Equitone FAQ

  • 1. How is Equitone different with other fiber cement in the market?
  • 2. What is the joint gap required?
  • 3. We like to have a seamless joint. Can we achieve with Equitone ?
  • 4. My client do not like to see the rivet, can I have hidden fixing ?
  • 5. What kind of supporting frame required ?
  • 6. Can I apply paint on panel?
  • 7. Can I use Equitone internally ?
  • 8. Can we clad it as roof application ?
  • 9. Do we need special tools?
  • 10. Do you have bigger size panel ?
  • 11. Can we cut into shapes?
  • 12. How frequent should I clean the panel, and how should I clean it?
  • 13. How to clean the panel?
  • 14. Can I lay the panel flat?
  • 15. Can I clean the panel with water jet?
1. How is Equitone different with other fiber cement in the market?

Equitone is the only pre-finished fibre cement materials available in Malaysia.  The high density, freedom to design , various textures, color through made it a well sought materials from architects.  Furthermore, EQUITONE has passes all vigorous test as required by EN standards(eg. Heat & rain, fire, etc) to be used as external façade.  Decision on façade materials are important as it needs to withstand all kind of weather conditions.

2. What is the joint gap required?

We would recommend a joint gap of between 8mm-12mm for external application.  A 10mm joint gap is the best, aesthetically.  10mm also offers the installers a good level of tolerance when installing the panels.  For internal application, 4mm or 5mm are feasible.

3. We like to have a seamless joint. Can we achieve with Equitone ?

Seamless joint are impossible.  Our panels are installed onto a substructure, and thus, we must allow movement for the substructures.

4. My client do not like to see the rivet, can I have hidden fixing ?

We have another invisible/concealed mechanical system using TUF-S blind fastener which Equtione has collaborated with SFS.   It is a system which has been tested and approved.

5. What kind of supporting frame required ?

Equitone panels are strong yet light, which reduces the amount of supporting frame needed compared with other material. Certification for the structural stability of any supporting frame should be in accordance with local building regulations and must be obtained by the building’s owner or his representatives namely the project engineer. The common support frame materials are: aluminium, galvanized steel, timber.

6. Can I apply paint on panel?

It is not advisable to apply another layer of colour on the panel. Equitone offers homogenous material. It will defeat the purpose if applied another layer of colour. We do have Pictura range which offers colourful selection. Do contact us for further discussion on your colour choices.

7. Can I use Equitone internally ?

Yes you can. Equitone can be used both externally and internally.

8. Can we clad it as roof application ?

Equitone can be considered for the roof area provided it is only for decorative purposes and there must be a suitably designed water proof system under the panels.

Some important notes to remember when using the panels on a roof are:

  • Only EQUITONE[Natura pro] and EQUITONE[Pictura] are recommended.
  • Minimum roof pitch of 25°.
  • Maximium height above sea-level is 1,200m.
  • Maximum windload that the roof can be subjected is 1.5 kN/m2.
  • Air must be allowed to move freely under the panels.
  • The panels are fixed to their own support frame which in turn needs to be secured to the roof structure.
  • The vertical joint between the panels which is open is protected with a hidden flashing.

Further detail can refer to our installation guide.

9. Do we need special tools?

Not necessary. The working tools are easily to obtain in the market. To have trouble free installation, the following tools are adviced. We promote the use of dust free tools for drilling and cutting the panels.

  1. portable saws with a vacuum system and guide rail such as Festo AXT50LA or Mafell PS3100SE
  2. Equitone fiber cement blade
  3. Jigsaw with Bosch T141HM blade
  4. Angle grinders must not be used
  5. Cordless drill
  6. Equitone centralizing tool
  7. Equitone fiber cement drill bits
  8. Cordless rivet gun – ex: Geispa Accubird
  9. Equitone Uni Rivet Setting tool
  10. Clamps which do not damange the panel surface
  11. Spacer to set the gap at the joints
  12. Suction handle to lift panel into place
  13. Metal support rail to assist during installation
  14. Milling tool
10. Do you have bigger size panel ?

Yes we do have size in 10’ length. However, our common stock size is 4’x8’ and most of the design will require cut into shapes. Thus, the demand in 3000mm length is very minimal. Bigger size panel can be arranged on project basis.

11. Can we cut into shapes?

Definitely. We can use diamond blade or cnc machine, depends on the size/shape required.

12. How frequent should I clean the panel, and how should I clean it?

All facades, irrespective of the material used, should be serviced regularly. Then, unnecessary and high costs are avoided in the long term. The building also retains its continuous and attractive appearance. If one the allows the soiling to work into the materials for too long, it is possible that it will have penetrated so deeply into the pores of the material that simple cleaning is no longer possible The building should be designed with access in mind so all panel areas can be inspected and maintained.

13. How to clean the panel?
14. Can I lay the panel flat?

It is not advicable as the water might be ponding on the panel. Water flowing is required for the panel to work properly. Minimum of 25 degree pitch is required when install.   This needs to be approved by a technical manager from Equitone.

15. Can I clean the panel with water jet?

For EQUITONE (Natura, Tectiva & Pictura) a pressure washer can be used in certain circumstances to remove more stubborn stains. This must be done by experienced operatives.
A pressure rating of 20-30 bar is generally advised. The nozzle must remain at all times at least 60cm away from the facade. Incorrect use can lead to the removal of the panels coating.

For EQUITONE Tectiva, a pressure cleaner with clean water at a maximum pressure of 125 bar and a maximum ow rate of 10 litres/minute can also be used. One must spray perpendicular to the surface at a distance of at least 25cm. If spraying occurs at excessive pressure or a too short distance this can cause damage to the panel surface.