The original rigid air barrier was designed over 14 years ago by James Hardie, and now sets the benchmark for pre-cladding. Made from premium fibre cement board, Rigid air barrier RAB™ Board meets the challenges of an evolving world, creating a stronger building and comfort inside any living space.
RAB™ Board works by equalising the air pressure inside an external wall cavity, making the building airtight, and providing structural bracing, better acoustic performance and fire protection. Because of their make-up, rigid air barriers also allow for a building to be closed-in sooner, improving completion times and saving costs.
Traditional flexible wall underlays can struggle to perform to this level because they are thinner and less durable than rigid systems. The other issue with flexible underlays is that they can’t be used in extra high wind zones, whereas a rigid air barrier can.
James Hardie’s rigid air barrier products come in three different thicknesses: 4.5mm, 6mm and the recently released 9mm board. The 9mm RAB™ Board is a pre-sealed fibre cement sheet that is robust and impact resistant, thereby meeting the requirements of E2/AS1 and Specific Engineered Design standards in residential and commercial projects.
With additional density, the 9mm RAB™ Board is suitable for use as a rigid air barrier in buildings where external noise needs to be reduced, such as higher density residential and commercial developments close to airports and motorways.
The inherent strength of 9mm RAB™ Board makes it an ideal product for use in shear wall design in residential or commercial design projects. RAB™ Board is a non-combustible material which can achieve as much as 60 minutes fire resistance rating when used as a system.
The unique green panel has a built-in air and water resistant barrier to keep moisture out, while still allowing the moisture vapour to pass through, allowing the framing cavity to dry. That’s performance backed with a 50 year product durability, that can withstand the weather exposure for up to 180 days.
RAB™ Board is also available in a 6mm thickness. HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding is perfect for residential projects and is available in a 4.5mm thickness. All rigid air barrier products from James Hardie are BRANZ appraised and come with a 15 year product warranty.
Get in touch with James Hardie on Productspec to see how 9mm RAB™ Board will perform in your next project!
