PHILIPPINES

INSTALLATION GUIDE DECEMBER 2017

WARNING
DO NOT BREATHE DUST AND CUT ONLY IN
WELL VENTILATED AREA
IMPORTANT NOTES James Hardie products contain sand, a source of
1 Failure to install, finish or maintain this product in accordance with applicable building codes, regulations, respirable crystalline silica which is considered by
standards and James Hardie’s written installation recommendations may lead to personal injury, affect some international authorities to be a cause of
system performance, violate local building codes, and void James Hardie’s product warranty. cancer from some occupational sources. Breathing
excessive amounts of respirable silica dust can also
2 All warranties, conditions, liabilities (direct, indirect or consequential) and obligations whether cause a disabling and potentially fatal lung disease
arising in negligence, or otherwise, other than those specified in James Hardie’s product warranty, are called silicosis, and has been linked with other
excluded to the fullest extent allowed by law. For James Hardie’s product warranty information and diseases. Some studies suggest smoking may
disclaimers about the information in this manual, see the section at the end of this manual. increase these risks. During installation or handling:
(1) work in outdoor areas with ample ventilation; (2)
3 The installer must ensure that the product meets aesthetic requirements before installation. James Hardie minimize dust when cutting by using either a scoring
will not be responsible for rectifying aesthetic surface variations following installation. knife, fiber cement shears or, where not feasible,
use a HardieBlade TM Saw Blade and dust-reducing
4 Make sure your information is up to date. When specifying or installing James Hardie products, ensure you circular saw attached to a HEPA vacuum; (3) warn
have the current manual. If in doubt, or you need more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.ph or Ask others in the immediate area to avoid breathing
James Hardie TM at 0918-8-HARDIE or (632) 895-5427. Toll-free numbers: #5454 (via Smart/Sun mobile dust; (4) wear a properly-fitted, approved dust mask
phone) 1-800-1-888-5427 (via PLDT landline). or respirator (e.g. P1 or P2) in accordance with
applicable government regulations and
manufacturer instructions to further limit respirable
HARDIEFLEX ® CEILINGS SHEET SIZES silica exposures. During clean-up, use HEPA
Product Length Width Thickness Approx mass Use vacuums or wet cleanup methods – never dry
Product
Code (mm) (mm) (mm) (Kg/m²) sweep. For further information, refer to our
installation instructions and Material Safety Data
Internal Sheets available at www.jameshardie.com.ph.
404279 2438 1219 3.5 4.5 Residential FAILURE TO ADHERE TO OUR WARNINGS,
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS, AND
Internal INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO
404264 2438 1219 4.5 5.8 Residential SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
Internal
404265 2438 1219 6.0 7.8
Commercial JAMES HARDIE RECOMMENDED
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
Internal
404267 2438 1219 9.0 11.7
Commercial
CUTTING OUTDOORS
NOTES: All dimensions and masses provided are approximate only and subject to manufacturing tolerances. Masses are based 1 Position cutting station so that wind will blow dust
on equilibrium moisture content of product. away from user or others in working area.
2 Use one of the following methods based
ACCESSORIES / TOOLS on the required cutting rate:
Components Supplied by James Hardie Best
• Score and snap
• Hand guillotine
HardieBlade™ Saw Blade
A 185mm diameter poly–diamond HardieDrive ® Nails • Fibreshear
blade for fast and clean cutting of 32mm x 2.0mm galvanized Better
HardieFlex ® sheets nail for fixing HardieFlex ®
• Dust reducing circular saw equipped
Part Code: 300660 sheets to seasoned timber
Part Code: 305436 with HardieBlade TM Saw Blade and
HEPA vacuum extraction
Good
Scoring Knife
Scoring tool for easy cutting of
• Dust reducing circular saw with
HardieFlex ® sheets HardieBlade TM Saw Blade
Part Code: 305435 HardieFlex ® Perforated Paper Tape
Joint reinforcing tape used with CUTTING INDOORS
HardieFlex ® sheets. 1 Cut only using score and snap, hand guillotine
Part Code: 305440 or fibreshears (manual, electric or pneumatic).
HardieDrive ® Screw 20mm long
A self-drilling screw for fixing HardieFlex® 2 Position cutting station in well-ventilated area.
3.5mm, 4.5mm & 6.0mm to light gauge steel
frames (0.55mm to 1.6mm BMT).
Part Code: 305757 (70 pcs. per pack)
SANDING/DRILLING/OTHER MACHINING
305759 (1000 pcs. per pack) HardiePutty TM Jointing Compound When sanding, drilling or machining you should
Jointing Compound for HardieFlex® always wear a P1 or P2 dust mask and warn
fiber cement boards for Internal others in the immediate area.
HardieDrive ® Screw 25mm long Ceiling and Internal Wet Area
A self-drilling screw for fixing HardieFlex ® Ceiling applications.
IMPORTANT NOTES
6.0mm & 9.0mm to light gauge steel Comes in three sizes:
25 Kg pail – Product Code: 305906 1 For maximum protection (lowest respirable
frames (0.55mm to 1.6mm BMT).
Part Code: 305760 (70 pcs. per pack) 5 Kg tub – Product Code: 305905 dust production), James Hardie recommends
305761 (1000 pcs. per pack) 1.5 Kg tub – Product Code: 305904 always using “Best”- level cutting methods
where feasible.
Components not supplied by James Hardie 2 NEVER use a power saw indoors.
James Hardie recommends the following products for use in conjunction with HardieFlex ® sheets. James Hardie does not supply 3 NEVER use a circular saw blade that
these products and does not provide a warranty for their use. Please contact the component manufacturer for information on
their warranties and further information on their products. does not carry the HardieBlade TM logo.
4 NEVER dry sweep – Use wet suppression
or HEPA Vacuum.
Spatula 5 NEVER use grinders.
Polyurethane sealant For removal of excess 6 ALWAYS follow tool manufacturer’s
Suitable sealant for use in compounds from the panel
movement joints. safety recommendations.
surface.
P1 or P2 respirators can be used in conjunction
with above cutting practices to further reduce dust
exposures. Additional exposure information is
available at www.jameshardie.com.ph to help you
Backing Tape determine the most appropriate cutting method for
Backing rod
Shiny waxy non-stick
Backing rod to be used with your job requirements. If concern still exists about
tape used behind control
joints to prevent sealant
sealant in movement joints. exposure levels or you do not comply with the
10mm in diameter. above practices, you should always consult a
from sticking.
qualified industrial hygienist or contact James
Hardie for further information.

