Facade fiber cement boards: technical characteristics and varieties, installation features and an overview of manufacturers

Because of their strength, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, facade fiber cement boards have gained popularity as an option for external cladding. These boards are made of a mixture of cement, cellulose fibers, and additional ingredients that are heated to a high pressure and then formed into sheets. Because of its exceptional resistance to fire, weather, and pests, the final product can be used in a variety of environments and climates.

The technical qualities of fiber cement boards are one of their main advantages. They are renowned for having outstanding dimensional stability, which means that variations in humidity or temperature do not cause them to significantly expand or contract. This characteristic lowers the possibility of cracks or other structural problems over time and helps preserve the facade’s integrity. Furthermore, fiber cement boards are resilient to severe weather, such as intense rain, wind, and sun exposure, and they have good impact resistance.

Fiber cement boards are available in an assortment of textures, colors, and finishes, catering to a wide range of architectural styles and design tastes. Common options include wood-grain, textured, and smooth finishes, which appeal to both traditional and modern building aesthetics. Additionally, some manufacturers provide custom color matching services, which helps designers and architects achieve desired color schemes for their projects.

For facade fiber cement board installation to be as successful and long-lasting as possible, careful attention to detail is needed. It is essential to prepare the substrate properly, which includes making sure the base is level and stable and implementing suitable moisture management strategies. Installation techniques can vary based on the type of board and manufacturer requirements, but they usually entail applying adhesive or mechanically fastening something.

High-quality facade fiber cement boards are the specialty of several manufacturers, each of whom has distinct product lines and features. Prominent producers comprise [Manufacturer A], renowned for their wide range of colors and inventive surface treatments, and [Manufacturer B], acknowledged for their environmentally conscious production methods and dedication to environmental preservation. Selecting the best manufacturer requires taking into account things like accessory availability, technical support, and product warranties.

To sum up, facade fiber cement boards are a strong and attractive external cladding solution that can be used for a variety of architectural projects. Making wise choices for building and remodeling projects requires an understanding of their technical attributes, available varieties, installation specifications, and manufacturer options.

What are fiber cement boards

Fiber inclusions, stone chip additives (10–15%), and cement (85–90%) are used to create fiber cement panels, which are finishing materials. Scientists from Japan wrote the production technology. The sheet is made up of multiple layers: a layer of water-repellent primer covers the inner surface of the panel, shielding it from atmospheric moisture, and a multicolored coating on the outer surface provides weather resistance. The layer has the ability to extract water vapor from the walls and keeps it from entering the building.

Faceting material comes in a variety of colors and textures, and is sold in stores and construction markets. A sheet of fiber cement imitating decorative plaster is available for purchase. There’s a hint of stone, wood, various kinds of brick, and natural leather. The slabs’ surfaces can be rough, smooth, matte, or semi-gloss.

Application areas of fiber cement panels

Fiber cement offers excellent functional and aesthetic qualities. This eco-friendly material is used to the exterior of industrial, residential, and office buildings. Both inside and outside of buildings, panels are used.

Slabs are more frequently used to clad facades, in which case the finish serves the following purposes in addition to being aesthetically pleasing:

• protection of the facade from the influence of winds;
• additional thermal insulation;
• coating for leveling the surface of walls.

Fiber cement is a material used in both new construction and historic building reconstruction to finish walls. The boards are used to complete fast-built frame structures. They effectively carry out the duties of a ventilated facade.

Interior construction projects use finishing boards. Stoves and fireplaces in the home can be adorned with the products due to their visual appeal and fire safety. Tiles that function at high pressure and temperature are made specifically for these uses. In addition, the coating functions as a heat-reflecting screen.

Technical and operational characteristics, standard sizes

When manufacturing facade fiber cement, attention is paid to GOST 8747-88, which stipulates adherence to the following standards:

• product density – not less than 1.5 g / cm³;
• the bending strength is not less than 20 MPa;
• frost resistance is characterized by 100 freeze-thaw cycles;
• moisture absorption – 7-20%;
• impact viscosity – not less than 2 kJ / m²;
• flammability – NG;
• weight — 16-24 kg/m².

Facade slabs are made in the following sizes by domestic manufacturers: 1200 x 1500, 3600 x 1500, 3000 x 1500, and 1200 x 2400 mm. These measurements are not the same as the siding format, which is typically 3000, 3300, or 3600 mm long and 200 or 470 mm wide. The following sizes are produced by Japanese companies: 450×1818, 450×3030, and 910×3030 mm. 1200×770, 3600×190, 1590×306, 1593×455, 1560×1190, 1500×1200, 3050×1220, 2520×1220, 2440×1220, 3000×1500, and 3600×1500 mm are the slightly different figures found in European factories. All products have a thickness of 6-35 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of fiber cement sheets are as follows:

• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to open fire;
• low hygroscopicity;
• vapor permeability;
• resistance to corrosion;
• good heat and sound insulation;
• strength and impact resistance;
• durability;
• frost resistance;
• light weight;
• affordable prices;
• easy installation.

