MODULARWALLS Slimwall Classic Post User manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE
SLIMWALL™
CLASSIC POST
90mm
90mm
810280SWC

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ONE OF OUR
QUALITY PRODUCTS. WE ARE THE INDUSTRY
LEADERS IN COST EFFECTIVE, ACOUSTIC AND
BOUNDARY WALLS, AND THIS PRODUCT WILL
STAND THE TEST OF TIME AND WITHSTAND
THE ELEMENTS IF INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THESE GUIDELINES.
NOTE
It is recommended that the reader pays particular
attention to items identified as a NOTE in this
manual to ensure a satisfactory installation and
that the long term performance of the products.
For correct finishing of your modular wall,
you must paint or seal the entire wall system within
90 days of installation.
SLIMWALL™
SlimWall is Australia’s fastest growing fencing
solution for homeowners in search of an aesthetically
pleasing, cost-effective alternative to traditional
metal or timber options. The AcoustiMax50 panel as
used by the SlimWall punches well above its weight
when it comes to acoustic performance, due to its
fibre cement and EPS composite construction. This
makes the SlimWall a proven noise barrier that is fully
capable of preserving peace, quiet and privacy in the
backyards of Australia’s increasingly dense urbans
areas.

CONTENTS
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 3
AN INTRODUCTION TO SLIMWALL™ 
CONTENTS 
BEFORE YOU START 
COMPONENTS LIST & TOOLS NEEDED 5
STEP 1: HOLES 
 DETERMINE BOUNDARY LINE, POST HOLE CENTRES & DEPTHS 6
 FOOTING DEPTHS 7
STEP 2: POSTS 
 SCREW POSTS TOGETHER 8
 FIXING THE BASE BRACKET TO THE POST 
 POST FITMENT & ALIGNMENT 10
 SPACING CONSECUTIVE POSTS 11
STEP 3: PANELS 
 FITTING THE CAPPING CHANNEL TO THE BOTTOM PANEL 12
 INSERTING THE WALL PANELS 
 JOINING PROFILE 14
 INSERTING CONSECUTIVE PANELS 15
STEP 4: FINISHING 
 TOP CAPPING CHANNEL 16
 POST INFILLS 
 FITTING THE POST TOPS 
ADDITIONAL 
 EXPRESSED JOINTS BETWEEN PANELS 
 STEPPING OR RAKING YOUR WALL 
 CUTTING POSTS, TRIMS & PANELS 
 SLIMWALL™ RETAINING PANEL 
NOTES 

7 DAY A WEEK TECHNICAL AND
INSTALLATION ADVICE IS AVAILABLE
BY PHONING 1300 556 957 AND SELECTING
THE AFTER HOURS OPTION
BEFORE YOU START
The recommendations detailed by ModularWalls in this
guide are formulated along the lines of good building
practice. They form a “common-sense” approach and
are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all
the relevant data. Further, as the success of projects
depend on factors outside the control of ModularWalls
(e.g. quality of workmanship, particular design, detail
requirements, etc.), we accept no responsibility for, or
in connection with, the quality of the projects or their
suitability when completed.
If you are in any doubt please seek independent advice
or contact ModularWalls. We are always happy and
available to answer questions regarding installation
procedures, no matter how small or insignificant you
think they may be. 7 day technical and installation
advice is available on 1300 556 957.

COMPONENT LIST
TOOLS NEEDED
Square Spirit Level
5/16” Hex Bit
Drill/Driver
Post Hole Digger
Caulking Gun
Tape Measure
Shovel
Angle Grinder
Circular Saw
Line Marking Paint
String Line
6. Capping Channel
2. Complete Post
7. Double Post Top
3. Support Bracket
5. Post Infill
1. Post Half 4. Joining Profile
8. Wall Panel
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 5

STEP 1: HOLES
DETERMINE BOUNDARY LINE, POSTHOLE CENTRES & DEPTHS
Please read the wind region and post hole depth charts carefully prior to starting your installation.
We recommend you plan your wall set out/post position on a piece of paper first to save unnecessary digging.
Where installation is to take place on uneven or sloped ground, you should also consider the instructions listed
under “Additional Information” towards the end of this guide.
Accurately determine the boundary line to where the fence will be installed and mark this with a string line as per
the diagram below. In cases where the boundary line is unknown or unclear, a surveyor will need to be engaged.
NOTE: The diagram below is for reference purposes only & shows the wall splitting the boundary line; this may
not always be the case and will depend on your individual circumstances.
Standard post centre-to-centre measurement when using a 2400mm panel will be 2420mm minimum (Plus
5mm extra is an allowable tolerance i.e 2425mm). This will give you the required clearance when installing the
wall panels.
NOTE: Wall panels may be trimmed with a circular saw if necessary to fit within an exact measurement
(panel cutting procedure is detailed on page 24 of this guide). Postholes can be dug by hand or with a
mechanical auger. Use the Footing Depth Table to determine your posthole depth and diameter.
NOTE: Recommended footing depths listed here are for terrain categories 2.5 and 3, within wind regions
A and B. If you are building your wall in a Cyclonic wind area, on the top of a hill, adjacent to an
escarpment, on a ridge, or in terrain category 1, you will need engineering advice beyond the scope of
this publication. Please contact ModularWalls directly for this information.
6 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE
EXAMPLE:
(for 2400mm panel)
POST CENTRES:
2420mm
STRING LINE
Position off the boundary line
half the depth of the post
(refer page 10)
BOUNDARY LINE
POST CENTRES:
2420mm

