Crack-Preventing Fixing for EQUITONE Fibre Cement Facades

Cracking in compressed fibre cement (CFC) facades is a recurring issue in rainscreen systems — often caused by rigid fixings that fail to accommodate movement. In New Zealand, where thermal variation, seismic activity, and high corrosion exposure converge, the challenge is even greater.

Why traditional fixings fail

Steel and aluminium sub-frames expand and contract significantly under temperature changes. When panels are rigidly fixed, this movement transfers stress directly to the panel, creating cracks around fixing points and compromising both aesthetics and weathertightness.

The new EQUITONE solution

EQUITONE has launched the UNI-Metal Screw, a brand-new fixing innovation and the only screw system designed to deliver EQUITONE’s patented 3D movement allowance. This breakthrough technology isolates the panel from sub-frame movement, allowing up to 2.25 mm of controlled movement across X, Y, and Z axes — eliminating stress transfer and protecting facade integrity.

Faster installation, lower costs

The UNI-Metal Screw isn’t just smarter — it’s faster. Installation is up to 50% quicker than traditional rivet systems, reducing labour time and simplifying on-site processes without compromising performance.

Manufactured from 304 stainless steel, the UNI-Metal Screw offers exceptional corrosion resistance, with an optional C5 marine-grade coating for projects in coastal or high-salt environments — perfect for New Zealand’s demanding conditions. It is fully compatible with both steel and aluminium framing, making it versatile for a wide range of rainscreen designs.

Why designers should choose the NEW UNI-Metal Screw

Exclusive technology: The only screw fixing enabling EQUITONE’s patented 3D movement system.
50% faster installation: Significant time savings compared to traditional rivet systems.
Corrosion-proof performance: 304 stainless steel with optional C5 coating for marine zones.
Long-term integrity: Protects EQUITONE’s 50+ year material lifespan by preventing premature cracking.

Find out more about the UNI-Metal Screw

EQUITONE [inspira]

EQUITONE

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EQUITONE [inspira] is a high-density fibre cement panel with a digitally printed surface and a UV finish.

EQUITONE [lines]

EQUITONE

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EQUITONE [lines] is a through-coloured fibre cement facade material, featuring a unique 3D shape and linear texture that plays with light and shadow.

EQUITONE can be used for external facades as well as internal applications
Fixing methods include: timber battens or metal frame, face fixed colour matched rivets, or concealed fix
Timber or steel framed buildings (NZS 3604) or Masonry buildings (NZS 4229)
May be installed with either a flexible membrane (building heights up to 10m), or a rigid weather barrier (building heights up to 25m)
Located anywhere with respect to a relevant boundary
See CodeMark for full information

EQUITONE Facade panels are certified for use as an internal wall lining in buildings:

Can be used on:

Education facilities
Health care facilities
Aged care facilities
Retail
Apartment buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Roofs
Louvres
Interior applications

The EQUITONE Facade System if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the conditions of this Certificate will comply with or contribute to compliance with the following performance provisions of the NZ Building Code:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 & B1.3.4, for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) & (q)
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b)
Clause C3 FIRE: Performance C3.4 (a), C3.5 & C3.7 (b) & (c)
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5 & E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

See CodeMark for full information.

EQUITONE [lunara]

EQUITONE

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EQUITONE [lunara] is a through-coloured fibre cement facade material, characterised by a randomised textured finish that is unique to EQUITONE [lunara].

EQUITONE can be used for external facades as well as internal applications
Fixing methods include: timber battens or metal frame, face fixed colour matched rivets, or concealed fix
Timber or steel framed buildings (NZS 3604) or Masonry buildings (NZS 4229)
May be installed with either a flexible membrane (building heights up to 10m), or a rigid weather barrier (building heights up to 25m)
Located anywhere with respect to a relevant boundary
See CodeMark for full information

EQUITONE Facade panels are certified for use as an internal wall lining in buildings:

Can be used on:

Education facilities
Health care facilities
Aged care facilities
Retail
Apartment buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Roofs
Louvres
Interior applications

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 & B1.3.4, for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) & (q)
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b)
Clause C3 FIRE: Performance C3.4 (a), C3.5 & C3.7 (b) & (c)
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5 & E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

See CodeMark for full information.

