Choosing between Hebel and Nasahi party wall systems for your duplex or townhouse? We install both every week across Sydney as recognized Installers for both brands.
Here's the straight goods on which system works best for your project – no sales pitch, just facts from the job site.
| Quick Navigation: |
What is a Party Wall?
A party wall is the shared wall between two separate dwellings sitting on the legal boundary. Found in duplexes, townhouses, and semi-detached homes.
Party wall and common wall mean exactly the same thing.
Why they matter:
- Fire safety (prevent fire spread between dwellings)
- Sound insulation (tenant privacy)
- Structural integrity
- NCC compliance required
- Legal obligations to adjoining owners
Sydney Compliance Requirements
Fire Resistance Level (FRL): Typical requirement is 120/120/120 (120 minutes structural adequacy, integrity, insulation). Hebel achieves this for party walls. Nasahi's certified party wall systems achieve FRL 90/90/90.
| Important: Always verify current CodeMark certifications for your specific application. Fire ratings vary depending on wall configuration, thickness, and whether additional plasterboard is used. |
Acoustic Performance: Minimum Rw + Ctr ≥ 50 required. Both systems can achieve this when installed as complete systems with proper framing, insulation, and plasterboard linings. The AAC panel alone does not guarantee this rating.
Bushfire (BAL): Hebel provides documented compliance with all BAL categories including BAL-FZ, suitable for Blue Mountains, Northern Beaches, Hills District, and Southern Highlands. Nasahi's party wall system certifications do not contain specific BAL ratings - consult with your certifier for bushfire-prone areas.
Hebel vs Nasahi: Complete Comparison
| Factor | Hebel | Nasahi |
| Density | 510-550 kg/m³ (lighter) | 650 kg/m³ (more damage-resistant) |
| Party Wall FRL | 120/120/120 achievable | 90/90/90 (certified party wall systems) |
| Acoustic (Complete System) | Rw + Ctr ≥ 50 when properly installed | Rw up to 60dB with complete system |
| Installation Speed | 3-4x faster than brick | 50m² per day (3 tradespeople) |
| System Complexity | Can achieve FRL with fewer components | Requires additional plasterboard for higher FRL |
| Wall Thickness | Thinner assemblies possible | Slightly thicker with plasterboard |
| BAL Certification | Documented BAL-FZ compliance | Party wall system lacks specific BAL rating |
| Best For | Max FRL, simple systems, bushfire zones | High density, documented acoustic performance |
Both Systems: NCC compliant, AS 5146 certified for general AAC use, 75-80% lighter than brick, non-combustible, termite resistant.
Project Costs & Value
Installation Speed Savings
| Project Size | AAC Time | Brick Time | Savings |
| Small duplex (30-40m²) | 1-2 days | 4-6 days | 3-4 days |
| Standard duplex (50-70m²) | 2-3 days | 6-10 days | 4-7 days |
| Large townhouse (100m²+) | 3-5 days | 10-15 days | 7-10 days |
Cost Advantages:
- Labour: 3-4x faster installation = lower labour costs
- Timeline: Faster to lock-up = lower holding costs
- Structural: 75% lighter = potential foundation savings
- Logistics: Lighter panels = reduced crane hire (Sydney: $200-400+/hour)
- Long-term: AAC requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional masonry
Material Considerations: Hebel can achieve higher FRL ratings with fewer additional components. Nasahi party wall systems typically require additional fire-rated plasterboard to reach higher FRL ratings.
Installation Process
Pre-Installation: Frame completed and inspected, delivery access confirmed, materials on site.
6-Step Installation:
- Frame Preparation: Install deflection tracks, top hat battens
- Panel Delivery: Flat-packed (20 panels/pack), hand/fork/crane offload
- Panel Installation: AAC adhesive on edges, fix at 600mm centres
- Adhesive Critical: Creates structural bond, fire/acoustic seal
- Plasterboard (if needed): Fire-rated plasterboard for acoustic and FRL compliance
- Finishing: Acrylic polymer render, paint, or plasterboard lining
| Note: Acoustic performance and fire ratings depend on the complete system installation including proper framing, insulation cavity, plasterboard linings, and sealing. The AAC panel is one component of the rated assembly. |
Sydney Challenges: Narrow access (common in terraces), crane requirements, weather (AAC less affected than brick), certifier inspections at key stages.
Which System is Right for You?
| Choose Hebel If: | Choose Nasahi If: |
|
|
Professional Installation Essential: DIY risks $15k-$50k+ rectification costs. Party walls require:
- Master Installer certification (manufacturer warranties)
- NCC compliance expertise
- Proper adhesive application
- Complete system installation for fire/acoustic ratings
- Certifier coordination and documentation
FAQ
Q: Are both systems OK for bushfire zones?
A: Hebel has documented compliance with all BAL categories including BAL-FZ. Nasahi's party wall system certifications do not include specific BAL ratings - consult your certifier for bushfire-prone areas.
Q: What fire ratings do the party wall systems achieve?
A: Hebel can achieve FRL 120/120/120 for party walls. Nasahi's certified party wall systems achieve FRL 90/90/90. Always verify current CodeMark certifications for your specific application.
Q: Which has better soundproofing?
A: Both can achieve excellent acoustic performance when installed as complete systems with proper framing, insulation, and plasterboard. Nasahi documents Rw 60dB with complete system. The AAC panel alone does not determine the final acoustic rating.
Q: Are they NSW compliant?
A: Yes. Both are NCC compliant AAC systems when properly installed. Always verify specific certifications for your application.
Q: Can they support kitchen cabinets?
A: Yes, with proper AAC fixings (not standard screws). Use toggle bolts or specialized AAC anchors.
Q: How do they perform in Sydney climate?
A: Excellent. 35+ years proven performance. Must use proper AAC-compatible render finish.
Q: What maintenance is needed?
A: Virtually none. Inspect render every 10-20 years. No repointing or special maintenance required.
Q: How do costs compare to brick?
A: AAC typically competitive or lower total installed cost due to faster installation and reduced labour. Material costs vary by supplier and project specifications.
Get Expert Installation
Corebuild Services – recognized Master Installers for both Hebel and Nasahi.
What We Offer:
- Dual certification (objective advice on both systems)
- Hundreds of Sydney projects completed
- Full NCC compliance and certification coordination
- Supply through finished render
- Manufacturer warranties
Call: (02) 9604 0422
Web: www.corebuildservices.com.au
Related: Nasahi vs Hebel Full Comparison | Hebel Prices 2025 | Hebel vs Brick
| Disclaimer: This article has been corrected based on verified CodeMark certifications. Always consult current manufacturer documentation and your building certifier for specific project requirements. Fire ratings, acoustic performance, and BAL compliance depend on complete system installation, not individual components. |
Last updated: October 2025. © 2025 Corebuild Services.