HARDIEFLEX® CEILINGS INSTALLATION GUIDE PAGE 1 OF 4

 PHILIPPINES
WORK INSTRUCTIONS DECEMBER 2017
Refer to Recommended Safe Working Practices before starting any cutting or machining of product.

Score and Snap
Score and Snap is a fast and
efficient method of cutting
James Hardie products using
James Hardie's special tungsten
tipped HardieFlex ® Scoring Knife .
Preferably score on the face side
of the product. Score against a
straight edge and repeat the
action to obtain adequate depth
for clean break - normally 1/3 of
sheet thickness. Snap upwards
to achieve break. Smooth any
rough edges with a rasp.
Hand Guillotine
Make guillotine cut on the
off-cut side of line to allow for
the thickness of the blade.
Fibreshear
An electrically powered, fast,
clean and effortless way of
cutting James Hardie building
products, especially around
curves such as archways. Make
Fibreshear cut on the "off-cut"
side of the line to allow for the
thickness of the shear.
HardieBlade TM Saw Blade
The HardieBlade TM Saw Blade
used with a dust-reducing saw
and HEPA vacuum extraction
allows for fast, clean cutting of
James Hardie fibre cement
products. A dust-reducing saw
uses a dust deflector or a dust
collector connected to a
vacuum system. When sawing,
clamp a straight-edge to the
sheet as a guide and run the
saw base plate along the
straight edge when making the
cut.
Hole-Forming
For smooth clean cut circular
holes:
• Mark the centre of the hole on
the sheet.
• Pre-drill a ‘pilot’ hole.
• Using the pilot hole as a guide,
cut the hole to the appropriate
diameter with a hole saw fitted
to a heavy duty electric drill.
For irregular holes:
• Small rectangular or circular
holes can be cut by drilling a
series of small holes around the
perimeter of the hole then
tapping out the waste piece
from the sheet face.
• Tap carefully to avoid damage
to sheets, ensuring that the
sheet edges are properly
supported.

