Particularly suited to both internal and external modern commercial, residential and industrial buildings, where a natural facade is needed.

Undercut fixings are used to attach the VitraFix VF3 brackets to the rear of the panel, the brackets are spaced at a maximum of 10x panel thickness to the edges of the panel and up to 450 mm from each other.

It is important to check with the undercut fixing manufacturer as to depth of insertion to ensure fixings are correctly and securely installed. The VF3 brackets ‘hook’ onto the VF3 horizontal rails which are in turn installed to the Vitrafix VF1 or VF2 carrier sub frame. The top row of VF3 brackets are used to level and ‘dead fix’ the panels to the sub frame.

A complete system specification for Ceramapanel and VitraFix, plus fixings to the wall from Certifix (in partnership with Valcan). This provides a comprehensive warranty on the complete system. All Certifix provided products are tested and certified in accordance with ADB v2 for high rise buildings.

All batch numbers will be recorded, regular site visits to be made by Valcan and Certifix during the installation, frequency to be decided at order stage with client.

Ceramapanel:

A through coloured, compressed fibre cement facade panel available in 8, 10 or 12 mm thicknesses, in A1 rating as required. It is both an aesthetically appealing and cost-effective cladding solution offering a natural appearance. It also has good acoustic dampening properties.

Features and benefits:

• Achieves A1 (non-combustible).
• Cost effective.
• Impact resistant.
• Proven performance in harsh environments.
• Short lead times and fast installation timeframes.
• Panels supplied pre-squared.
• Long lasting.
• Low maintenance.
• Can be finished off-site for easy and efficient installation.
• High strength and environmental durability.
• Through coloured.
• Sound dampening benefits.
• Graffiti resistant when coated with acrylic treatment (Natural+ range).
• Wide range of colours and finishes available.
• 15-year warranty.

Ceramapanel technical characteristics:

• Density: 1600 kg/m³ (±50).
• Modulus of elasticity (dry): Longitudinal: 14 GPa; transversal: 12 GPa.
• Modulus of elasticity (wet): Longitudinal: 11 GPa; transversal: 9 GPa.
• Bending strength (wet, untreated): ≥18 MPa.
• Bending strength (wet, hydrophobic treated sheet, acrylic coated): ≥24 MPa.
• Bending strength (dry): Longitudinal: 32 MPa; transversal: 22 MPa.
• Compressive strength: 40 MPa.
• Maximum water absorption (untreated): 25 ±2%.
• Maximum water absorption (hydrophobic treated sheet): 9 ±3%.
• Maximum water absorption (acrylic coated sheet, acrylic coated): 3 ±2%.
• Vapour resistance factor (to EN 12572: 2016): 320 µ.
• Thermal conductivity (to EN 12664: 2002): 0.42 W/m·K.
• Durability classification (to EN 12467: 2016): Category A.
• Strength classification (to EN 12467: 2016, untreated sheets): Class 4.
• Strength classification (to EN 12467: 2016, treated sheets): Class 5.

Durability:

The cement panel is highly durable and includes immunity to permanent water damage in both short and long-term exposure. It will not rot, burn or corrode and is unaffected by termites, air, steam, salt and sunlight. It is not adversely affected over a temperature range of -20 to +60°C.

Vitrafix systems:

Aluminium carrier system brackets, profiles and fixings which are Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) tested. Designed to offer a cost effective yet strong carrier system, and is suitable for all building types. 

1. VitraFix VF1: The VF1 system has adjustability of 102–235 mm and can be further extended by combining the Vitrafix VF2/TH system to give an additional depth - consult manufacturer for further details. Custom depth brackets are also available 
2. VitraFix VF2: Comprised of aluminium or steel top-hats and C-channel rails to allow brackets to be installed in isolation of stud location or increase system depth.  The VF2 top-hats can also be used in the own right to replace timber batten style sub grids
3. VitraFix VF3: Utilizes undercut anchors to attach brackets to the reverse of 10 or 12 mm-thick Ceramapanel sheets, these brackets are then located onto horizontal VF3 rails.

Features and benefits:

• Lightweight.
• Durable.
• Tested to Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT).
• Ceramapanel has been verified by the CCPI.
• System warranty available - contact manufacturer's technical team for information.
• Application: For panel systems using VF1 fixings.