Sourcecorp prepared these Q&As and adds new questions as these may arise over time.
These questions have originated from our clients as Sourcecorp has been developing an
Australian waterproof wall panel business
It is a combination of materials including wall panels, aluminium profiles and sealants and the process for installing these together. The Fibo System is designed to create a robust and waterproof decorative wall finish.
The panels are a composite of three sheets that are bonded together with a thermosetting glue under pressure:
- High pressure laminate (HPL) is the décor outward face of the panel. HPL is sheets of decorative ‘Kraft Paper’ impregnated with liquid resin. The paper and resin are bonded with heat and as the name suggests under high pressure to create a very hard surface.
- Plywood forms the core of the panel. Fibo plywood is a specially developed 7-layer WBP (Water and Boil Proof) birch plywood; commonly known as Marine Ply. Marine Ply is designed to handle moist conditions and resist fungal attack.
- On the back of the panel is a laminate vapour barrier.
It’s a patented tongue and groove system invented and developed by Fibo AS in Norway; the patent reference is WO/2006/083175 ‘A Method of Machining Fibre Boards’. Fibo wall panels have an Aqualock tongue and groove machined into the long sides of each panel. The tongue is designed to lock into groove to create a near seamless and watertight joint. The Aqualock also makes joining panels together easy and prevents separation as the panels expand and contract.
Fibo developed a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine capable of milling (cutting away) the top layers of the High-Pressure Laminate (HPL). HPL used by Fibo consists of nine layers of Kraft Paper, from which Fibo can mill the top two, to create an indentation that resembles a grout line. The milling process does not affect the panel’s waterproofing properties.
The CNC machine creates many different tile configurations and ‘grout line’ widths. Standard grout line widths are 1.8, 2.5 and 3.5 mm.
By varying the Kraft Paper colour beneath the top finish layer of the HPL, either a white or grey ‘grout effect’ can be produced.
No. Panels are milled by Fibo after they are assembled and can be supplied un-milled without any grout line effect.
Fibo is further developing the capabilities of their CNC milling technology and has created some free form effects. This is not a standard product line, so speak to Sourcecorp if you require further details.
Fibo panels are constructed using marine grade plywood and, providing all exposed plywood edges are fully sealed with a recommended polymer sealant and fitted correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the panels are guaranteed to be waterproof.
Panels are available in three sizes.
All panels are 10.4mm thick. Dimensions given below include the width of the Aqualock edge, which is 20 mm. Areas provided are for the decorative finish:
- Standard panel: 2400 x 620 mm 1.44 m2
- Long panel: 2720 x 620 mm 1.63 m2
- Tall panel: 3020 x 620 mm 1.81 m2
Not all decorative finishes are available in the Long and Tall panel range.
There are three panels with tile pattern ME88 that are 300 mm wide.
Panels are supplied in shrink-wrapped plastic with a set of installation instructions included in each pack. There are two panels per pack with each standard sized pack weighing 26 kg. Single panels can also be ordered.
Fibo panels should be kept dry and stored on a flat surface to prevent bowing. Fibo panels should be acclimatised at room temperatures for at least three days prior to installation.
Care needs to be taken not to place any pressure on the Aqualock edges.
The short answer is yes, mould and mildew cannot penetrate the Fibo panel surface.
But that doesn’t mean that mould and mildew won’t develop on the panel.
To provide a more detailed response, it is important to note that mildew and mould are much the same thing in that they are both fungi:
- Mildew is grey or white, almost powdery looking; whilst
- Mould is generally black or green but can also be orange, brown pink or purple.
It’s a simple fact that bathrooms and other areas exposed to moisture will become grimy and dull. Grime accumulates over time when the scum formed from the mixture of soap and body oils dries out (also called ‘Soap Scum’). Grime is a food source that when combined with a moist, humid and dark environment create ideal conditions for fungi to thrive. Fungi spreads by releasing spores (seeds), expanding outward. When a fungi spore finds a suitable environment, its roots will penetrate porous and semi-porous surfaces like grout. Here lies the problem, while the top of the fungi can be removed the roots are left behind causing discolouration of the penetrated material.
Fortunately, Fibo panels don’t suffer this problem because the fungi spores can’t penetrate the laminate surface. While grime, mildew and moulds may accumulate on the panel’s surface they can’t penetrate the laminate surface, making Fibo panels very easy and quick to clean.
15 years from the date the product is delivered or collected.
That for the duration of the warranty period the Fibo System:
- Will remain watertight;
- Will not crack or delaminate; and
- Will not discolour; subject to
The products being fitted in accordance with the Fibo installation instructions and that it is reasonably maintained.
