The plaster facade systems taking us into the next decade

Contemporary plaster cavity cladding systems offer advanced solutions that exceed current Building Code requirements. We spoke to Rockcote Resene about the versatility of colour and texture of the Integra Lightweight Concrete Facade System.

As we move into the new decade, the advances in plaster cladding in New Zealand over the last one have been significant, with innovative technology and methodology offering a host of versatile solutions. “Plaster cladding has risen in popularity over the last decade, particularly due to its durability, performance and versatility - in terms of the colours and textures available - and the sought-after aesthetic of pairing this material with others to create distinctive and appealing facades,” Rockcote’s Mike Olds says.

One system in particular has soared in use around the country: the Rockcote Integra Lightweight Concrete Facade System. “Incorporating the latest drained rainscreen facade construction technology, which incorporates a 20mm or 40mm drainage cavity, this system is a composite - made up of a mechanically fixed Integra lightweight concrete panel and plaster finish.”

The first component of the BRANZ-appraised system is the Integra lightweight concrete panel, which is screw fixed over a cavity onto the structure and includes a full system flashing suite. It is then plastered and reinforced with a fibreglass mesh. Over this is a textured finish - that can be chosen from a large range of options to create very different visual outcomes - which is then sealed and painted in any Resene colour desired.

“The huge range of colours and textured finishes available has contributed to this system’s popularity,” Mike says. “It allows any client or specifier to walk into a Resene colour shop and choose the desired colour for their cladding, equally knowing that they will be getting a genuine Resene colour, not a colour match. “There is a tendency at the moment to specify numerous external cladding materials in single residential projects to create depth of surface and material - a trend that extends from the desire to create texture and depth in layers to the interiors of projects. This system pairs particularly well with materials such as cedar and stone to create layered and appealing facades.”

The Integra facade system is a BRANZ-appraised complete supply-and-install solution, which can only be installed by a licensed building practitioner who is also qualified in the installation of Resene Construction Systems. 

“For every project where a complete façade system is installed around the country, a company representative will visit the site to ensure quality assurance, inspecting it at the stage when the Integra panel and flashings are installed, again when it is completed to review workmanship and quality, and one further review two years post completion to ensure the system has not been compromised in any way, and to update the property owners with information on how to best care for their cladding. 

Maintenance requirements are similar to those required by virtually all other painted surfaces such as a yearly wash down and repainting every seven to 10 years - something that serves as another drawcard for this system, Mike says. “The ability to completely transform or update a house simply by painting is an important consideration for many homeowners looking for surety with the cladding system chosen.”
 

The system includes a full flashing suite and carries a 15-year manufacturers performance guarantee and an LBP registered workmanship warranty. Find out more about Integra plaster facade systems.