Wood cement board

Types of Wood Cement Board

A wood cement board is an engineered building material made from cement, cellulose fibers, and other additives. It is used for various construction and remodeling projects, particularly in areas where moisture resistance is essential. As the name suggests, it contains wood particles or fibers that provide added benefits like improved workability and reduced weight. Wood cement boards are valued for their durability, fire resistance, and ability to be used as a substrate for various finishes. Here are some types of wood cement boards:

• Calcium Silicate Board:

  Calcium silicate board, also known as a wood cement board, is a non-combustible material used as an external wall cladding and internal wall partition. It is made of hydraulic cement, quartz powder, and calcium. The boards are cast in a mold and cured under high pressure in an autoclave. They are durable, non-combustible, waterproof, and resistant to termites and fungi. There are two main types of calcium silicate boards: flat and textured. Flat boards are smooth and even, while textured boards have patterns or textures. The boards have an alkaline PH of 12-13, which prevents the growth of fungi and termites.

• Fiber Cement Board:

  Fiber cement boards are versatile and durable. They are used for interior and exterior applications, such as wall cladding, roofing, and flooring. The boards are made of cement, silica, cellulose fibers, and sometimes, water. They are mixed, molded, and cured under high pressure and temperature. The boards are fire-resistant, waterproof, and resistant to termites and fungi. Fiber cement boards are available in pre-painted or textured surfaces. They are easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

• Wood Chip Cement Board:

  These are also known as particle board cement or strand board cement. The boards are made of hydraulic cement, wood chips, and water. They are mixed, molded, and cured under high pressure. The boards are strong, durable, and have good thermal insulation. They are also resistant to termites and fungi. Wood chip cement boards are primarily used for structural applications, such as load-bearing walls and roofs. They are an economical alternative to traditional wood-based materials. The boards offer good strength to weight capacity.

• Magnesium Oxide Board:

  Magnesium oxide boards are made of magnesium oxide, cement, and other additives. They are mixed, molded, and cured under high pressure. The boards are non-combustible, waterproof, and resistant to termites, fungi, and fire. Magnesium oxide boards are versatile and durable. They can be used for interior and exterior applications like wall cladding, roofing, and flooring. The boards are lightweight, easy to handle, and install. They require minimal maintenance.

Functions and features of wood cement board

Cement boards for wood are versatile materials used in construction and home improvement projects. Here are some of their key features and functions:

• Durability

  Cement boards are constructed with reinforced fibers and cement. This makes them resistant to impact, deformation, and damage. Their durability makes them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and commercial building projects.

• Moisture Resistance

  Cement boards are resistant to water. This makes them ideal for areas with high humidity and moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Their resistance to moisture prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which is common in other cement boards.

• Fire Resistance

  Wood cement boards are fire-resistant. They contain materials that are classified as non-combustible. They are classified into three types: A, B, and C, according to their fire-resistance characteristics. This makes them suitable for use in areas where there are strict building codes that require fire-resistant materials.

• Structural Support

  Wood cement boards provide structural integrity and support. They distribute loads evenly and create stable and long-lasting surfaces. Their load-bearing capabilities make them suitable for subfloor applications and foundations.

• Easy Installation

  Cement boards are designed for easy and quick installation. They come with features like pre-scored lines, tongue-and-groove edges, and lightweight construction. These features reduce labor costs and time during installation. They can be installed using screws, nails, or directly glued onto the substrate.

• Compatibility with Finishes

  Cement boards are compatible with different types of finishes. This includes tiles, paint, and wallpaper. This makes them versatile and suitable for different construction applications.

• Excellent Adhesion

  The boards provide a stable and rough surface for different adhesives. This ensures a stable bond and prevents delamination of the finishes. The excellent adhesion reduces the wear and tear of the finish and increases its lifespan.

• Eco-friendly

  Wood cement boards are manufactured with sustainable materials. This makes them friendly to the environment. Some manufacturers provide wood cement boards with recycled materials.

