Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
Alcore bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing
Supplier reference for standard Alcore bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing for masonry facade remediation on Class 2 strata buildings. Aluminium foil laminated with bitumen compound — self-healing at minor mechanical damage, lighter than equivalent-width lead, and simpler to install than aluminium strip.
What is bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing?
Bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing is a laminate of aluminium foil and bitumen compound used as the cavity wall DPC at the base of cavity, over lintels, and at sill courses. The bitumen layer provides self-healing properties at minor mechanical damage and self-sealing at overlaps, while the aluminium gives shape stability.
Product Reference
2 products — 2 suppliers — bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing — scroll to view all
Alcore Australia — Standard Bitumen-Aluminium Composite Cavity Flashing
Bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing — standard grade
System Description
Alcore Australia's standard bitumen-aluminium composite is a laminate of pure aluminium foil and bitumen compound — the bitumen layer provides self-healing properties at minor mechanical damage and self-sealing at overlaps, while the aluminium gives shape stability. Lighter than lead for the same cavity width and easier to work on site. The standard Alcore product is suitable for base of cavity, over-lintel, sill-level DPC, and step-and-cover flashings in standard-width brick cavity construction. Weep former rolls are available separately and installed at 450mm centres per AS 3700. Lap all joints a minimum of 100mm and seal with a compatible butyl or bitumen tape — do not rely on bitumen self-seal alone for vertical laps. Confirm current product dimensions, roll lengths, and available widths with Alcore Australia or local distributor before specifying.
Technical Properties
- Construction: aluminium foil + bitumen compound — self-healing bitumen layer reseals pin holes and minor mechanical damage
- Available widths: 150mm, 200mm, 300mm, 450mm — standard 20m roll lengths
- Temperature range: -20°C to +80°C service temperature
Limitations
- Not suitable for applications involving sustained contact with solvents or petroleum products
- Thermal movement at high temperatures may cause sag in exposed horizontal applications — confirm sag resistance for wide spans above 80°C
- Not recommended for fully exposed parapet coping — use Code 5/6 lead or reinforced composite for exposed parapet applications
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Bituline — Bitumen-Aluminium Composite Cavity Flashing
Bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing — alternative supplier
System Description
Bituline supplies bitumen-aluminium composite flashing strip as an alternative to Alcore for standard cavity flashing applications. Available through roofing and building products merchants. Technical properties are broadly equivalent to Alcore standard — confirm with supplier's current TDS before specifying. Lap all joints a minimum of 100mm and seal with compatible tape. Weep formers must be installed separately at 450mm centres per AS 3700. Confirm current product availability, widths, and roll lengths with local merchant before ordering.
Technical Properties
- Construction: aluminium foil + bitumen compound — broadly equivalent to Alcore standard grade
- Self-healing at minor mechanical damage — bitumen layer
- Available in standard cavity widths — confirm widths and roll lengths with local merchant
Limitations
- Confirm current TDS with supplier before specifying — product specifications may vary by batch or merchant
- Not always stocked at all merchant locations — confirm availability before ordering
- Confirm self-healing properties and lap sealing requirements from current TDS before specifying
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
System Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of bitumen-aluminium composite cavity flashing suppliers. Confirm all product selections against the current manufacturer TDS before specifying.
| Supplier | Product | Construction | Self-healing | Distribution | Key feature | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcore Australia | Standard Bitumen-Aluminium | Al foil + bitumen | Yes | National — Alcore distributors | Original Alcore — market standard | Standard cavity flashing — all masonry types |
| Bituline | Bitumen-Al Composite | Al foil + bitumen | Yes | Roofing / building merchants | Alternative to Alcore | Standard cavity — confirm TDS |
Do not confuse standard Alcore with:
- Alcore polyester-reinforced composite — heavier, dimensionally more stable, suited to wide cavities and parapet applications — listed on the Alcore polyester reinforced composite page
- Alcore self-adhesive with weep formers — bonded to substrate, integral weep former geometry — listed on the Alcore self-adhesive with weep formers page
- Lead flashing — heavier, self-sealing laps, different thermal coefficient, workable by hand forming — listed on the cavity flashing — lead page
- Aluminium strip flashing — no bitumen layer, not self-healing, thicker aluminium — listed on the cavity flashing — aluminium page
- Bitumen-coated foil tape — a sealing tape, not a structural flashing — not suitable as a substitute for cavity flashing
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Flashing type, lap detail, and weep former spacing must be confirmed by a qualified remedial practitioner against project-specific conditions and AS 3700.