saveBOARD betterBrace 4Steel

Our saveBOARD betterBRACE 4Steel product is a thermally broken Rigid Air Barrier, which is a cost-effective, high-performance exterior sheathing for steel framed buildings. Suitable for everything from residential homes to multi-story construction. Engineered for strength, it is designed for use in Extra High wind zones and finished with a moisture-resistant facing material for superior durability combined with a 10mm EPS backing to provide a R 0.4 thermal break.

betterBRACE allows builders to close in a building faster, enabling interior fit-outs to begin sooner – even before the exterior rain screen is installed. This not only reduces potential project delays but also provides additional noise reduction and insulation benefits.

By choosing saveBOARD betterBRACE, you contribute to sustainable construction. With a Total Global Warming Potential (A1-A3) -3.8 kg CO2e/m2 (or -550kg CO2e/m3), it actively reduces the carbon footprint of both new builds and refurbishments.

DESCRIPTION

Engineered composite board for external underlay applications.
Impact resistant
Thermally broken rigid air barrier lining
4Steel includes 10mm EPS for steel frame buildings
Excellent wind & seismic bracing capacity
Noise attenuation with high STC rating – 30dBA at 10mm thickness board only
ZERO Water, Glues, Chemicals added. VOC’s and Formaldehydes are < 5% of the Green Building Standard (0.005mg/m2/hr)
Declare label: Our products have been determined to meet the requirements for all applicable Imperatives of the Living Building Challenge.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for our betterBRACE rigid air barrier has been completed – link above.
Use MasterSpec 4171SB
Bracing Capacity:
- 17mm 4Steel
  - Bracing unit 0.6m x 2.4m; W = 57 BU/m EQ = 68 BU/m
  - Bracing unit 1.2m x 2.4; W = 73 BU/m EQ = 80 BU/m

APPLICATION

Exterior thermally broken rigid air barrier
Excellent wind and seismic bracing capacity
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3
Climate Zones 4, 5 & 6 must have continuous mechanical ventilation system installed.
Material Group 3 fire rating.
STC Rating of 30dBA at 10mm thickness board only

EXPOSURE

CodeMark – 30 days before building wrap applied, then 90-day exposure duration as specified by the wrap manufacturer before cladding installed.
CodeMark – Taped joints – up to 90 days before cladding installed.

THICKNESS

17mm (7mm rigid air barrier + 10mm EPS)

LENGTH – All 1200mm wide

2450mm, 2750mm, 3050mm
Custom cut up to 6000mm, with minimum order qty.

DOWNLOADS

CASE STUDIES

COMPLIANCE

Note: This installation video is for our 10mm betterBRACE rigid air barrier, however the principles are the same. Noting the fixing spacing is different and 4Steel is installed with screws.

CodeMark // saveBOARD betterBRACE Rigid Air Barrier // How to install guide // NZ Guide

For other helpful documentation and resources, please visit our Resources page.