The warranty is subject to a to fair wear and tear policy and assumes that all panel corners, Aqualock joints and exposed edges are properly sealed.
The purchaser must ensure that the panels are thoroughly inspected prior to installation and must immediately notify Sourcecorp of any:
- Damage to the panels or profiles; and
- Defects or flaws in the décor including colour shading.
If installed by a third-party tradesperson, the panels should first be checked by the purchaser.
The warranty applies to all domestic and most commercial installations. Please contact Sourcecorp for verification if the product is to be utilised in exceptionally high use installations, such as public use shower blocks.
This warranty does not confer any rights other than those provided in the Fibo warranty document.
At our discretion we will rectify the problem or replace the faulty products(s). We will only cover a claim for refitting costs under exceptional circumstances where a defective product was installed by a Fibo accredited installer.
Claimants may elect to receive a cash settlement for their successful warranty claim.
The warranty does not cover claims due to:
- Faulty installation by a third-party installer;
- Accidental damage after delivery;
- Misuse or use in an inappropriate setting (such as outdoors);
- Inappropriate storage;
- Structural movement of the building;
- Incorrect maintenance including the use of inappropriate cleaning materials such as bleach or abrasives. Refer to Fibo Cleaning and Maintenance instructions [link to Cleaning and maintenance document]
Claims for indirect and consequential loss or damage are specifically excluded.
The Fibo warranty does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.
All claims must be presented to Sourcecorp who will respond directly to the claimant. The warranty explains the process for making a claim and what happens thereafter including the timing for completing a claim.
Given Fibo is new to Australia, to date we have not had to process a single claim. Over the past 60 years Fibo in Norway has had very few claims.
Sourcecorp Victoria is liable to settle all approved Australian warranty claims. Sourcecorp holds product and public liability insurance of $20 million. Under the Australian distribution agreement, Fibo AS in Norway underwrites Sourcecorp for Australian product warranty claims
Fibo is very new to Australia and we are looking for new places to display the Fibo System. Currently the Fibo System can be inspected at the Home Ideas Centre in Oakleigh and in Sourcecorp’s Collingwood office.
Watch this space as new Fibo displays are established, which will be shown on the Sourcecorp website.
Yes, Sourcecorp holds décor swatches and samples of the aluminium profiles. These can be sent by Australia Post or collected from Sourcecorp’s office. Sourcecorp may request a small packaging and postage fee for sending samples. If a package and postal fee have been charged this will always be credited to a client’s next order.
Fibo also has been used in many commercial applications such as shop fitouts including as a display prop, in public wash rooms, schools, aged care and other health service buildings where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount.
The panels are ideal in transportable and pre-fabricated modular buildings or bathroom PODs, because they are economical and unlike tiles they won’t pop-out or crack during transportation.
Fibo is not suitable for saunas, steam rooms or as a surround to a pool. The heat and presence of harsh chemicals like chlorine mean that installations in these areas cannot be warranted.
Although constructed from marine grade plywood, which is designed for external use, Fibo panels are intended for use in-doors. The warranty explicitly excludes outdoor use.
Fibo do offer a splash back product, however this is not currently stocked by Sourcecorp in Australia. Several Australian clients have used the panels as a splashback, particularly in laundries. In some cases, the use as a splashback was an afterthought, whereby panel off-cuts were used for this purpose.
In the kitchen, Fibo can be used as a splashback, however it is important to check the building code if installing behind a cooktop. Generally, Fibo can be installed behind electric cooktops (standard type and induction) provided the latent heat does not exceed 80oC. Regarding a gas cooktop, Fibo cannot be used unless the panel has a fire-rated backing sheet.
Yes, any combination of the panels can be mix n’ matched. That’s the beauty of the Aqualock, all panels connect in the same way and are the same thickness.
Fibo is often used to create contrasting feature walls or to create a unique visual dynamic in a room by mixing colours and textures. Different tile designs can also be joined together to break up different parts of a room, such as the shower recess from the main bathroom area. We have many clients who have done this.
Yes, there are two ways to do this.
- Fibo can supply a ‘Covering Profile’, which is a two-part aluminium extrusion. Essentially the extrusion forms a ‘H’ shaped lock between the top of the lower panel and the bottom of the extension panel. Refer to this video to see how this works.
- Panels with a tiled effect can be extended by creating a gap of the same size as the grout line between the lower and upper panel. Once panels are fixed in place the gap can be caulked with sealant that matches the grout line colour.
Refer to this video to see how this works.
In the Fibo Australian Price List there is a page specifically added to help select the correct quantities of Fibo product.
