1 thick which have been vertically fastened and aligned on the wall framing system. The 1 space between the existing wall and the Finex panel ensures proper air circulation. Use screws that are long enough to provide a 3/4 anchorage in the framing. Fasten the Finex panels onto the furring strips. NOTE: Do NOT place any screws directly behind the appliance. Do NOT glue stone, ceramic tile, marble, brick or any other decorative covering over Finex panels when the latter are used as heat screens. Please adhere to all manufacturer instructions and requirements for the heating appliance. Screws 16 c/c Ensure that there is a gap of at least 1 from the ceiling and at least 3 from the floor to provide adequate air circulation between the existing wall and the Finex panel. 3 from floor Minimum 12 Ceiling Cutting See cutting instructions for FLOORS, BALCONIES AND PATIOS. Minimum 1 from ceiling Fastening Drill holes using a bit with a diameter at least 1/16 bigger than the diameter of the screw to be used. Use screws appropriate for the substrate material, spacing them every 16 and a minimum of 5/8 from the edge. Finex panel 3 space for air circulation Existing wall Floor Front view Side view Finex panel 1 space for air circulation Existing wall Heating appliance NOTE: Ensure that the space between the wall and the appliance is in keeping with the manufacturer s recommendations. Top view
PROTECTION OF EXTERIOR INSULATION OF FOUNDATION WALLS OTHER SUGGESTED APPLICATIONS Description n Pulp and paper industry Finex fiber cement panels are unsurpassed for protecting the exterior insulation of foundation walls. Not only are they resistant to temperature variations, water and moisture, Finex panels are also highly impact-resistant and can protect exterior insulation from UV rays. Finex panels can be used to finish virtually any exterior perimeter insulation system, particularly extruded polystyrene insulation. This system is designed for 4 spans. The height of the panel is determined by adding 12 as required by the National Building Code to the exposed height of the foundation, up to a maximum of 4. Finex panels are quick and easy to install. Cut the Finex panels to 4 lengths by desired height, without exceeding a span of 4. Place screws 24 apart. EXTERIOR SIDING FLASHING FINEX PANEL FLASHING FOUNDATION WALL INSULATION CONCRETE FOUNDATION WALL n Agricultural industry n Chemical industry n Horticultural industry n Sporting facilities n Dryers n Boiler rooms n Warehouses n Etc. ( guides available upon request.) FINEX: THE NEW-AND- IMPROVED CEMENT Finex has used its technology to ensure that its unique cement and synthetic fiber composite is virtually as easy to work with as wood. Repeat the first step to install the next panel, ensuring a minimum open joint of 1/8 between each Finex panel. It is not necessary to seal the joints. We recommend using flashing to cover the screws at the top of the panels and backfill to cover all other screws. Note: Do NOT use panels more than 4 wide. NOTE: If more than 24, add a row of screws. (877) gofinex (877) 463-4639 www.gofinexpert.com NOTICE The instructions presented herein outline the different steps required for installing Finex fiber cement panels. This information is provided in good faith and Finex shall not be held responsible for any damage or failure resulting from installation that is not in keeping with its recommendations. Fiber cement panels must never be installed when wet or humid. Any panel that appears to be wet or humid must be laid out flat and allowed to completely dry before installation. When applying any finishing product, please read and follow preparation and application methods carefully. Always use Finissime surface cleaner.