If you’re about to start designing your dream property, you may have been introduced to Hebel as an alternative construction material. As this is a relatively new, albeit innovative, solution, you might be wondering what it is and how it can offer a seamless, coloured render for houses of all shapes and sizes.
At Leneeva Homes, we believe Hebel to be a cutting-edge and sustainable building material that is ready to take the industry by storm, not only for its eco-friendliness but also for its effortless installation and striking finishes. Loved by home builders and architects alike, the rendered exterior is both incredibly stylish and low maintenance, lowering both the cost and the hassle of upkeep.
In this article, our team answer, ‘What is Hebel?’, as well as the construction process to deliver a clean, rendered finish.
Hebel is actually a brand name for a robust and flexible construction material, crafted from Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC). The AAC is manufactured using a selection of natural ingredients, including cement, lime, water, sand and gypsum, producing a mixture that will expand like yeast in bread, resulting in a concrete structure comprising nearly 80% air. The unique makeup leaves Hebel construction materials with a similar feel and strength as concrete, but far lighter. Hebel wall panels are also prefabricated and can be easily cut, drilled and shaped to meet the specific requirements of each home design project.
– Air pockets ideal for enhancing soundproofing and acoustical insulation efforts
– Built to withstand fire and termite damage
– Manufactured using eco-friendly, recyclable components
– Possesses high thermal mass, reducing energy consumption and saving costs in the long run
– Simple handling and low installation cost due to its lightweight design, ensuring a faster and more affordable installation
– Can be easily trimmed for electrical and plumbing needs, such as chases and holes for direct access
– Provides a cost-effective alternative to poured concrete or traditional rendered finishes.
The Hebel wall panels, which are typically 75mm thick, offer a sleek acrylic coating system that creates a complete, clear or coloured rendered finish for your entire home. This affords you the opportunity to experiment with various modern pigment options and the flexibility to switch it up in the future. Use colour to express your individuality, blend in with your surroundings, or accentuate architectural features.
With Hebel on the exterior of your home, these creative choices are all within reach.
Bricks have been a popular building material for centuries, but they have several disadvantages when compared to Hebel. Bricks are heavier and require a stronger foundation, which can add to the overall cost of the construction project. Bricks also have a porous surface, which means they can absorb moisture and may require additional sealing and protection to maintain their appearance.
Hebel, on the other hand, is a lightweight and durable material that is ideal for rendering. Instead of laying traditional bricks and then rendering over, builders can place the Hebel wall panels at a low installation cost and then render over the top for the same (if not better) result.
It provides a clean and smooth finish that requires minimal preparation and sanding. Hebel wall panels are also energy-efficient and fire-resistant, making them a safer choice for buildings located in areas prone to bushfires.
Hebel is a top choice for exterior walls and is fixed onto a timber frame for added stability. With a selection of reinforcing steel bars after installation, home builders have found it so reliable, it has cemented itself as a standard option for the industry. Please note, however, that Hebel wall panels cannot be combined with bricks; you must opt for either brick or Hebel as your home’s construction material.
Learn more from our video on how to utilise Hebel wall panels with your own property.
1. Initially, a protective vapour barrier is installed on the home’s entire exterior.
2. Next, we secure steel battens onto the frame and attach the Hebel wall panels using a combination of glue and screws.
3. The panels are then covered with a base coat of render before finished with a colour coating.
For more information, please contact us at Leneeva Homes today.
