JARA International Inc.

PLYCEM Product · Distributed by JARA International

Exterior Hidden Joint

Plycem Exterior Hidden Joint panels deliver a continuous monolithic facade finish with concealed joints, resistant to weather, insects, heat, and humidity. Available with tapered edge for premium surface finish. Installs on metal or wood structure.

Applications

  • Exterior facade with monolithic finish
  • Interior accent walls
  • Commercial cladding
Exterior Hidden Joint fiber cement panel — distributed by JARA International

Available variants

8 SKUs · all share width 1219mm where applicable

Exterior Hidden Joint8 variants by thickness, dimensions, weight, edge profile, and SKU.
ThicknessDimensions (W × L)WeightEdge profileSKUPanels / pallet
8mm5/16"1219 × 2438 mm28.47 kg62.8 lb960018
8mm5/16"1219 × 2438 mm28.71 kg63.3 lb960019
8mm5/16"1200 × 2400 mm27.59 kg60.8 lb972234
10mm3/8"1219 × 2438 mm35.89 kg79.1 lb960093
10mm3/8"1219 × 3048 mm44.87 kg98.9 lb960096
11mm7/16"1219 × 2438 mm39.48 kg87 lb979441
12mm15/32"1219 × 2438 mm43.17 kg95.2 lb979422
14mm9/16"1219 × 2438 mm50.37 kg111 lb979423

Density 1.081.18 kg/dm³ · Flexural strength ≥ 7 N/mm²

Compliance & certifications

Test reports and assembly references available on request for AHJ submittal.

  • ASTM C1186-08Type A, Grade I
  • ISO 8336:2018Category A, Class 1, Level 1
  • ASTM E-84Flame spread 0, smoke developed 0

No ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report — confirm AHJ acceptance

PLYCEM Exterior Hidden Joint is certified to ASTM C1186-08 Type A Grade I and ASTM E-84 Class A surface burning, but does NOT carry an ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report equivalent to James Hardie HardiePanel's ESR-2290 family. It is NOT documented to ASTM E-136 non-combustible, and is NOT listed for NFPA 285 assemblies. Suitable for residential and light-commercial facade cladding under 40 ft where the Authority Having Jurisdiction accepts manufacturer ASTM C1186 documentation directly, and for interior accent walls. Confirm AHJ acceptance before specifying for Type I/II construction, buildings above 40 ft (NFPA 285 required), or California Chapter 7A WUI zones.

Frequently asked questions

Common technical and specification questions for Exterior Hidden Joint.

  • When should I use a tapered edge versus a straight edge?

    Tapered edge is specified for monolithic facade finishes where seams are filled with joint compound and feathered out for a continuous wall appearance. Straight edge is acceptable when the joint detail is intentionally visible (reveal-joint design). Both edge profiles share the same ASTM C1186 Type A Grade I classification.

  • What is the difference between this product and Exterior Cement Board?

    Exterior Hidden Joint is a fiber-cement panel optimized for monolithic facade finishes with concealed joints — it ships with smooth surfaces ready to receive primer + paint or finish coatings. Exterior Cement Board is a Portland-cement panel reinforced with fiber-glass mesh on both faces, engineered for basecoat-and-skim wall systems (similar to plaster substrates). Choose Hidden Joint for paint-grade facades and Cement Board for stucco/basecoat systems.

  • What thicknesses are available and how do I select?

    Eight variants span 8mm (5/16") through 14mm (9/16"). Thinner panels (8–10mm) are typical for interior accent walls and weight-sensitive applications. Mid-range (11–12mm) is the most-specified for exterior cladding. The 14mm variant is selected for high-impact zones, taller wall heights, or where additional stiffness is required. Width is consistently 1219mm (4 ft); lengths run 2438mm (8 ft) or 3048mm (10 ft).

  • Can it be installed on metal-stud or wood-stud framing?

    Yes — both. Fastener type and spacing differ between metal and wood substrates; refer to the manufacturer fastening schedule (available on request) for screw size, edge distance, and panel-to-panel joint detail. The panel is suitable for ventilated rainscreen assemblies and direct-applied systems alike.

Ready to spec fiber-cement panels for your project?

Talk to our sales line — available 24/7. We capture your project details and Robertson responds personally within 1 business day. Prefer email? Send us your specs.

Direct line: +1 (415) 933-5738 · robert@jarainternational.com