Timeless, functional, durable and environmentally friendly – that’s exactly what RCM multipurpose board is all about. It simply offers a better finish for various applications, whether windowline, roofline, internal or external. These quality boards offer the same low maintenance and future proof performance as the rest of the products in our range.*

 

What is Multipurpose Board?

Also known as ‘everyboard’, is a general-purpose, highly versatile fibre-cement building board for use internally as wall liner or tilebacker boards on non-loadbearing and loadbearing walls, or externally as structural and non-structural sheathing boards behind façade rainscreen cladding applied to steel - and timber-frame substrate walls, in new and existing buildings subject to height restrictions.
With an A1 non-combustible classification Multipurpose offers the highest level of fire rated performance and a BBA approval, making it an excellent option for buildings over 18m. 

Available in sizes 6mm  |  9mm  | 12mm

 

Strength and stability 

When used as sheathing boards, the boards will contribute to the racking resistance of walls.

 

What are they made of?

Multipurpose boards are made of  cellulose-fibre cement comprising ordinary Portland cement, crystalline silica (quartz) and cellulose.

The raw materials of ordinary Portland cement, crystalline silica and cellulose are mixed in a controlled process and picked up by the sieve cylinder to form the boards prior to autoclaving. Once hardened, the boards are finished by cutting and drying, before storage.

  • Cellulose fibre: from plantation grown Radiate Pine trees that act as a filler
  • Portland Cement: made with limestone, clay, and iron to bind the ingredients
  • Sand: creating all weather performance and resilience
  • Water: activates and hardens the cement by dissolving the wood pulp


Resistance to moisture 

The boards have adequate moisture resistance. When tested for water impermeability in accordance with BS EN 12467 : 2012, no water droplets formed on the lower surface within 24 hours

 

Durability 

Provided the boards are used in accordance with Certificate and the Certificate holder’s instructions, and are fixed to satisfactory, stable and durable backgrounds by fully trained operatives, they will have an estimated service life in excess of 30 years when used in external applications and should have a life equal to the building in which they are installed when used in internal applications.


What is the minimum thickness for sheathing?

Minimum 9 mm thick board is used in sheathing applications.

 

Can RCM Multipurpose be used as a exposed external board?

Yes, RCM Multipurpose can be left permanently exposed.

 

Can RCM Multipurpose be used as a render carrier board?

Yes, 12mm thick RCM Multipurpose (referred to as Superflex) is referenced as a suitable render carrier board for the K-rend system.


Multipurpose vs Wind

Special consideration should be given to locations with high wind load coefficients as additional fixings may be necessary.
The 9 mm board was tested for dynamic wind load resistance in accordance with ETAG 034 : 2012, Part 1. The design wind load resistance value  was evaluated by applying a global safety factor of 2.0 to the failure value. The mode of failure was by pull-through of screw head through the board. The 12 mm board may be taken to have the same performance.

 

Performance in relation to fire

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the boards are classified as non-combustible or of limited combustibility, and may be used at any height on buildings or at any proximity to a boundary. The reaction to fire classification(1) for the boards, in accordance with BS EN 13501-1 : 2007, is A1.
The boards are classified as ‘non-combustible’ and are not subject to any restriction on building height or proximity to boundaries. Fibre cement is a non-combustible building material and therefore doesn’t burn.

 

Fixings

Steel Frame  4.8mm x 38mm Wing tip self drilling fixing
Timber Frame 4.2mm x 42mm Climaseal self drilling fixing

The frame to which the boards are fixed must be structurally sound, and designed and constructed in accordance
with the requirements of the relevant national Building Regulations and Standards.
Boards should be stored under cover and kept dry prior to fixing.

 

Multipurpose Board Installation

RCM Multipurpose has one smooth face and one textured face, the smooth face should be fixed outermost.

External walls must have suitable weather protection on the outside and a ventilated cavity must be provided. The products must be treated as a conventional sheathing boards with regard to detailing and damp-proofing at openings, eaves and sole plates and the fixing of wall ties.
RCM Multipurpose edge distance is 12mm except at the board corners where fixings should be moved up or down to achieve 50mm. Fixings should be fixed using a maximum 600mm x 300mm grid pattern.
The boards are fixed to the steel/timber studs using the specified screws at maximum 300 mm spacing on board end supports and intermediate vertical supports, ensuring that the screws are flush-fitted and positioned at a minimum of 12 mm from the edges of the boards and a minimum of 50 mm from the corners.
Once the first board is installed, subsequent boards are installed butt-jointed, with a 2 mm gap between each board.

How many fixings are required for RCM Multipurpose?

27 No. fixings per 2400mm x 1200mm sheet when fixed in a vertical orientation.
25 No. fixings per 2400mm x 1200mm sheet when fixed in a horizontal orientation.

Wall liner 
In wall liner applications, the position of fixings should be staggered on adjacent boards. The joint is then masked using perforated paper tape, and flush-jointing compound is applied to give a seamless smooth finish.

Tiling
In wet area lining such as bathrooms, tiles finishes joint between the boards and the floor must be protected to prevent water penetrating the adjoining space. Tiles should be installed and grouted in accordance with the tile manufacturer’s instructions and conventional good practice.

Cladding/façades

Wall claddings must be fixed through the boards into the structural framing. The over-cladding or façade manufacturer must be consulted for fixing specifications. 

 

Application

 

RCM Multipurpose can be cut, drilled and nailed with conventional woodworking tools.

 

*All the information provided in the content published on Insulationgo blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Insulationgo LTD makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, but we do not assume any responsibility for any errors or omissions.

The information presented on this blog should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for consulting relevant experts. Before making any purchase decisions or taking action based on the information presented here, it is strongly recommended to contact the product manufacturer directly to verify the details and ensure its suitability for your specific needs.

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