Developments in manufacturing methods have resulted in clear improvements in the screw pull-out performance of Euroform’s Versaroc® A1 Reaction to Fire sheathing board. Screw withdrawal strength is important where installers use the board to support external wall insulation, so its increased strength adds to the list of the reasons to use Versaroc®, says Euroform.
With its high durability and non-combustibility, Versaroc®, a MPA1 fibre cement board, is intended for exterior sheathing of steel frame systems. Classified Reaction to Fire A1 according to EN 13501 – 1: 2018, the board has Third Party Agrément from Kiwa BDA for SFS application. It is highly moisture tolerant and has category A mechanical resistance to EN 12467:2012 + A2:2018.
“Research and development in manufacturing methods and testing have resulted in Versaroc® boards showing clear and obvious improvement with regards to screw pull-out values according to independent testing,” explains John Taylor, Euroform’s Technical Director. “Where external wall insulation is being used and the fixing arrangement of the insultation slabs is to be established, screw pull-out strength is key.”
“The screw withdrawal strength of the board will vary according to a number of variable factors such as moisture content, type of screw used etc,” he adds. “Data Euroform provides should be taken as indicative only.”
Euroform points out that tests should be carried out on site by a qualified consultant to determine board performance and arrive at permissible working loads. Number and type of insulation fixings should be determined by wind loading assessment carried out by an appropriately qualified engineer.
Versaroc® helps to improve airtightness of building envelopes when sealed at joints and its high density gives excellent acoustic performance. A wide range of systems may be applied over Versaroc® such as approved externally insulated render, ventilated rainscreens, timber cladding, composite panels and traditional brick coursework.
Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995, specialising in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range. It is part of the Performance Technology Group, a group of companies supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges.