SCOPE SHEET LAYOUT Step 2: Fastener Spacing

This manual covers the use of HardieFlex ® fiber Install the HardieFlex ® fiber cement boards in the
cement board in an internal ceiling application direction of the framing members i.e. place the long
over a seasoned timber frame or a light gauge edges of the sheets parallel to the main framing
steel frame. (0.55 to 1.6mm BMT) members. 12mm
from edge
DESIGN Step 1: Frame & Sheet Layout Refer to Table 2
GENERAL 50mm
All design and construction must comply with the 24 38mm from corner
appropriate requirements of the current National m
Building Code of the Philippines. 2438m

RESPONSIBILITY
The specifier or other party responsible for the 12mm
project must ensure that the details in this from edge
specification are appropriate for the intended
application and that additional detailing is *406mm
performed for specific design or any areas that fall
outside the scope of this specification.

FRAMING Figure 1 Frame & Sheet Layout

GENERAL Figure 3 Fastener Spacing
HardieFlex ® fiber cement boards can be fixed to FASTENERS
either timber or light gauge domestic type steel For steel frames, use HardieDrive Screw 20mm long
® Step 3: There Should Be No Gaps Between Sheets
framing. The framing used must comply with the for HardieFlex ® 3.5mm, 4.5mm & 6.0mm and
relevant building regulations and standards and the HardieDrive ® Screw 25mm long for HardieFlex ®
requirements of this manual. 6.0mm & 9.0 mm.
NOTE: Ensure all sheet edges are fully supported For timber frames, use 32mm x 2.0mm galvanized
with framing members. HardieDrive ® Nails. Refer to Table 2 below for fastener
TIMBER spacing.
Use only seasoned (kiln dried) timber. Unseasoned
timber must not be used, as it is prone to shrinkage Table 2
and can cause the sheets and frames to move. The
minimum stud width at joints is 38mm. FASTENER SPACING FOR HARDIEFLEX ® CEILINGS (mm)
STEEL 12mm 12mm
The size of the steel stud framing should be 0.55mm Timber Frame Steel Frame
- 1.6mm base metal thickness (BMT). Steel sections At Joist At Noggings At Joist At Noggings
should be galvanized or zincalume. Frame members Figure 4 There Should Be No Gaps Between Sheets
must not be less than 38mm wide. Spacing 100mm 100mm 175mm 200mm
In residential applications, sheets should not be
PREPARATION OF FRAME fixed directly to the underside of roofing rafters or
Ensure that the frame is square and straight, and trusses. Cross battens should be provided at the
work from a central datum line. Frames must be Drive screw flush appropriate framing centers (Figure 5).
straight to provide a flush face to receive the
sheeting. A suggested maximum tolerance of
between 3mm and 4mm in any 3m length of frame
will give best results. HardieFlex ® fiber cement
boards will not straighten excessively warped or
distorted frames and any warping may still be visible
after the internal lining is applied. Recommended
maximum frame spacing is given in Table 1.

Table 1
FRAME SPACING (mm)

Stud Noggings
Flush nailing Unacceptable: Unacceptable:
Under driven over driven Figure 5 Roof Batten
®
HardieFlex
406mm 2438mm Figure 2 Fastener Depth
Ceilings

HARDIEFLEX® CEILINGS INSTALLATION GUIDE PAGE 2 OF 4

 PHILIPPINES
HARDIE JOINTING SYSTEM
TM
DECEMBER 2017
PREPARATION
Ensure that sheet joints are clean and free of dust and contaminants.
If working conditions are warm and dry, dampen the area around the joint prior to working with clean cold water.

m
m 0m
0m 25
15

Apply a thick layer of HardiePutty TM
• Cover the joints with a minimum of 150mm
• Apply a maximum of 1m at a time to avoid
premature drying
Immediately apply the HardieFlex TM Perforated
Paper Tape
• Ensure there are no voids under the tape and
remove excess compound
Immediately apply the HardiePutty TM over the
HardieFlex TM Perforated Paper Tape
• Apply a minimum of 250mm while feathering out
the edges, and let it dry
• Apply finishing layers as necessary to fully cover
the tape
• Allow each previous layer to dry first before
putting in another layer