STEP 1: HOLES
FOOTING DEPTHS
Wall Height Hole depth into firm earth or clay
(100kPa)
Hole depth into sand, soft clay or loose earth
(60kPa)
Hole diameter
Wind regions A
and B
Terrain Categories
2.5 and 3
Approx concrete
required
(20kg bags)
Wind regions A
and B
Terrain Categories
2.5 and 3
Approx concrete
required
(20kg bags)
Wind regions A and B
Terrain Categories 2.5 and 3
900 450mm 1.5 per hole 550mm 1.5 per hole 200mm
1200 550mm 2 per hole 650mm 2 per hole 200mm
1500 600mm 2 per hole 700mm 2.5 per hole 200mm
1800 650mm 2 per hole 800mm 3 per hole 200mm
2100 700mm 2.5 per hole 900mm 3 per hole 200mm
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 7
NOTE: Footing sizes are provided
as a guide only. Final design
parameters should be subject
to the review of geotechnical
conditions.
All footing diameters are 200mm.
WIND REGION A
WIND REGION B
WIND REGION C
WIND REGION D
Proven wind load performance means
your wall will withstand all nature can
throw at it.
Rated and suitable for regions A & B,
terrain categories 2.5 & 3.
Details above available on request from
ModularWalls™.
NOTE: For the two footings adjacent to a non returning ‘free end’ or gate, embedment depth is to be increased
by an additional 150mm.
Use minimum 20 MPa concrete mix.
200mm
Ground

STEP 2: POSTS
SCREW POSTS TOGETHER
Place the two halves of the post on a FLAT surface back to back, align the tops exactly and clamp if necessary.
Screw the posts together starting with a double screw at the top approx. 50mm down and then in an off-set
pattern at a maximum 300mm centres from then on.
NOTE: Screw both ends together first before the centre section. If retaining with posts please refer to specific
reinforcement recommendations as outlined in the Retaining section later in this guide.
FASTENING POSTS TOGETHER
2 fasteners approximately 50mm
from top of post
Maximum screw spacing
300mm centres
10 16x16mm Hex Head self
drilling screw placings. Screws to
conform to AS3566 Class 3.
8 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

STEP 2: POSTS
FIXING THE BASE BRACKETS TO THE POST
Attach the panel support bracket into the post with the hex head screws supplied. The measurement from the
top of the post should be your final wall height plus 3mm. This 3mm will allow for panel joins plus the thickness of
the capping channels.
Example: an 1800mm high wall will have the brackets set at 1803mm from the top of the post.
1803mm
Support bracket
1800mm
USING EXPRESSED JOINTS?
If you are using the Expressed Joint feature, please refer to page 19 for specific bracket instructions.
INSTALLING ON SLOPING GROUND?
If you are stepping or raking your wall on sloping ground, please refer to page 20 for specific brackket
instructions.
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 9

Working to a string line on the face of the post, insert the first post into the hole and gradually pour in the
concrete (mix as per the manufacturers recommendations). Continually check the post alignment with a spirit
level as the concrete is being poured.
String line
Allow a small gap; a few mm
is fine, between the post and
string line.
Slope concrete away from
post to allow for drainage.
Align vertically with split level
in both directions.
STEP 2: POSTS
POST FITMENT & ALIGNMENT
10 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

The centre to centre measurement of 2420mm is to allow 10mm per side clearance for a full-length panel. We
recommend that you cut a “spacer” bar at around 2417mm long and push it hard against the back of the posts
as pictured below.
A piece of 2”x4” pine or similar will suffice.
2420 Post Centres
2417mm Spacer resting on the brackets
(see picture below)
A spacer bar can be
cut to maintain
correct post centres
Corner using 90x90x2.5
Galvanised SHS
3 way post configurations Corner post by fixing the post
halves together
45 degree angle trim
THIS EXAMPLE IS BASED IN A 2400MM PANEL BEING INSTALLED
HOUSE 1 HOUSE 2
NOTE: Allow concrete to cure completely before further assembly. See manufacturers data for concrete
curing times.
STEP 2: POSTS
SPACING CONSECUTIVE POSTS
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 11

STEP 3: PANELS
FITTING THE CAPPING CHANNEL TO THE BOTTOM PANEL
The capping channel will be slightly shorter than the panel to allow it to be guided down the post easily so it does
not collide with the heads of the tek screws. Apply ‘FLEXIT’ or similar along the 90 degree radiuses (as pictured
below). Ease the wall capping over the panel starting at one end and press down. Start at one end of the panel,
approx 5mm in and carefully ease the capping channel over the panel. Once fitted, tap the capping channel to
make sure it is seated correctly.
12 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

