FAQ

Q: What is Builderscrete® made from?
A: Builderscrete® is a unique blend of cellulose, cement, sand, and binders to enhance block strength and stop excessive water penetration.

Q: Will Builderscrete® be accepted by my local council?
A: Yes, because Builderscrete has® been tested according to Australian building codes AS/NZ 3700. The method for building with Builderscrete is the same as other masonry products and conforms to the methodology taught in the BCA and is therefore “deemed to comply.”

Q: How much will it cost to build my home from Builderscrete®?
A: Building with Builderscrete® is usually similarly priced to building with brick veneer, yet more insulated, fire-proof, sound-proof and economically friendly. Savings will vary depending on the specifications of your home. For example, with Builderscrete® "single skin" walls, wood framing, architraves, insulation, drywall, paint etc are unnecessary extras.

Q: What style of house can I build with Builderscrete®?
A: With Builderscrete's® unique qualities and the flexibility to design your own block, you can build any style, size and type of house, with any construction method. Builderscrete® can also be used for commercial constructions - eg. Motels, wineries, public buildings or basically anything you can think of.
While Builderscrete® is particularly cost effective when used as a "single skin" wall construction, we also offer special block sizes that allow you to build a conventional "brick veneer" or "full brick" home, but substituting Builderscrete for the traditional bricks. Please visit our website Gallery for ideas.

Q: Can I lay the blocks myself?
A: Builderscrete® blocks are easy to lay and very forgiving compared to traditional mass produced bricks and blocks. In many cases a meticulous amateur will produce a better result than a sloppy professional.

Q: Will Builderscrete® fade?
A: Builderscrete® will not fade because the color reflects the carefully selected raw ingredients.

Q: Will we need air-conditioning?
A: It is really up to you. Providing the house is sensibly designed with a passive solar aspect, the need for air-conditioning is dramatically reduced.

Q: Can any brick layer or builder construct with Builderscrete®?
A: Builderscrete® is reportedly easy to build with. Extensive construction notes and tips are provided for use by your Architect, Engineer, Bricklayer, and Builder. We are also available to advise all the above should they have any special requirements or concerns.

Q: What is the availability of Builderscrete®?
A: Your nearest accredited Builderscrete representative will provide you with current cost and availability information. Please see the “Contact Us” section for a listing.

Q: Has Builderscrete received any 3rd party appraisals?
A: Builderscrete® is soon to be accredited by GlobalMark & CodeMark. This is a third-party scheme for the certification of building products and systems developed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), in consultation with the NZ Department of Building and Housing (DBH), State & Territory governments, industry groups and prospective certification bodies.
Providing we pass their appraisal, the CodeMark Certificate of Conformity will provide reliable confirmation of Builderscrete’s full compliance with the requirements of the BCA (Building Code of Australia). All Councils will recognize and accept this accreditation.

Q: Are there other products like Builderscrete®?
A: No. Builderscrete® is a unique product as evidenced by Patent PCT/AU01/00520.

Q: Do you build homes or recommend builders?
A: Our main business is supplying the Builderscrete® blocks, bricks and associated products. Your local representative may be able to recommend some Trades people in your area; however any competent builder should be able to quote you using Builderscrete® construction.

Q: Do you offer house plans and designs?
A: We do not have any plans that we sell currently, however some of our licensees do have in-house architects to help you with your design. We also work with a company called Post & Beam Pty Ltd in Australia who have a host of designs that utilize Builderscrete blocks. Please have a look at www.postbeam.com.au.

Q: Is Builderscrete® suitable for other applications?
A: Yes, Builderscrete® can be used for sheds, barns, garages, barbeques, front fences, garden borders, retaining walls and paving. It is also an effective sound barrier.

Q: Is Builderscrete® waterproof?
A: Builderscrete® is a closed-structure body and therefore is less porous than the average concrete block, but not waterproof in the sense that a rubber shield is waterproof. It certainly won't wash away or erode if exposed to the elements for long periods (like mud bricks). However, after prolonged exposure to rain, water may penetrate a few millimeters into the surface of an unsealed Builderscrete® block. It is therefore recommended that a sealing solution be applied to external walls to stop this, and also stop the ingress of water through the mortar. (Tested and approved sealers are available from your Builderscrete Franchisee.)

Q: Is Builderscrete® fireproof?
A: Builderscrete® blocks are non flammable, and in fact about the most “bush fire proof” building product available in Australia (FRL 240-240-240). Please see the Fire Test details in the Technical Data section.

Q: Is Builderscrete® suitable for use in building indoor fireplaces?
A: Yes, providing the firebox is lined with a reflective material such as terracotta tiles, steel, cast iron, etc, as Builderscrete, being an effective insulator, will not reflect heat back into your house.

Q: What if I want a different size block?
A: Standard Builderscrete® blocks are made to the maximum size that most bricklayers can comfortably work with. However different block sizes can be produced upon request with the additional mould costs to the customer’s account.

Q: What block colors are available?
A: If you do not like the natural color of Builderscrete blocks, we can produce ANY color of your choice. Finished Builderscrete walls can also be rendered, bagged or painted.

Q: Do I need to use drywall to line the internal side of my walls?
A: No, there is no need. Builderscrete® represents an attractive internal finish and it only adds cost to install drywall as well.

Q: Does Builderscrete® give off any toxic “fumes” that would affect an allergy?
A: Builderscrete® has been tested by an approved laboratory (see test data) which clearly demonstrate that it is totally safe, clean, giving off no toxic fumes or any other fumes to affect people who are sensitive to allergens or people who suffer with the disease that causes them to be “allergic to the 21st century”.

Q: I like the “cobblestone” look outside, but I want smooth walls inside my home.
A: You can either cement render or drywall the internal wall surfaces. Alternatively, you can build a brick veneer home using our blocks on the outside, with traditional smooth drywall inside.

Q: Can I use Builderscrete® to renovate and clad my exterior walls?
A: Yes, we offer a relatively thin block that mounts to existing timber, fibro, cement or brick veneer walls.

Do you have further questions? Please visit the CONTACT US page to locate your nearest Builderscrete representative.