Litecrete out-performs timber, masonry or bricks. It is a durable, structural and fire-resistant all-in-one panel. 150 mm thick Litecrete has built-in insulation, provided by the pumice aggregate used in the mix. It offers superior acoustic properties, is non-organic, fire-resistant, rot proof and moisture and pest resistant.
Litecrete is initially more expensive than those materials, however the speed of installation, built-in insulation, cost-effective finishing systems, energy savings and low maintenance offered with a concrete house more than pays for itself.
Litecrete exterior walls can be painted or plastered or left as a natural concrete finish. However all concrete varies in colour from batch to batch.The minerals in the pumice aggregate can sometimes result in more surface figuring than for normal precast concrete. Many designers like the “honesty” which Litecrete offers in its natural state. However, we recommend that a matt finish clear sealer is applied to the natural concrete surface to enable ease of cleaning. If a more consistent colour is required we suggest mineral-based stains, paint or plaster systems.
Vapour-permeable elastomeric paint systems, such as Resene X200 (www.resene.co.nz), or silica-based masonry paint, is recommended for use with Litecrete. There is also a wide range of proprietary exterior plaster systems to choose from.
Yes. BRANZ Fire Resistance Test 3524 confirms that minimum 150 mm thick Litecrete panels achieved a 240-minute fire resistance rating.
No. Mould is dependant upon organic materials such as timber, plywood sheathing and the paper facing on plasterboard for growth. The cement, pumice and polypropylene fibre used in the manufacture of Litecrete are totally inorganic and will not harbour mould and fungi.
Yes. 150 mm thick Litecrete has built-in insulation provided by the pumice aggregate and when a 50mm thick phenolic insulation board (Kooltherm K17 or similar) is glue-fixed to the internal Litecrete face, the resulting 200 mm overall external wall thickness achieves an R-value of R2.26. The insulation requirements stipulated in the Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency is for minimum value of R2.0, across all six New Zealand Climate Zones. The K17 is faced with a 10 mm thick plasterboard sheet included in the thickness, as is finished as for standard plasterboard.
The Government has revised the Residential Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency, which results in increases to roof, window, external wall and floor R-values. These changes took effect from 1 November 2023. There is now one residential wall minimum insulation R-value of R2.0, across all of the six New Zealand Climate Zones. 150 mm Litecrete complies by installing a 50 mm Kooltherm K17 (or similar) insulation board to the internal panel face. This 200 mm thick external wall provides an R-value of R-2.26.
Lightweight pumice concrete has proven to be a very durable material. There are numerous structures built over 70 years ago with lightweight concrete that are still standing today and require very little maintenance. Lightweight concrete will not rot, corrode, or otherwise decompose. Litecrete provides a very low maintenance building material that will save considerable time and money in upkeep over the life of the building. Although damage is unlikely, repair is simple using an acrylic or cement plaster.
No, Litecrete is only suitable for external and internal walls.
Email us a set of architectural drawings or sketches showing floor plans, elevation drawings with dimensions for walls and openings and also advise the building site address.
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