Make sure the base bracket is free of debris. Then with one person at either end, lift the panel vertically and
insert into the top rebates of the post. You may need a small platform to stand on to achieve the required height.
The first panel will have the capping channel installed so the initial part will be tight to insert as the post is trying
to ‘stretch’ to accommodate the panel plus the capping channel, this is normal.
NOTE: The panel must be guided down at an even and level rate or it will jam.
NOTE: Always take special care if working from heights or lifting objects above your head.
STEP 3: PANELS
INSERTING THE WALL PANELS
Slide down evenly
capping channel
INSTALLING ON SLOPING GROUND?
If you are stepping or raking your wall on sloping ground, please refer to page 20 for specific brackket
instructions.
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 13

STEP 3: PANELS
JOINING PROFILE
Insert the joining profile into the bottom panel making sure it is seated all the way down against the
polystyrene core.
USING EXPRESSED JOINTS?
If you are using the Expressed Joint feature, please refer to page 19 for specific bracket instructions.
14 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

Guide the second panel down on top of the base panel and press down to align the panels together with the
joining profile.
NOTE: If they do not align correctly with light downward pressure it may be necessary to ‘tap’ the top panel
downusing a heavy block of wood in a ‘pivoted slapping action’ to bring it together completely.
Once the top panel has been installed you can now install the top capping channel in the same way as explained
on page 12, including liquid nails to glue the channel to the panel.
STEP 3: PANELS
INSERTING CONSECUTIVE PANELS
Joining profile
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 15

STEP 4: FINISHING
TOP CAPPING CHANNEL
Once the top panel has been installed you can now install the top capping channel.
With a correctly spaced post, the capping channel will not need trimming to length. It will fit inside the post at
either end by approximately 5mm - 7mm from the face of the post. Should you need to cut a capping channel to
length, measure the inside dimension from post face to post face, and add 12mm.
NOTE: Apply a bead of liquid nails (FLEXIT or similar) to the inside radiuses of the channel before fitment.
16 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

Use a post infill to hide any exposed recesses in the posts; these occur at the end posts and where there are steps
in your SlimWall. These are designed to be inserted vertically with a small amount of force.
NOTE: Where your wall is stepped, this insert can be cut to size to suit the step and inserted in the
exposed recess.
STEP 4: FINISHING
POST INFILLS
Post Infill
Post Infill inside post End Post with Post Infill
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 17

Glue here
STEP 4: FINISHING
FITTING THE POST TOPS
Trial fit the post top to assure correct alignment before applying any adhesive. Don’t insert all the way as you risk
damage upon removal.
Providing correct fitment is achieved apply a small amount of liquid nails (or similar) to the inside surfaces of the
post that the post top legs will contact.
Re-fit the post tops. Most of the liquid nails will be wiped away but the remainder will provide enough grab to
stabilise the top and prevent unwanted removal.
18 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE

Seal here
An Expressed Joint is used to create an architectural feature by providing a 10mm rebate between horizontal
panels.
See example below of an 1800mm high SlimWall with Expressed Joints. This 1800mm high SlimWall is made
up of 3 x 600mm panels.
1. SETTING YOUR BRACKET HEIGHT
For every Expressed Panel Joint you need to add 15mm on top of your normal bracket height as outlined in
Step 3.
EXAMPLE: You are installing an 1800mm high wall as per the guide given in step 3. This measurement from
the top of post to the bracket is 1805mm. If you are installing an expressed joint this will increase by 15mm (per
joint) to 1820mm. If you you had two expressed joints on an 1800mm wall as per the picture below you will
need to add 30mm.
2. INSTALLING THE EXPRESSED JOINT JOINING PROFILE
Install the Expressed Joining Profile in between the horizontal panel joins by simply pushing it into place between
the external skins of the lower panel. Guide the top panel down over the profile in a similar manner as outlined in
Step 7.
3. SEALING
To prevent water ingress, seal between the inside of the rebate and the post junction with an exterior grade
‘paintable’ sealant upon completion.
ADDITIONAL
EXPRESSED JOINTS BETWEEN PANELS
SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE 19

This will generally be the most complex part of any installation. Please take the time to draw it out on a piece
of paper before setting any posts in the ground. Having to remove posts that are concreted in can be very
disheartening! And remember we are always here to help you get it right so if you are unsure please ask.
There are three methods for dealing with sloping ground. The examples below are based around an 1800mm
high wall.
METHOD 1
Stepping the bottom of your panels and maintaining a minimum 1800mm wall height at one end and a taller
wall height at the low end of the slope.
NOTE: This will leave a void/gap under one end of your wall panels.
METHOD 2
Raking/cutting the base panel and maintaining a maximum 1800mm wall height.
NOTE: This will leave no void/gap under your wall panels but will reduce your wall height at one end.
METHOD 3
Raking/cutting the base and maintaining a minimum 1800mm wall height at one end and a taller wall height at
the low end of the slope.
NOTE: This will leave no void/gap under your wall panels but will increase your wall height at the lower end
of the slope above 1800mm. A longer base panel is required for this method and as such should be a
consideration at the time of ordering.
ADDITIONAL
STEPPING OR RAKING YOUR WALL
20 SLIMWALL™ INSTALLATION GUIDE