Scenarios of Wood Cement Board

• Interior Wall Construction: With their excellent strength, fire resistance, and moisture control capabilities, cement boards are commonly used to construct interior walls. In commercial buildings, they provide a firm and stable wall surface that can withstand impact, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and lobbies. In residential homes, they are used in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens to create smooth and sturdy wall surfaces.
• Exterior Wall Applications: Wood cement boards, with their durable and weather-resistant properties, are an excellent choice for exterior walls. In residential homes, they are used as cladding to protect the underlying structures from harsh weather elements like wind, rain, and UV rays. In commercial buildings, they provide an aesthetically pleasing facade while offering structural support and longevity.
• Partitions and Dividers: Due to their excellent sound insulation properties, cement boards are ideal for constructing partitions and dividers in both residential and commercial settings. In homes, they create separate spaces in open floor plans while maintaining privacy and reducing noise. In offices, they construct cubicles and meeting rooms, providing a quiet and focused work environment.
• Flooring Solutions: In high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, cement boards provide a stable and moisture-resistant subfloor. They prevent the growth of mold and mildew, ensuring the longevity of the flooring materials. In garages and storage spaces, they create durable and impact-resistant flooring solutions that can withstand heavy loads and machinery.
• Backer Board for Tile Installation: Cement boards are commonly used as backer boards for tile installation in bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. Their moisture-resistant properties prevent water from seeping behind the tiles, causing mold and structural damage. Additionally, they provide a stable and flat surface for tile adhesion, ensuring a long-lasting tile installation.
• Ceiling Applications: These boards can also be used on ceilings in both residential and commercial settings. Their fire-resistant properties offer an added layer of fire protection, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens. Besides, they provide a smooth and durable ceiling surface that can withstand humidity, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

How to Choose Wood Cement Board

The best wood cement board is one that meets the specific needs of the project at hand. Below are some tips to assist in making the right choice.

• Assess the Application

  The first step in selecting a wood cement board is assessing its intended application. Whether it's for exterior siding, flooring, roofing, or interior walls, the application will determine the type and thickness of the board required. For example, heavier-duty boards may be required for high-traffic areas or load-bearing applications, while lighter boards may suffice for non-load-bearing walls.

• Evaluate Environmental Conditions

  Consider the environmental conditions to which the wood cement board will be exposed. If it will be used in a location with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens, opt for boards with enhanced water-resistant properties. For exterior applications, choose boards with superior weather-resistant features.

• Check for Fire Ratings

  Safety should always come first. When choosing a wood cement board, check for fire ratings. Look for boards classified as type A, B, and C, which meet the required building code standards for fire safety. Type A boards are suitable for use in exterior walls, while type B and C boards are suitable for use in ceilings and interior walls.

• Consider Ease of Installation

  Some wood cement boards are more user-friendly than others. Consider the ease of installation, especially if working on a large project or if the budget is tight and requires professional installation. Look for boards that offer simple installation features, such as pre-drilled holes or lightweight design.

• Evaluate Cost vs. Value

  While staying within budget is important, it's equally important to consider the value. A cheaper wood cement board may save money up front but could lead to higher costs down the line due to poor performance or lack of durability. Weigh the cost against the potential long-term savings and benefits.

Wood Cement Board Q&A

Q1. What are the disadvantages of a cement board?

A1. Although wood cement boards have numerous advantages, they also have some disadvantages. Among the disadvantages is that fiber cement board does not accept paint well. Therefore, users cannot assume that the paint will adhere well to the cement board. It will be necessary to check the manufacturer's recommendations when choosing the suitable paint.

The other disadvantage is that it is not easy to install a fiber cement board with screws and nails. This is because they are tough and require specific tools to cut them. In addition, the cement board is heavy, making it hard to handle during installation.

Also, once the fiber cement board is installed, it is almost impossible to remove it without destroying it or causing damage to the underlying structure.

Finally, the cement board has poor insulation properties. As such, it cannot be used as a stand-alone material for building structures like walls, roofs, and floors. Users will have to combine it with other materials, for example, plywood, to provide adequate insulation.

Q2. Do wood cement boards contain asbestos?

A2. No, wood cement boards do not contain asbestos. As a result, the boards are not dangerous and can be handled without protective gear. However, even though the boards do not contain asbestos, they contain silica, which can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. As such, it is important to wear a mask when cutting or working with the boards to avoid inhaling silica dust.

Q3. Are wood cement boards waterproof?

A3. Wood cement boards are water resistant but not waterproof. The boards can resist the effects of water and moisture; hence, they cannot be easily damaged or degraded by water. However, prolonged exposure to water can cause problems such to the boards.