For a rough estimate the quickest and easiest way is to first measure the lineal meterage of walls that are to be covered with Fibo panels and divide this by 0.6. The actual number of panels will depend on the length of each wall, size of door opening and any windows, whether the panels are to be extended and the number of different décor types. This may require a little bit of planning to calculate correctly.
Quantities of other products will dependent on the room shape. Again, as a rough guide:
- Profiles:
- Calculate based on the lineal meterage for the base and cap profile then divide by 2.3m; and
- By the number of internal and external corners.
- Sealant allow one tube for every two panels.
- Allow one of each Fibo Clean and Wipes per dozen panels.
The Fibo System can be ordered directly from Sourcecorp, the Australian distributor.
As at January 2019, Sourcecorp is in distributorship discussions with parties in each Australian State Capital. This website will be adjusted accordingly as negotiations are completed. In the meantime, Fibo products can be ordered directly from Sourcecorp and sent to almost any destination in Australia.
There isn’t any minimum order size for stocked items.
Fibo can manufacture to order and in some cases a minimum order quantity may be required, to justify the time required to prepare the order. If you have a sizable order or a project, then speak to Sourcecorp about your requirements.
Sourcecorp’s standard terms are payment in full prior to delivery or collection of goods. To reserve stock or to place a special order then Sourcecorp requires a 40% deposit. Sourcecorp can offer credit terms to approved trade clients.
Supply of Fibo products will be subject to the Security of Payments Act.
Any Fibo product that is unused, in original condition and returned to Sourcecorp within three months of delivery will receive a full refund of the amount paid for the returned product.
Returns valued at more than 30% of the total order value may incur a restocking fee of 20% of the goods returned.
The purchaser must cover cost of returning the goods to Sourcecorp.
Sourcecorp’s returns policy does not apply to special and project orders.
Direct bank transfer, Mastercard or Visa (credit or debit) cards.
We cannot accept Amex or Diners Club cards.
Note that a surcharge will be added to payments made by PayPal or credit card.
Warehoused stock will be ready to ship within three business days of receiving an order.
For special and project orders the lead time will depend on when the product will be restocked and our shipping schedules.
Contact Sourcecorp who will be able to provide stock availability and specific delivery information.
That depends on the delivery address. Fibo is new to Australia and while a distribution channel is being established all stock is being warehoused in Melbourne. In Melbourne metro areas delivery will be within three business days, elsewhere in Victoria delivery will take up to five business days.
Contact Sourcecorp to discuss areas outside of Victoria.
Yes, panels can be collected from Sourcecorp. You will need either a van, a large station wagon, a ute or a trailer. You will need something to secure the load and if exposed to wet weather conditions a means of covering the panels during transit.
Some clients have collected panels on roof racks, which can be OK for short journeys. However, it is not advised to use roof racks for longer trips, particularly if travelling at speed.
The Fibo system is relatively easy to install when compared to laying ceramic wall tiles. A working understanding of the tools and understanding of how to check levels and plumbness are important attributes. But we wouldn’t recommend that a DIYer attempt to install Fibo with little or no previous experience.
A list of the tools required is included in the Q&A ‘What tools are needed to install the Fibo System’.
Printed installation instructions are included with the panels or can be downloaded from the website. There are many short instructional installation videos that we recommend to anyone undertaking a Fibo installation for the first time, regardless of their experience or skill level.
Minimum tool set
- 1 m spirit level
- Tape measure
- Fine tooth wood saw
- Fine tooth hack saw
- Screw driver
- Sealant dispenser (cartridge)
- Mitre box
- Steel file
- Knife
- Saw horse
- Pencil or fine pen
Desirable tools
- 2m spirit level & laser level
- Square set
- Circular saw (timber blade) & guide track
- Benchtop mitre saw (metal blade)
- Electric drill or Impact driver
- Powered sealant gun
- Vacuum cleaner
Yes, in many cases a builder or trades person is employed directly by an owner or developer to undertake a broad scope of works, which would include wall finishes. Sourcecorp can supply product either to the principle or via a builder or sub-contractor. Sourcecorp will also provide any technical assistance and advice as may be required by the builder or sub-contractor. Regardless who is installing the Fibo System, we are committed to do whatever is required to give the client the best possible result.
Sourcecorp uses third party trades to undertake installation work on behalf of our clients. Any installer introduced by Sourcecorp will be experienced in using the Fibo System.
In most cases Sourcecorp does not make a margin from installations; we concentrate on product supply and logistics management. Therefore, we are happy to make an introduction to an installer and leave negotiations to our client and the referred installer.
