In the heart of the mighty south on a windy rugged plain, a new home is being built to withstand the harshest conditions New Zealand has to offer. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and stunning views, Jack’s Point is just a half an hour drive from Queenstown. David Reid Homes Ltd realised that they could use a rigid air barrier, instead of traditional building paper, to add extra bracing elements and to increase time efficiencies on their current build.

Jeremy Crooks from Jarra Carpentry Ltd who led the installation of the IBS OS'BraceRAP comments, “In this area it is quite common to get strong southerlies coming up from the Antarctic bringing unpredictable weather." This is where IBS OS'BraceRAP performs great as it is rated up to 2.5 kPa ULS (where the building is specifically engineered) hence why it is perfect for high wind zones.

“Because we are heavily reliant on freight which can take longer to arrive than expected, it saves us up to four or five weeks on big builds because it means we just put it up and then we can continue to build inside without having to do the external cladding,” Jeremy continues.

IBS OS’Brace RAP is an orientated strand board rigid air barrier and structural bracing panel. It replaces the traditional building wrap and is cost effective and simple to install. IBS OS’Brace RAP is also CodeMark certified to the NZ Building Code.

There are multiple tape systems available, so you are not limited to only one tape system. It is treated to H3.1 level ensuring that a moisture-resistant, weathertight barrier is created when put up. Since the chips are treated during the bonding process, the edges do not need to be re-treated when cut.

When it comes to the health and safety of your builders, you can rest easy knowing that IBS OS’BraceRAP meets both of those needs. It is bonded with super E0 formaldehyde resin and as the panel is made of wood there are no carcinogens released when cut. Finally, weighing from a light 11.2kg the product is a safe one-man-lift, thereby reducing injury from heavy lifting.