Fibre cement board

Types of Fibre Cement Board

Fibre cement board is a flat sheet material used in construction and building projects. It is made from cement, cellulose fibres, and other components, which are mixed, moulded into sheets, and cured to form a rigid board. Fibre cement boards are used as internal and external wall cladding, partitions, and roofing. They are popular in construction because they are durable, versatile, and resistant to fire, moisture, pests, and rot.

These boards are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial projects for their longevity and low maintenance requirements. They are eco-friendly and provide a smart aesthetic appearance that can mimic wood, brick, or stucco. Types of fibre cement boards include:

• According to Function:

  Based on function, these cement boards are classified as follows:

  Sheathing Boards: These boards provide structural support and weather resistance when installed behind exterior siding or cladding. They are used in wall applications. These boards are strong and stable and provide impact resistance, fire rating, and moisture control.

  Wall Boards: These boards are used for internal walls and partitions. They are smooth and easy to finish. Examples include autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks and gypsum boards.

  Roofing Boards: These boards are installed directly on the roof trusses or rafters. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide a long-lasting roofing solution.

  Flooring Boards: These boards are designed to be walked on. They are durable and slip-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

• According to Location:

  Exterior Boards: These boards are used for external applications. They are resistant to water, UV rays, and other environmental elements. Examples include HardiePlank lap siding and weatherboards.

  Interior Boards: These boards are used for internal applications. They provide a smooth and aesthetic finish. Examples include JamesHardie’s interior linings and cement board panels.

• According to Type:

  Non-Structural Boards: These boards are lightweight and easy to handle. They are used in non-load-bearing applications. Examples include cement board backing and thin-set cement boards.

  Structural Boards: These boards are heavy-duty and designed to support weight. They are used in load-bearing applications. Examples include structural floor and wall cement boards.

• According to Fiber Composition:

  Cellulose Fiber Boards: These boards are made with cellulose fibers. They provide good workability and are easy to cut and install.

  Silica Fiber Boards: These boards are made with silica fibers. They provide enhanced strength and durability.

  Hybrid Fiber Boards: These boards are made with a combination of cellulose and silica fibers. They offer a balance of workability and strength.

Features and Functions of Fibre Cement Board

• Durability: Cement boards are highly durable and robust. They are considered long-lasting and reliable materials for construction because they are not easily damaged by external forces or impacts. Cement boards do not get damaged easily from falling, hitting against an object, or human pushing against it. Unlike traditional wooden boards that can easily break or get damaged with little impact, cement boards remain intact due to their strength.
• Water resistance: Cement board has a very low absorption rate, making it water-resistant. It is an excellent material for places with high moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, as it prevents mold and mildew from growing and spreading. Fibre cement boards are also used for cladding or lining around swimming pools and other water bodies.
• Fire resistance: Fibre cement boards are fire-resistant or non-combustible, which means they will not burn or catch fire when exposed to flames or high heat. This property helps to slow down the spread of fire and provides more time for people to escape in case of an emergency. It is an ideal material for places with high heat, like fireplace surrounds, and areas where fire safety is essential, like garages and parking spaces.
• Thermal insulation: A fibre cement board has good thermal insulation properties, meaning it can help maintain a stable temperature inside a building. This is because they have a high R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance. Using a cement board can help reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable living space.
• Sound insulation: The boards are dense and thick, which helps to reduce noise transmission. This makes them a good choice for areas where sound insulation is needed, like home theaters and bedrooms.
• Versatility: Cement boards are very versatile and can be used for different applications. They can be used for exterior and interior walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. Cement boards are also suitable for residential and commercial buildings.
• Easy to install: Cement boards are relatively easy to install. They can be cut to size using standard hand tools, and they can be fixed to a frame using screws or nails. Fibre cement boards are also easy to finish, as they can be painted or wallpapered.
• Cost-effective: Cement boards are not expensive, and they offer excellent value for money. They are durable and long-lasting, meaning they will not need to be repaired or replaced often. Cement boards are also easy to maintain, which can help save money in the long run.

Scenarios of Fibre Cement Board

• Residential Construction:

  Fibre cement boards are frequently used in residential construction projects. They can be installed in different areas within the home, such as:

  - Exterior Cladding: Fibre cement boards are ideal for exterior cladding because they offer durability and weather resistance. These boards protect against harsh weather elements such as wind, rain and UV radiation. They also enhance the aesthetics of a home by providing a sleek and modern finish.

  - Interior Walls: Fibre cement boards can be installed as interior walls. Their smooth surface is ideal for painting and plastering. Additionally, these boards are fire-resistant and provide an extra layer of protection.

