RAB^™ Board

RAB™ Board is an all in one bracing, airtight and fire resistant fibre cement rigid air barrier. The inherent strength of RAB Board makes it an ideal product for use in shear wall design in residential or commercial specific design projects.

RAB Board is a non-combustible material which will achieve excellent fire performance, unlike traditional flexible and timber wall underlays. 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 framing cavity to dry.

RAB Board has up to 60 minutes fire resistance rating and superior acoustic performance to reduce external noise. It can be exposed for up to 180 days without warping or shrinking.

How does it work?

Rigid air barriers by James Hardie work by equalising the air pressure within the external wall cavity, making the building airtight providing superior weather-tightness, structural bracing and fire protection, whereas traditional flexible wall underlay can struggle to perform in these conditions.

RAB Board is suitable for the exterior of residential and commercial buildings including those in Extra High (EH) wind zones. It is fixed directly to the framing and then vertical joints are sealed over the face. Our RAB Board is suitable for use behind all James Hardie claddings or alternative claddings such as brick, timber weatherboard and more.

Benchmark for pre-cladding

For over 15 years James Hardie has created an evolution for the way New Zealanders build, we were the first to design and manufacture a specific product for use as a rigid air barrier called RAB Board, which now sets the benchmark for pre-cladding.

Features/Benefits

• Provides excellent temporary weather protection before the final cladding is installed
• Will not warp or shrink can be exposed for up to 180 days during construction
• Provides a drainage plane for cavity construction
• Pre-sealed on the face and edges
• Up to 60 minutes fire resistance rating (FRR) can be achieved in a system
• Suitable for use in Extra High Wind Zones or for specific engineered design in residential and commercial projects
• Allows vapour permeability and resists moisture penetration
• Complies with B1, B2, E2, C3.5 and C3.7 of the NZBC
• BRANZ appraised
• 15 year product warranty