Alternatively, Sourcecorp can arrange a quotation on behalf of a client and if required, manage the installation process.
An important part to establishing the Fibo System in Australia is to have a team of competent installers. Sourcecorp has a list of builders and trades people who have direct experience and are competent in installing the Fibo System. We are always looking to add to this list.
As the Fibo System is new to Australia, Sourcecorp is developing a process that ensures Fibo installers have excellent product knowledge, have hands-on experience in installing the Fibo System and are of a standard acceptable to Sourcecorp and Fibo AS. Only tradespeople who successfully complete this process and become accredited installers will be referred or offered installation work by Sourcecorp.
Accreditation will involve product introduction, in field training and supervision (particularly on initial installations) and follow up inspections of work. Installations carried out by an Accredited Fibo Installer will be warranted.
Anyone with carpentry trade skills, the right attitude and who is looking for a new opportunity.
To be an accredited installer requires a candidate to achieve Sourcecorp’s required level of proficiency, have a positive attitude and carry a sense of pride in their work.
While it is desirable to have carpentry experience this is not essential as Sourcecorp may be able to assist would-be installers by teaming them with an experienced hand while they develop their skills.
Contact Sourcecorp if you wish to discuss becoming an installer; we are always looking for more good people to join us.
Preparation works may include demolition, framing, roughing in plumbing and electrical, fixing windows and completing the floor and ceiling.
Vertical surfaces or studwork should be flat, plumb and dry. Although the panels are waterproof it is suggested that the floor wall junction and up to 150 mm above the floor level be sealed with a waterproofing membrane.
Fibo panels should be allowed to season for three days under the same roof that they are to be installed. All Fibo products must be inspected prior to installation to ensure there are no visible faults or defects. Should you note a product defect then contact Sourcecorp as soon as possible. Do not install any defective product.
This largely depends on what substrate is available in the room.
The Fibo System is designed to be fitted directly onto the building’s stud frame work; this is the cheapest and quickest way. However, it can be just as easily fitted over existing wall sheets, such as Gyprock ®, Villaboard® or other types of cement or fibre sheeting.
As to the best form of installation:
- For a new build then install directly onto the framework of the room. This will save time and money. Fibo profiles and panels are designed to be fixed in place using screws.
- For renovation works, then the best type of installation will depend on whether existing walls are being maintained or removed. If the substrate is sound, then the Fibo System can be glued and screwed to the wall.
The installation instructions show various methods for fixing the Fibo System. Sourcecorp will always be available to discuss any type of project.
Yes, the Fibo System can be fitted directly onto existing or new wall sheeting. We would always recommend mechanical fixing, using screws, in the first instance. However, should this not be possible or practical and, provided your walls are sound and straight, you can use adhesive to install the Fibo System.
Yes, panels can be fixed to an existing tiled wall to provide a fast and cost effective update. That stated, it is important that the underlying tiles are sound, and the wall is properly prepared.
First check for any bulging, loose or ‘drummy’ tiles. A drummy tile can be detected by gently tapping the centre of a tile with a solid object. If the tile sounds hollow (drum-like) when tapped, then it means the adhesive holding the tile to the wall is compromised. The tiled wall should also be assessed for moisture behind the tiles and any mould infestation. If the tiled surface displays any of the issues noted above, then these need to be resolved before installing the Fibo System.
If the tiled surface is sound, then preparation before installing the Fibo system consists of:
- Removing any fixtures;
- Roughing up the tile surface to provide a key for the adhesive;
- Thoroughly cleaning the tiles and removing any defective or soiled sealant; and
- Ensuring the tiles and substrate are completely dry.
Sourcecorp recommends Soudal High Tack adhesive for fixing panels over tiled walls. Save
The Fibo panel is waterproof and therefore does not need any backing sheet or a waterproof membrane. It is however recommended that when the floor is being waterproofed that the membrane be extended up the wall from the floor/wall junction by 100 – 150mm.
If using a vinyl sheet on the floor then by coving the sheet up the wall by 50mm higher than the base of the panel, then no membrane is required.
We recommend using a high tensile strength waterproof adhesive such as Soudal ‘Fix All’ with Fibo panels. This is available from Sourcecorp and can also be purchased from most Mitre 10 stores. One 290ml tube of Fix All should be enough to fix two standard panels. Fix All is not volatile, almost odourless and safe to use indoors.
A hybrid polymer waterproof sealant should be used to seal all joints and edges and we recommend ‘Fibo Seal’ or Soudal ‘Soudaseal 215LM’. This is available from Sourcecorp in white or grey to match panel or grout-line colours.