  - Kitchen and Bathroom Splashbacks: Fibre cement boards are installed as kitchen and bathroom splashbacks. They are waterproof and prevent moisture buildup. These boards are also easy to clean and maintain.

• Commercial Construction:

  Fibre cement boards are widely used in commercial construction projects due to their versatility and performance. They are installed in different areas, including:

  - Facades: Fibre cement boards are ideal for building facades. They offer a contemporary look and are available in different finishes, such as smooth, textured and wood grain. These boards are also resistant to fading, ensuring the facade maintains its appearance over time.

  - Partition Walls: Fibre cement boards are used to construct partition walls in commercial spaces. They are easy to install and create separate rooms and spaces. These boards also reduce noise transmission in offices and other commercial spaces.

  - High-Traffic Areas: Areas with high traffic, such as lobbies and conference rooms, need durable walls. Fibre cement boards are a good choice because they are impact-resistant and durable.

• Industrial Applications:

  Fibre cement boards are used in industrial applications due to their durability and resistance to harsh conditions. They are installed in different areas, including:

  - Warehouses: Fibre cement boards are ideal for warehouse walls and roofs. They are weather-resistant and durable, and their low maintenance makes them a cost-effective solution for warehouses.

  - Factores: Fibre cement boards are widely used in factories because they are durable and fire-resistant. They can withstand extreme temperatures and are easy to clean.

How to choose fibre cement board

When purchasing the cement board for walls and ceilings, it is important to choose the right product for the intended application. These boards come in various sizes, colors, and finishes, which can be confusing for first-time buyers. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a cement board:

• Application

  These boards are used in different applications, such as ceilings, flooring, and walls. It is important to choose the right board based on its intended application. For instance, the thick boards are ideal for flooring, while the thin boards are good for walls and ceilings.

• Moisture resistance

  Moisture-resistant boards are used in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, while moisture-proof boards are ideal for dry areas. Buyers should choose the board based on their intended application.

• Type of fibre cement board

  The boards come in different types, such as wall boards and ceiling boards. Wall boards are ideal for external and internal walls, while ceiling boards are lightweight and suitable for ceilings. Buyers should choose the board type based on their application.

• Durability

  The boards are durable and resistant to rot, moisture, and pests. However, some boards are more durable than others. When buying the board, it is important to consider the durability to ensure it lasts longer.

• Ease of installation

  Some boards require specialized tools and skills, while others can be installed using simple DIY skills. Buyers should consider the ease of installation to avoid boards that are difficult to install.

• Cost

  The boards come at different prices depending on the type and size. It is important to consider the cost when buying these boards in order to get what is within your budgetary limits.

• Quality

  It is important to buy high-quality boards from reputable manufacturers. This ensures the board offers the required strength and stability.

• Accessories

  Buyers should purchase the required accessories for installing the fibre cement board, such as screws, nails, and jointing compound. Having all the necessary accessories makes the installation process easy.

fibre cement board Q&A

Q1: What are the disadvantages of cement boards?

A1: Fibre cement boards have some disadvantages. First is their cost. They are more expensive than gypsum boards. Their installation is also difficult because they are heavy and need special tools. Cement boards are also noisy. They don't block sound well. Cement boards can also cause skin irritation because of their sand and cement particles.

Q2: Is cement board better than drywall?

A2: Cement boards are not better than drywall. They are different. Cement boards are good for areas like bathrooms. They prevent moisture from harming the structure of the house. Cement boards are also strong. They protect against impacts and fire better than drywall. Drywall is not as strong against moisture or impacts. It can be used in most parts of the house but not high-moisture areas.

Q3: Do cement boards break easily?

A3: Cement boards do not break easily. They are very durable. Cement boards last a long time without getting damaged. They can withstand impacts without breaking. Fibre cement boards are also waterproof. They do not get damaged by water or high moisture levels. Their durability means cement boards are a good long-term investment.

Q4: Can cement board be used on walls?

A4: Cement boards can be used on walls. However, they are used in specific locations. For example, cement boards are used behind sinks and bathtubs. Cement boards act as a waterproof barrier. They protect the walls from water damage. Cement boards can also be used as backer boards for shower stalls. They help prevent mold growth.

Q5: How long will a fibre cement board last?

A5: Fibre cement boards last a long time - up to 50 years or more. Cement boards are very durable. They do not rot or get damaged easily. Cement boards can withstand sunlight, rain, and wind without getting damaged. Their long lifespan means cement boards are a good investment for any building project.