Short, practical answers for builders and owners using AAC panels, with links to the official sources. This is general information only. Always follow the manufacturer's current guide.
- 50mm vs 75mm AAC panels: which do I need?
- How many top hats do AAC panels need?
- Can I install AAC panels myself?
- What is CodeMark and why does it matter?
- Delivery and unloading
- Storing and handling AAC panels on site
- Adhesive and screws: what do I need?
- Do I have to buy full packs?
- Are AAC panels non-combustible and OK in bushfire areas?
50mm vs 75mm AAC panels: which do I need?
50mm panels (e.g. Hebel PowerPanel50) are lighter and cost less per m². 75mm panels (e.g. PowerPanelXL) are thicker, with higher fire, acoustic and thermal values in the manufacturer's data. Your building designer picks the thickness to meet NCC fire, acoustic and energy requirements.
Source: Hebel PowerPanel50 design and installation guide (HELIT181) · Hebel PowerPanelXL product page
How many top hats do AAC panels need?
The Hebel PowerPanel50 guide fixes panels to top hats at each stud, at a maximum of 600mm centres, with at least 2 screws per top hat at each stud. Top hat spacing and numbers must be confirmed by the building designer. Facadia's top hats are compatible generic battens in 4.8m lengths, not CSR Hebel-branded. Check that they meet your system's CodeMark certificate and installation guide.
Source: Hebel PowerPanel50 design and installation guide (HELIT181)
Can I install AAC panels myself?
The CodeMark certificate only covers systems installed exactly to the manufacturer's guide. In Victoria, domestic building work above certain values needs a registered builder or an owner-builder certificate of consent, so check with the Victorian building regulator and your building surveyor first.
Source: Building and Plumbing Commission Victoria (BPC)
What is CodeMark and why does it matter?
CodeMark is a voluntary building product certification scheme. A current certificate shows the product meets the listed NCC/BCA requirements when used as the certificate describes. Always check the certificate is current.
Source: Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) · Our certificate list
Delivery and unloading
Delivery is quoted per site. Tell us about site access, truck restrictions and whether you need a crane or Hiab for upper floors. Someone needs to be on site to check the load.
Source: Delivery areas
Storing and handling AAC panels on site
Store panels flat and off the ground on level supports, and keep them covered and dry. Follow the manufacturer's handling instructions, which include lifting guidance.
Source: Hebel PowerPanel50 design and installation guide (HELIT181) (section 4: handling, storage and responsibility)
Adhesive and screws: what do I need?
Use the adhesive and screws specified in the manufacturer's guide for your system. Hebel adhesive comes in 20kg bags. Don't mix brands' components within a certified system.
Source: Hebel PowerPanel50 design and installation guide (HELIT181)
Do I have to buy full packs?
No, but full packs are better value. Panels come in packs: Hebel 50mm in packs of 15 and Hebel 75mm (PowerPanelXL) in packs of 10. Other brands' pack sizes are shown on each product. If a product and length isn't a whole number of packs, we add one split pack fee of $50.00 ex GST ($55.00 inc GST) for that line. For example, 17 × 50mm panels is 1 full pack plus 2 loose panels, so $50.00 ex GST. Your cart has a one-click button to round up to full packs.
Source: Shop · Panel calculator
Are AAC panels non-combustible and OK in bushfire areas?
AAC panels are certified as non-combustible in the CodeMark certificates we list (e.g. Eastland CM40381 lists non-combustibility "limited to AAC panel only"). Bushfire (BAL) suitability depends on the full system, so check the certificate and the manufacturer's bushfire guidance.
Source: Hebel building in bushfire zones · Certificates
More resources
Technical resources · Panel calculator · Brand comparison · Price guide · · Installation checks
