Installation Guide

COVERTEK 401
Self-supporting synthetic roof underlay
Covertek 401 is an affordable light-weight roof underlay designed to keep water
out and allow moisture to escape. Covertek 401 is a more affordable option if your
project does not require a fire-retardant underlay. It is stable, shrink resistant, easy
to handle and easy to install.

Product Usage
Covertek 401 is a synthetic self-supporting roof underlay designed as a means of managing
condensation, water vapour transfer and water ingress in roof applications. Constructed using
a microporous water-resistant film sandwiched between two layers of spun-bonded polyolefin.
Covertek 401 is absorbent and breathable.
Installation Guide
Application Method
Long-run metal roofing/vertical or horizontal terminated or slit at the ridge purlin to allow a free
installation method passage of air.
• Fix using stainless steel 8-12mm staples or 20mm • Covertek 401 must NOT overhang the gutter line
flat head clouts, or appropriate proprietary fastenings by more than 20 mm, or if eaves flashings are used,
on timber framed structure. Fixing at 300mm terminate on the upper side of the flashing. More
centres. Fixing types and requirements for steel details can be found in the MRM Code of Practice.
framed structure can be found in the MRM Code of • Flue penetrations must have a minimum distance of
Practice. 50mm from Covertek 401 (refer to NZ Metal Roof
• Refer to table below to determine underlay support and Wall Cladding Code of Practice 10.11.5).
requirements. • Covertek 401 must be free of tears and punctures,
fit tightly and be lap taped around all penetrations
Underlay Support (except flue penetrations), to provide drainage for any
Roof Required condensation, or surface water from leaks.
Span
Pitch Horizontally Vertically Note: Do not use Aluband on penetrations where
Installed Installed Polybutene water pipes have been installed. Refer Pipe
Manufacturers for instructions on sealing penetrations.
≥ 10° > 1200mm Yes Yes
Concrete/metal tile roofing
≤ 1200mm No No • Covertek 401 must be laid over rafters prior to fixing
the tile battens. The maximum span between rafters
< 10° > 1200mm Yes Yes for Covertek 401 is 1200mm. Masonry tile roofs
(Min 3°) must have antiponding boards in accordance with
≤ 1200mm No Yes
NZBC E2/AS1.
• Covertek 401 upper sheet lapped over lower sheets • Installed Covertek 401 may be laid over the top of
(shiplap) to ensure water is shed to the outer face. the antiponding boards and draped into the gutter by
Note: Covertek 401 can move downwards. To prevent no more than 20mm. Antiponding boards must be
this, it must be “Captured” by the fastenings at treated in accordance with NZS 3604.
each purlin. Horizontal fix must not be used on purlin • Covertek 401 must be installed by a licensed building
distance greater than 1200mm to allow for 150mm practitioner.
laps. Application Tips
• Must be laid firmly (tight/taut) without creases. All Unaffected by LOSP or other solvent based treated
laps either vertical or horizontal must be a minimum timber. However, LOSP or other solvent based
of 150mm lap. treated timber must have sufficient time for the
• When underlay support is required, Thermakraft solvent chemical to flash off in well ventilated area.
recommend using AUSMESH Safety Mesh, Recommended minimum 7 days.
AUSNET hexagonal netting or Thermastrap 201. Corrugated roofing:
• Covertek 401 can be installed above the battens
Covertek
COVERTEKrun
or purlins for profiled metal roof claddings and horizontally
run horizontally
otherwise in accordance with NZBC E2/AS1.
• If required to achieve a lap seal (refer to NZ Metal
Roofing Code of Practice), use Thermakraft Aluband
window sealing tape or Thermakraft White General
Purpose Tape. 150mmLap
150mm LapLines
Lines

• Covertek 401 will provide temporary weather Covertek can be direct fix or cavity fix
and must be installed in a manner that
protection during construction (maximum 7 days), prevents ponding of water and span no
more than 1200mm
same day coverage recommended. DO NOT over
Covertek 401 can be direct fix or cavity fix and must be installed in
expose the product for more than 7 days. a manner that prevents ponding of water and span no more than
• Covertek 401 may be unwound to the full length 1200mm.
from the gutter to the ridge. However, when
ridge ventilation is required Covertek 401 may be
Continued over…
Installation Guide
Long run metal roofing: Tile roofing
Wooden construction COVERTEK laid
Profile Roofing horizontally over rafters
150mm
Lap Lines

Fastenings as per
roofing manufacturer

COVERTEK Rafter

Rafter or Truss
Purlin

Max 25mm drape

Metal tile installation
Steel construction

Thermakraft
Fastenings as per
Safety Mesh
roofing manufacturer

Underlay

150mm Lap Lines Handling and Storage

Covertek 401 must be handled with care to prevent
damage such as tearing and roll deformation.
Concrete/metal tile roofing: The product must be stored under cover well away
Tile roofing from direct moisture, rainfall contact and sunlight (UV).
Concrete/Pressed Steel Tile Care should be taken not stack other materials on top
of the product.

Max 25mm drape

COVERTEK

Rafter or Truss

Batten

Anti-ponding
board

Thermakraft Limited / 0800 806 595

Issue 1, November 2019

The recommendations contained in Thermakraft’s literature are based on good building practice, but are not an exhaustive statement of all relevant information and are subject to any conditions contained in the Warranty.
All product dimensions and performance claims are subject to any variation caused by normal manufacturing process and tolerances. Furthermore, as the successful performance of the relevant system depends on numerous
factors outside the control of Thermakraft (for example quality of workmanship and design), Thermakraft shall not be liable for the recommendations in that literature and the performance of the Product, including its suitability
for any purpose or ability to satisfy the relevant provisions of the Building Code, regulations and standards. Literature subject to change without notification. Latest documentation can be found on the website. E&OE.