FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At what stage of the building process do you attach the mouldings?

Once the outside cladding is up and the wall areas have been made weather tight.

What additional information do I need to know when purchasing pre-plastered columns and details?

A tradesperson will be required to install, plaster or mesh and plaster any joins, and patch up any holes that may have occurred when using mechanical fixings to help hold the columns and details in place, in conjunction with adhesive plaster.

Who installs the mouldings to the building?

We are able to provide you with details of plastering companies who are proficient in installing decorative products manufactured by Accumen Shapes Ltd. For overseas customers we will provide installation details on a project by project basis.

Can Accumen Shapes supply any length?

Yes we can, but the most economical way to purchase mouldings is in 2.700 metre lengths. Due to the size of window or door openings often being a lesser length, it is often practical to order up the lengths in sizes to suit the opening (to cut down on joints).

What plaster finishes does Accumen Shapes provide?

We provide the following plaster finishes:

  • Spray sponge finish
  • Trowel sponge finish (most common)
  • Trowel smooth finish
  • Trowel very smooth finish (ideal for internal use)
  • Other finishes by special request

Our stock range and most of our mouldings are made with a trowel sponge finish which blends in well with most exterior surfaces. However, we are able to provide other types of finishes on our mouldings when required.

Does Accumen Shapes export overseas?

Yes, we export product to a number of overseas destinations.

Does Accumen Shapes supply sills with return mitres?

Yes, if you supply us with the overall length of the sills including adding on the return mitre either side of the opening. If there is an architrave either side, remember to include this measurement in the overall length. We will then supply the sills made to length with the return mitres on each end ready for installation.

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What wall material can the mouldings be fixed to?

Accumen Shapes decorative mouldings and details can be fixed to most types of wall material including solid plaster, brickwork, concrete, concrete block, AAC panel, cement board, plywood, wood and most other known wall material.

Do decorative mouldings require expansion joints?

Expansion joints should be discussed per project. Decorative mouldings that go around a building are not safety belts. All buildings move. Extra expansion joints are recommended and should be considered.

Is there a Pre-Install Checklist available for the installer of decorative details?

Yes, please click here to download the Pre-Install Checklist pdf.

What is required when installing decorative mouldings and details?

We strongly recommend that informed and competent tradespersons install the decorative mouldings and details. This may include but is not limited to the following:

  • using a recommended adhesive (eg TidyUp® adhesive plaster supplied by Accumen Shapes Limited)
  • use of stainless steel mechanical fixings
  • meshing and plastering joins
  • using expansion joints
  • sealing the decorative mouldings and details to the building
  • making the fixed decorative mouldings and details weather tight

What if eave is not square to the wall when installing cornice?

Simply ask us to remove an angled section of the cornice that is going into the corner. This will give you the ability to roll the cornice as you install it to help alleviate possible gaps on the wall or eave.

What is the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) requirement for paint colour applied to decorative mouldings?

LRV is a measurement that tells you how much light a colour reflects, and conversely how much it absorbs. LRV runs on a scale from 0% to 100%. Zero being absolute black and 100% being a perfectly reflective white. Dark colours with low LRV tend to reflect little light while absorbing lots of heat energy, whereas light colours with high LRV reflect a lot of light and absorb less heat energy.

The LRV of the paint colour that is to be applied over decorative details, must be as per the specification of the plaster system or cladding company.

Do decorative shapes need to be painted?

Once mouldings are installed correctly, and the adhesive, touch-ups, and joins have been made good and dried, they must be either painted or recoated in a specifically designed plaster as soon as possible.

If painted, Accumen Shapes Ltd recommend two coats of flexible sealer and two coats of flexible paint be used.  Also, the same preparation and application of any paint going on to the moulding, should be the same instructions that a paint company would give for applying any sealer and paint on to a raw concrete or plastered wall.

The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of the paint colour must be as per the specification of the plaster system or cladding company.

What maintenance is required?

Any accumulation of dirt or similar that may occur should be regularly removed from the external surface by cleaning with warm water and detergent and a soft broom. Solvent-based cleaners should not be used.

Like any standard cladding system, the moulding should be checked annually for damage and possible water entry. Any damage which may have occurred must be repaired using professional trade practice. Any paint film damage must be repaired as soon as possible.

It will be necessary to repaint the building in accordance with the paint manufacturer's instructions at certain intervals. The paint manufacturing company should be contacted to confirm the life expectancy of the paint system.

Click here to download the Maintenance Guide pdf.

How long does it take Accumen Shapes to manufacture the mouldings from when the order is confirmed:

Ex Stock: Within 48 hours
Custom Detail: Please inquire as it depends on complexity of the details and whether manufactured in DecraShape®, fourPLUS® or ShapeCrete®
 
Please Note: Does not include transport time                                                            

Information you should consider

Decorative mouldings may be water repellent in themselves, but due to the diverse situations they may be used in, they are not to be used as a weather tight material. Architects and competent tradespersons must follow professional trade specifications for the application of a weather tight membrane on the building before fixing Accumen Shapes Ltd decorative products. We strongly recommend that informed and competent tradespersons fix the mouldings and shapes.

Installation methods should be clearly understood BEFORE installing decorative products manufactured by Accumen Shapes Ltd.

Construction using Accumen Shapes Ltd products must be in accordance with good building practice, in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code and all statutory and relevant New Zealand standards.

The information contained in this website is true and accurate to the best of Accumen Shapes Ltd's knowledge. However, the performance data quoted herein is subject to variation dependent upon the quality of workmanship, the base material and atmospheric conditions, which may be entirely beyond the Company's control before and after installation. Any Accumen Shapes Ltd warranty is therefore limited to the quality of goods supplied ex factory.

Get In Touch!

If you've got questions, we'd love to give you some answers. Feel free to contact us on

09 270 9228