CONTROL JOINTS PRODUCT INFORMATION

Control joints are required in long runs of GENERAL
HardieFlex ® celings in both directions. These joints HardieFlex ® cement boards are cellulose fiber reinforced cement building products. The basic composition is
are designed to take up the structural movement Portland cement, ground sand, cellulose fiber and water.
between the sheets and the building frame. See
Table 3 for maximum control joints. HardieFlex ® cement boards are manufactured to AS/NZS 2908.2 ‘Cellulose-Cement Products Part 2: Flat
sheets.
Table 3 HardieFlex ® cement boards are classified Type B, Category 2 in accordance with AS/NZS 2908.2.
MAXIMUM SPAN FOR CONTROL JOINTS HardieFlex ® cement boards do not contain any asbestos (chrysotile) fibers.
Control Joint For Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) visit www.jameshardie.com.ph or Ask James Hardie™ at
Metal Thickness
Spacing (m)
0918-8-HARDIE or (632) 895-5427. Toll-free numbers: #5454 (via Smart/Sun mobile) or 1800-1888-5427
0.55 - 0.75mm BMT 9m (via PLDT landline).
Steel Frame
0.80 - 1.6mm BMT 6m RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE
HardieFlex ® cement boards have demonstrated resistance to permanent moisture induced deterioration
Timber Frame 7.2m (rotting) by passing the following tests in accordance with AS/NZS 2908.2:
• Water permeability (Clause 8.2.2)
• Warm water (Clause 8.2.4)
Polyurethane Sealant • Heat Rain (Clause 6.5)
HardieFlex ® sheet
• Soak dry (Clause 8.2.5)

RESISTANCE TO FIRE
HardieFlex ® fiber cement boards are suitable where non-combustible materials are required in accordance
with C1.12 of the Building Code of Australia. James Hardie building products have been tested by CSIRO
in accordance with AS/NZS 3837 and are classified as conforming to Group 1 material (highest and best
result possible), with an average specific extinction area far lower than the permissible 250m²/kg, as
referenced in Specification C1.10a of the BCA.
Backing Tape RESISTANCE TO TERMITE ATTACK
5mm min. Based on testing completed by CSIRO Division of Forest Products and Ensis Australia, James Hardie
Figure 6: Control Joints building products have demonstrated resistance to termite attack.

CEILINGS DIRECTLY UNDER A STORAGE AND HANDLING

ROOF/CEILING/DECK
NOTE: Where HardieFlex ® sheets are installed to
ceilings directly under roof spaces less than
600mm, the control joints must be reduced to 6.0m
for insulated ceilings and 3.6m for uninsulated
ceilings in both directions.
To avoid damage, all James Hardie building products should be stored with edges and corners of the sheets
protected from damage.
James Hardie building products must be installed in a dry state and protected from weather during transport
and storage. The stored product must be laid flat under cover on a smooth level surface clear of the ground
to avoid exposure to water, moisture, etc.
Protective gloves must be worn while handling sheets.

FINISHES AND MAINTENANCE

GENERAL
HardieFlex ® Ceilings may be finished with paint or
wallpaper as required. The application and maintenance
of these finishes must be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications.
GLANCING LIGHT
In some instances, due to glancing light, set joints
may be noticeable in HardieFlex ® Ceilings, especially
where paint finishes have a high gloss level. Work
closely with your builder or designer to minimize this.
Artificial lighting needs to be considered in relation to
walls (e.g. down-lights in ceilings above set joints in
walls). Wall joints should run in the direction of the
lightsource (at right angles to windows). Where
glancing light is an issue, its effect can be lessened
by:
• The use of curtains or blinds
• Artificial light shading devices
• Use of light colored, matt finish paints
PAINT FINISHES
Prior to application of paint finishes, remove any
residual sanding dust and ensure the surface is
suitable for paint application. HardieFlex ® cement
boards must have a minimum of two coats of
acrylic/latex paint applied after fixing. Coating
should be completed within 1 month of sheet
erection. Use only quality 100% acrylic/latex paints.
Gloss paints are not recommended. Economy
paints are not recommended because generally
they are less well bound, less moisture resistant,
and more prone to mold growth. Damp, shady
situations, agriculture or sea spray environments
may induce an extra tendency for mold growth. Use
mold inhibiting and alkaline resistant undercoats
and consult the paint manufacturer for maximum
mold resistant paints. Always follow the paint
manufacturer’s recommendation for paint suitability,
mixing and application.
HARDIEFLEX® CEILINGS INSTALLATION GUIDE PAGE 3 OF 4
NOTE
Use of a ‘sealer coat’ or ‘preparation undercoat’ is
recommended prior to applying the two coats of
acrylic/latex paint.
CORNICES
It is recommended that the edge of the HardieFlex ®
cement board is wetted with a sponge prior to
adhesive fixing of cornices.
MAINTENANCE
James Hardie recommends that the cleaning and
maintenance of all finishes be undertaken regularly
as per the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Joints must also be maintained and be free of dirt
and grime.
 PHILIPPINES
DECEMBER 2017

HARDIEFLEX ® CEMENT BOARD 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTY
James Hardie Philippines Inc. ("James Hardie") warrants to the first user of its HardieFlex ® Ceilings cement board (the "Product"), for a period of 10 years from the
date of purchase, that: the Product will be free from defects due to defective factory workmanship or materials: and, when properly installed and maintained in
accordance with James Hardie's current published technical literature, will be resistant to damage from cracking, moisture, rotting, fire and termites.