EQUITONE [natura]

EQUITONE

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EQUITONE [natura] is a through-coloured fibre cement facade material, offering a tactile, smooth surface that allows the textures of the fibre cement to show through.

EQUITONE can be used for external facades as well as internal applications
Fixing methods include: timber battens or metal frame, face fixed colour matched rivets, or concealed fix
Timber or steel framed buildings (NZS 3604) or Masonry buildings (NZS 4229)
May be installed with either a flexible membrane (building heights up to 10m), or a rigid weather barrier (building heights up to 25m)
Located anywhere with respect to a relevant boundary
See CodeMark for full information

EQUITONE Facade panels are certified for use as an internal wall lining in buildings:

Can be used on:

Education facilities
Health care facilities
Aged care facilities
Retail
Apartment buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Roofs
Louvres
Interior applications

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 & B1.3.4, for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) & (q)
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b)
Clause C3 FIRE: Performance C3.4 (a), C3.5 & C3.7 (b) & (c)
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5 & E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

See CodeMark for full information.

EQUITONE [pictura]

EQUITONE

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EQUITONE [pictura] is a through-coloured fibre cement facade material, offering an ultra matte architectural finish.

EQUITONE can be used for external facades as well as internal applications
Fixing methods include: timber battens or metal frame, face fixed colour matched rivets, or concealed fix
Timber or steel framed buildings (NZS 3604) or Masonry buildings (NZS 4229)
May be installed with either a flexible membrane (building heights up to 10m), or a rigid weather barrier (building heights up to 25m)
Located anywhere with respect to a relevant boundary
See CodeMark for full information

EQUITONE Facade panels are certified for use as an internal wall lining in buildings:

Can be used on:

Education facilities
Health care facilities
Aged care facilities
Retail
Apartment buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Roofs
Louvres
Interior applications

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 & B1.3.4, for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) & (q)
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b)
Clause C3 FIRE: Performance C3.4 (a), C3.5 & C3.7 (b) & (c)
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5 & E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

See CodeMark for full information.

EQUITONE [tectiva]

EQUITONE

View Product

EQUITONE [tectiva] is a through-coloured fibre cement facade material, characterised by a sanded surface and naturally occurring hues within the material.

EQUITONE can be used for external facades as well as internal applications
Fixing methods include: timber battens or metal frame, face fixed colour matched rivets, or concealed fix
Timber or steel framed buildings (NZS 3604) or Masonry buildings (NZS 4229)
May be installed with either a flexible membrane (building heights up to 10m), or a rigid weather barrier (building heights up to 25m)
Located anywhere with respect to a relevant boundary
See CodeMark for full information

EQUITONE Facade panels are certified for use as an internal wall lining in buildings:

Can be used on:

Education facilities
Health care facilities
Aged care facilities
Retail
Apartment buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Roofs
Louvres
Interior applications

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 & B1.3.4, for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (h), (j) & (q)
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b)
Clause C3 FIRE: Performance C3.4 (a), C3.5 & C3.7 (b) & (c)
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.5 & E2.3.7
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1

See CodeMark for full information.

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Categories

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Sections

This Month

The Creative Art of Downsizing

Creating a Distinctive Architectural Feature with Mario Romano Walls

AvanTech YOU Illumination: Customisation in a New Light

SECTIONS

NEW UNI-Metal Screw: The Fixing That Stops Cracking

Why traditional fixings fail

The new EQUITONE solution

Faster installation, lower costs

Why designers should choose the NEW UNI-Metal Screw

News from EQUITONE

NEW UNI-Metal Screw: The Fixing That Stops Cracking

Design Freedom Meets Performance: EQUITONE in Modular Façade Systems

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