AAC Maxiwall Installation Guide
To help busy trade professionals with installation of AAC external wall cladding panels, we have put together this detailed 30-page guide showing the key steps for the best performing AAC panel wall. Please read and refresh your knowledge before your installation for the best possible AAC installation for your project. And of course, here at Big River, we are always available to help with your next install. AAC wall cladding helps trades build homes faster, safer and with better thermal and acoustic performance than traditional heavier and slower brick walling.
Key features and benefits of AAC panels
There are many commercial and practical benefits for trades when using AAC panels, here are some of the main ones.
Big River Maxiwall 50mm House & Low Rise Multi-Residential Vertical) Installation Guide
Contents And Use Of Manual
Here’s an overview of our AAC Maxiwall Installation Guide to help you find what you need faster.
3.0 Maxiwall Panels – an introduction to the product, what it’s made of, dimensions, how long AAC has been around.
4.0 Advantages & Benefits – an overview of the performance characteristics and installation benefits.
5.0 Design Considerations – key details to ensure the most effective and economical build.
6.0 System Components – the installation products, tools and accessories you need.
7.0 General Construction Notes – tips to help you get the best installation for your wall.
8.0 Fixing Specifications – detail on fixing and technical drawings to help your install.
9.0 Installation Details – details for different type of wall and house formats.
10.0 System Properties – testing notes and specifications for each standard.
11.0 Material Handling – tips for site storage and handling to minimise breakages.
12.0 Material Properties – detailed testing parameters.
13.0 Standard & Compliance – details on each compliance standard.
14.0 Responsibility & Warranty – notes on final specification and certification.
Download the full 30-page AAC Installation Guide to help you get the most from one of the smartest high-performing wall cladding products for trade professionals.
This Installation Guide contains design and installation details intended for use as a general guide by qualified design and building professionals including licensed builders in the construction of external walls for low-rise multi-residential buildings and houses.
It does not substitute the essential evaluations, assessments and decisions of qualified design and building construction professionals. They should be consulted to ensure that the specific wall systems, its components and installations are suitable for the projects and conform to the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC).
Big River is not responsible for ensuring the correctness or suitability of the installation details and systems or its compliance with federal, state or local laws and regulations, including building, environmental and other codes.
Your guide to the best AAC panel installation for trade professionals
Detailed AAC Panel installation drawings
Fixing Specification for AAC Maxiwall Panels
The external wall system shall consist of MaxiWall 50 mm AAC panels fixed to steel top hats which are then fixed to structural timber or steel framing. Top hat shall be minimum 24 mm deep x 30 mm wide x 0.42 BMT G550 cold-formed steel top hat batten Z275 or AZ150 in accordance with AS 1397.
The fixing detail image will help you understand the correct AAC panel walling installation method for the best performing building structure. For the complete high res diagrams and lots more, download the free 30-page PDF ‘Maxiwall AAC Panel Installation Guide’.
AAC products for external wall cladding
MaxiWall AAC Panel System
Lightweight AAC wall panel system for fast internal and external walling.
Fast, cost-effective walling for residential and commercial
MaxiFloor Structural Flooring
Engineered flooring system for residential and commercial builds.
Multi-storey floor systems
Helix AAC
Helix AAC Panels are a next-generation external wall system that combines the strength of concrete with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance.
Bushfire-prone area construction
I switched to Big River for cladding and flooring last year and haven't looked back. The trade account makes ordering easy, the credit terms are fair, and their tech team helped me spec the right product for a tricky coastal project. Highly recommend.
Installation Tips for Building Trades
Maxiwall AAC Lightweight Panels are ‘large but light’ and just need 2 persons to handle and install safety on site and to avoid any damage. The Panel thickness starts from 50mm, 600mm wide x from 2400m long, and the weight varies based on panel size with the 75mm thick panel weighing 59 kg. AAC Panels are installed with standard site construction tools and are quick to build resulting in lower labour costs and faster home construction time.
Watch how to install AAC Panels
2:14
MaxiWall Rivergum Homes Case Study
Project Case Studies
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Lightweight Walling & Aerated Concrete Panels
Product Overviews
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MaxiFloor in the SOUL Home: The Maybe Forever
Project Case StudiesAAC installation: frequently asked questions
How are MaxiWall AAC panels installed?
MaxiWall AAC panels are installed vertically or horizontally over a structural frame or slab, fixed with AAC adhesive and corrosion-resistant mechanical fixings, then jointed, sealed and finished with render or cladding. Full step-by-step detail is in the Big River MaxiWall 50mm House and Low-Rise Installation Guide available to download on this page.
What is the best way to fix AAC wall panels?
AAC panels are secured with a combination of AAC adhesive and corrosion-resistant mechanical fixings into the supporting structure, with control joints at the specified centres. Refer to the fixing specification and technical drawings on this page for spacings and detailing.
Do AAC panels need special tools to install?
No. AAC is workable with standard trade tools and can be cut, drilled and shaped with conventional saws and drills, which is part of why AAC installs faster than masonry. See the installation tips section for trade guidance.
Can MaxiWall be installed by any builder?
Yes. MaxiWall is designed for installation by general building trades following the Big River installation guide, and no specialist licence is required. Local technical support is available from Big River trade centres.