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY
This warranty is subject to the following conditions:

(a) The claimant must provide proof of purchase and must make a claim in writing: (i) prior to installation (if the defect was reasonably apparent prior to installation);
or (ii) within 30 days after the defect would have become reasonably apparent (if the defect was not reasonably apparent prior to installation).

(b) The Product must be stored and installed in accordance with the relevant James Hardie technical literature current at the time of installation and in accordance
with good building practice. The project must be designed and constructed in strict compliance with all relevant provisions of the current National Building Code
of the Philippines, regulations and standards. The Product must only be used for internal ceiling.

(c) The Product must be maintained in accordance with the relevant James Hardie technical literature, and no liability or responsibility whatsoever will be accepted
in relation to any Product which has not been properly maintained.

(d) James Hardie will not be liable for any claims, damages or defects arising from, or in any way attributable to: poor workmanship; incorrect design or detailing of
the structure; settlement or structural movement and/or movement in materials to which the Product is attached; use of the Product in unsuitable applications; acts
of God including earthquakes, typhoons, floods or other severe weather conditions or unusual climatic conditions; efflorescence or performance of paint or coatings,
jointing compounds, fasteners and other accessories applied to the Product; or, growth of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, or any organism on or in any Product.

(e) James Hardie will not be liable for any other claims, damages or losses (whether direct or indirect) including property damage, personal injury, consequential loss,
economic loss or loss of profits arising in contract or negligence or howsoever arising.

(f) This warranty is not transferable and cannot be relied upon by any other person.

WARRANTY CLAIMS
James Hardie will use its reasonable endeavors to satisfy its obligations under this warranty within 60 days after a claim is made. If James Hardie is reasonably
satisfied that a claim may be made under this warranty, it will either (at its option) supply replacement Products, rectify the Product, or pay for the cost of replacement
products or rectification of the affected Product. If meeting a claim under this warranty involves re-coating of the Product, there may be slight color differences
between the original and re-coated Product due to the effects of weathering and variations in materials over time. After the 1st year through to the 10th year, James
Hardie may reduce any payment it elects to make for defective Products by 10% of the purchase price of the defective Product for each year since its purchase.

Any refund or material replacement or compensation provided by James Hardie pursuant to this warranty will constitute a settlement and release of all claims made
by the claimant for damages or other relief. This will be the sole, exclusive remedy of the claimant, unless the claimant has rights at law which cannot be excluded
or modified, in which case those rights will apply to the claimant.

DISCLAIMER
The recommendations in James Hardie's technical literature are based on good building practice but are not an exhaustive statement of all relevant information. As
the successful performance of the relevant system depends on numerous factors outside the control of James Hardie (e.g. quality of workmanship and design), James
Hardie shall not be liable for the recommendations in that literature and the performance of the relevant system, including its suitability for any purpose or ability to
satisfy the relevant provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines, regulations and standards.

The statements in this warranty constitute the only warranty extended by James Hardie for the Products. James Hardie disclaims all other warranties, expressed or
implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, except where the product purchase is subject to the Consumer Act of
the Philippines, in which instance the duration of any applicable implied warranty is limited to 10 years or the period provided for by law, whichever is shorter. Nothing
in this warranty is to be construed as excluding or modifying any rights of the claimant which cannot be excluded or modified at law.

WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK

Please send any suggestions, including your name,
contact details and relevant sketches to:

Ask James Hardie

TM

0918-8-HARDIE
(632) 895-5427
Toll-free numbers:
#5454 (via Smart/Sun mobile phone)
1-800-1-888-5427 (via PLDT landline)
©Copyright 2017 James Hardie Philippines Inc.
TMand ® denotes a trademark and registered mark
owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd. 2017 |
Additional installation information, warranties and
warnings are available at www.jameshardie.com.ph

HARDIEFLEX® CEILINGS INSTALLATION GUIDE PAGE 4 OF 4