Cellulose or polyurethane fiber used in cement mortars serves as a mesh to reinforce products. The decorative coating has a service life of roughly fifty years.

Because the cladding is lightweight, it does not significantly strain the building’s walls or foundation, and it can be loaded and unloaded without the need for specialized machinery. Professionals and amateurs alike can easily install the material on the wall surfaces after it has been unloaded. The installation process is completed year-round.

The finishing material has drawbacks as well, one of which being its lack of decorativeness. There are options with vibrant colors that do not fade in the sun, so this point can be contested. The two biggest drawbacks are the lack of hardness and the inability to fasten panels covertly.

Varieties of facade panels made of fiber cement

Panels with a variety of colors and structures are available. On the primed surface, acrylic paints are applied; these coatings come in Premium, Standard, and vandal-proof varieties. The slabs are separated into four categories based on texture: Shagreen, Oak Bark, Bark beetle, Stone chips, and Mosaic.

Textured fiber cement sheet "Shagreen"

The product has the appearance of natural leather because of the acrylic mass and granules that make up the slab with the "Shagreen" texture. The panel is elegant and well-made. "Shagreen" is painted in a variety of hues; it is not just metallic.

Fiber cement slabs for facades "Bark beetle" or "Oak bark"

Occasionally, the panels are given a rough texture that looks like tree bark. A polymer decorative plaster mixture helps achieve this. Oval-shaped elements arranged vertically and horizontally and pointing in different directions create a relief pattern resembling the remnants of a bark beetle. The "Bark beetle" textured facade panel is painted in a variety of colors, allowing one to select the specific shade required for the task at hand.

Textured coating "Mosaic"

The paint splashing technique is used to create the "Mosaic" texture. Using a spray gun or brush, insoluble dye droplets are applied to the fiber cement base and allowed to dry. A contrast between the dye and the base is chosen.

Texture "Stone chips"

This material is made up of naturally occurring dye-mixed stone chips, including jasper, granite, and marble. The chips are tiny; they range in size from 1 to 3 mm, occasionally reaching 5 mm. The tile’s protective properties are enhanced by this texture. A facade covered in "Stone Chip" texture material draws attention to the building’s status.

Features and stages of installation of fiber cement facade boards

The following steps comprise the installation process:

• preparation;
• waterproofing;
• installation of fasteners for insulation materials;
• installation of insulation;
• installation of the second layer of waterproofing;
• finishing the lathing around windows and doors;
• installation of tiles.

Cleaning the facade, taking out window frames, plaster residue, ornamental elements, and wall-mounted pipes are all part of the preparatory stage. Following cleaning, a membrane film or polyethylene waterproofing layer is applied to the wall. To install the mineral wool sheets, brushes are fastened on top of the film. The crate’s components are insulated with mineral wool, and the joints are taped together. An extra waterproofing film is used to seal the insulation.

The last step in finishing the crate by the windows is to add more partitions to reinforce the structure.

Starting from the bottom of the wall or the blind area, install the panels on the lower portion of the structure. The tile is drilled precisely, a dry cloth is used to wipe away any dust, and screws are used to secure the product. After the hats are shed to a depth of 1.5 mm, sealant is applied to the recesses.

The starting bar and the metal tile are fitted with tiles once the base has been closed. Sealant-treated separation strips must be installed between individual components. Special additional profiles from fibrocent or metal are used to issue the angles.

When it comes to modern construction projects, facade fiber cement boards provide a flexible solution that combines aesthetic appeal and durability. These boards are well known for being weather resistant and requiring little upkeep, which makes them perfect for exterior cladding. They can imitate the appearance of natural materials like stone or wood while providing the advantages of cement-based durability. They come in a variety of textures and colors.

Fibre cement board installation calls for meticulous attention to detail to guarantee correct alignment and weatherproofing. The manufacturers offer detailed installation instructions that include methods for cutting and fastening the boards in a way that reduces the possibility of water seepage or cracking. Installing the boards correctly prolongs their life and improves the facade’s appearance.

Think about things like thickness, surface treatment, and fire resistance ratings when selecting fiber cement boards. These elements have an effect on the board’s performance over time in addition to its visual appearance. Certain manufacturers provide bespoke options that can be tailored to specific architectural or design specifications, offering versatility for both residential and commercial uses.

Prominent producers of facade fiber cement boards comprise well-known international brands that are renowned for their dedication to excellence and creativity. In order to select the boards that best suit the needs of the project and the budget, builders and architects can compare product features, warranties, and support services by researching different manufacturers.

To sum up, facade fiber cement boards are a strong, low-maintenance option for improving a building’s exterior. With a variety of installation features, technical attributes, and varieties to take into account, these boards provide architects and builders with a dependable way to accomplish both functional and aesthetic objectives in building projects.

This article explores the world of facade fiber cement boards from "All about concrete." We’ll go over their installation process, various varieties, and technical features. We’ll also give a synopsis of the major producers in the industry. This guide tries to simplify the complexities and assist you in making knowledgeable decisions about this adaptable building material, whether you’re a professional seeking for insights or a homeowner thinking about using these boards for your exterior.

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