Frequently asked questions

View Glossary 1 Is Litecrete better than standard construction materials such as timber, masonry or bricks?
Litecrete out-performs timber, masonry or bricks. It is the only durable, structural, thermal and fire-resistant material all in the one product. For example, in timber and/or brick construction, building paper, insulation and plasterboard must be added to make the wall fire-resistant and thermally compliant. Litecrete is lightweight, has superior acoustic properties, is non-organic, fire-resistant, rot proof and moisture and pest-resistant.

2 How does Litecrete compare in price to the other construction materials mentioned above?
Litecrete is initially more expensive than those materials, however the speed of installation, built-in insulation, cost-effective finishing systems, energy savings and ambiance offered with a concrete house more than pays for itself.

3 Does the exterior face of Litecrete require finishing?
Yes. The exterior walls must be coated or plastered with a system as detailed in Question 4.

4 What type of coating/plaster finishing system is required?
BRANZ have recommended several vapour-permeable coating systems, such as Resene X200 (www.resene.co.nz) for use with Litecrete and there is also a wide range of exterior plaster systems. There is a clear sealer system marketed by Sto (www.stonz.co.nz).

5 Is Litecrete fire resistant?
Yes. BRANZ Fire Resistance Test 3524 confirms that 150 mm thick Litecrete panels achieved 250-minute fire resistance.

6 With the leaky house syndrome rife at the moment, do Litecrete walls encourage mould growth?
No. Mould is dependant upon organic materials such as timber, plywood sheathing and the paper facing on plasterboard for growth. The cement pummice and polypropylene fibre used in the manufacture of Litecrete are totally inorganic and will not harbour mould and fungi.

7 Is Litecrete energy efficient?
Yes. Concrete has an inherent capacity (related to its mass) to absorb and store thermal energy. This quality is referred to as 'thermal mass'. The homogeneous nature of Litecrete means that the thermal resistance of the material is consistent throughout the material. Quite simply, it will absorb thermal energy, store it, and release it when the internal house temperature drops below that of the concrete. This buffering effect means that the intermittent nature of heat sources such as space heaters and the sun becomes less apparent - temperature fluctuations are reduced and a more comfortable home is the result.

8 Do Litecrete walls meet the insulation requirements of the Building Code?
Yes. However, changes to the Building Code mean that each Climate Zone now has increased thermal insulation R-value requirements. Litecrete external walls can be specified as "High Thermal Mass", with panel thicknesses from 220 mm upwards; or as "Any Wall Type” using 150 mm thick panels with extra insulation on the inside face.

9 How durable is Litecrete lightweight concrete?
Lightweight concrete has proven to be a very durable material. There are numerous structures built over 70 years ago with lightweight concrete that are still standing today and require very little maintenance. Lightweight concrete will not rot, corrode, or otherwise decompose. Litecrete provides a very low maintenance building material that will save considerable time and money in upkeep over the life of the building. Although damage is unlikely, repair is simple using an acrylic or cement plaster.

10 I am interested in using Litecrete for my new home. What do I need to get an estimate of the cost?
Three items: A set of architectural floor plans, elevation drawings showing dimensions and the site of the proposed house.