The above products are flexible, almost odourless and will create a good bond to the laminate of the panel. Using this product should reduce the need for maintenance or replacement of the sealant.
We do not advise using silicone as the sealant because it does not bond as well to the laminate and can degrade quickly increasing replacement intervals.
MSDS for the above products can be found on our web site.
This is a popular request and several clients have installed a niche within the panels. This has been done by using a preformed niche, which can be purchased from tile suppliers or retail outlets like Bunnings, Mitre 10 or Tradelink. The panel cut out is then used as the backing of the niche to match the wall panel. Aluminium profiles can be used to frame the niche and assist in waterproofing (if required) at the point where the niche connects to the external face of the panel.
Sourcecorp and Fibo are currently developing an inhouse niche that works specifically with the wall panels.
Yes, fixing hardware items to Fibo is very easy and fast.
Other than pre-drilling a small pilot hole, items can be fixed using a wood screw. Fixing items onto Fibo wall panels takes away the concern of cracking a tile.
Items such as towel rails, toilet roll holders, shower shelves and robe hooks don’t need any backing support. With a decent wood screw the panels will hold these types of fixings.
It is recommended that additional noggins or studs be added to support heavy items such as wall mounted (free-standing) washbasins or grab rails given these are designed to support significant weight.
When screwing through the laminate surface, ensure that all fixtures are sealed where screws penetrate the panel.
That largely depends on the nature of the work.
We receive a lot of requests from people wanting to undertake a renovation of a room in their house. In some cases, these people have not engaged their own builder to co-ordinate the works because they are still at the planning stage. Sourcecorp is building an accredited list of independent Fibo installers with each installer having a differing range of trade skills. The degree that each can undertake extra works will depend on their availability due to other projects they are committed to do and the requirements of the project. Sourcecorp is happy to provide contact details of our installers and leave any discussions regarding the scope of works to the client and the installer.
Extensively. Fibo have a long history of independently testing their products. Whether it is the company’s processes or the products these are thoroughly and independently checked. Copies of accreditations and test reports are available on request.
Sourcecorp is currently verifying under the CodeMark® scheme that the Fibo System is waterproof to AS3470 and is therefore deemed to comply with the Building Code of Australia. The Fibo System was CodeMarked in New Zealand in 2018, where the building regulations and standards are very similar to Australia.
The CodeMark® Certification Scheme is a voluntary building product certification scheme that authorises the use of new and innovative products in specified circumstances. In the case of the Fibo System this will be certified against the Waterproofing in wet areas, AS3740 to show compliance with the Building Code of Australia. For further details regarding CodeMark, click here. Link to https://www.abcb.gov.au/Product-Certification/CodeMark-Certification-Scheme
Sourcecorp has engaged Bureau Veritas to perform this work. We expect to CodeMark for the Fibo System during the first half of 2019.
Fibo panels are very easy to clean and clients are generally amazed at the time saved in keeping the panels clean.
It is recommended that the Fibo System be cleaned on a regular basis with a simple wipe down using a soft cloth and a mild soap and water or any non-abrasive liquid cleaner. Any exposed sealant and profile trims should also be cleaned.
There are certain products (e.g. abrasives and bleaches) and methods of cleaning (scouring) that must not be used on Fibo panels. Failing to follow Fibo Panel Care & Cleaning Instructions may invalidate any warranty.
See ‘Fibo System Care & Maintenance Instructions’ information sheet.
This depends on the time between cleans and the area to be cleaned. However, we are always happy to hear from clients who call to tell us how much less time they are spending cleaning when compared to the effort taken to clean and maintain tiles and grout.
See ‘Fibo System Care & Maintenance Instructions’ information sheet that contains specific details regarding the treatment of mould and mildew.
See ‘Fibo System Care & Maintenance Instructions’ information sheet that has specific details regarding maintenance.
We recommend the use of a product called COLORFILL (Unika) which is an acrylic gap filler and sealant and can be used to repair small chips or minor scratches in the laminate of the boards.
It comes in a range of colours which can be matched to the colour of your panel. This can be purchased online.
Other similar repair kits are also available.
No, it is not designed to be used as a floor.
Fibo AS is a Norwegian company that specialises in the design, development and manufacture of waterproof wall panel systems.
Fibo started making wall panels in 1951 and has constantly invested in developing their products. Fibo invented and patented the Aqualock, a unique method of locking two panels together that is now universally acknowledged as technically superior and copied by other panel manufacturers. In 2015 Fibo built a technically advanced production facility in southern Norway that is capable of precise volume production.
Today Fibo is the world’s leading supplier of high-quality waterproof wall panel systems and distributes its products throughout Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.