Pros and cons of fiber concrete facade panels

In contemporary architecture, fiber concrete facade panels are becoming a more and more common option. These panels combine the strength of fibers and the long-lasting nature of concrete to provide a number of advantages for both residential and commercial structures. But, just like any material, they have disadvantages of their own that should be taken into account before choosing.

The remarkable durability of fiber concrete facade panels is one of their main benefits. The fibers incorporated into the concrete enhance the overall structural integrity and help to prevent cracking. As a result, the panels have an exceptional resistance to inclement weather, such as persistent rain, snow, and extremely high or low temperatures, guaranteeing that their functionality and appearance will not deteriorate over time.

Fiber concrete facade panels also offer the significant aesthetic advantage of being aesthetically versatile. Their appearance can be simulated to resemble natural stone, wood, or other materials, and they come in an array of colors, textures, and finishes. This keeps concrete’s strength while enabling designers and builders to create a broad variety of design aesthetics.

There are some drawbacks to take into account despite these benefits. Façade panels made of fiber concrete may be more costly than other siding choices. It’s not always the most affordable option for certain projects because of the associated costs with materials, installation, and maintenance. Furthermore, the panels’ weight may present difficulties during installation, necessitating the use of specialized tools and knowledge.

Another potential problem is managing moisture. Although the panels themselves are waterproof, incorrect installation may allow water to seep behind the facade, which over time may result in damage. Making sure the installation is done correctly is essential to avoiding these issues.

All things considered, fiber concrete facade panels provide a combination of performance, aesthetic appeal, and durability that can be quite advantageous for a variety of construction projects. Builders and homeowners can decide if this material is the best option for their particular needs by carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages.

What facade panels are made of

These are composite materials that let you design facade systems with adequate ventilation. What they are composed of:

• Cement, which has high moisture resistance and good strength characteristics.
• Sand or other fine-grained filler.
• Fiber. This is the main component due to which the panels got their name. Fiber is a reinforcing element that significantly improves the performance characteristics of the finished product.
• Additional additives. The composition may include additives that increase frost resistance, strength, moisture resistance and other parameters of finished products.

When discussing fiber, there are a few different types to consider: glass, basalt, asbestos, steel fiber, and polypropylene. For panels of this type, the latter kind is most frequently utilized. Given that fiberglass has a bending strength of up to 20 mPa, it can actually produce panels with even curvature. This property of fiberglass makes it highly elastic. For this reason, these goods are also frequently referred to as glass fiber reinforced concrete panels.

Final goods vary:

• High density (not less than 1.5 g/cm 3 ).
• Light weight (about 16-26 kg/m2).
• Impact strength (not less than 2 kJ/m2).

A highly resistant coating to moisture and other atmospheric phenomena is present on the front side of the panels. It can also be created using stone, brick, or another type of masonry. However, contemporary finishing panels offer more benefits than just this.

Combining the strength of concrete with the flexibility of fibers, fiber concrete facade panels provide a contemporary, long-lasting, and adaptable choice for building exteriors. These panels are a sensible option for many structures because of their exceptional resistance to weather, fire, and impact. But compared to conventional materials, they can be more costly, heavier, and their installation might call for specific knowledge. Homeowners and builders can determine whether fiber concrete facade panels are the best option for their projects by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Advantages of panels

These kinds of panels are being selected more frequently because of:

• Long service life. If they are made of high-quality material, they will last up to 50 years.
• Light weight. This is the best option for siding, in addition, the panels do not overload the walls of the house.
• Ease of installation. The installation process is less labor-intensive than using plaster. In addition, the panels are quite large, so they can be installed in a matter of days. Even a beginner can handle their installation.
• Versatility. You can purchase panels of a wide variety of shapes, textures, colors and sizes. The thickness of the products can range from 6 to 35 mm. You can also choose the length. Standard models are available in 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0 and 3.6 meters. The same with the width. You can purchase a product from 190 to 1500 mm in width. They also differ in thickness.

• Durability.
• Good thermal insulation performance. Before installing them, it is not necessary to insulate the walls with mineral wool or other materials.
• Frost resistance and resistance to sudden changes in temperature indicators. The products are able to retain all their characteristics throughout numerous freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, they are perfect for regions where harsh winters prevail, and then there is a hot summer.
• High level of waterproofing. You can safely install the panels on the shady side of the house.
• Ecological. The panels are made from natural raw materials. All additives are non-toxic. Therefore, this facing material is suitable for people suffering from allergies and asthmatics.
• Resistance to sunlight. Painted panels will not change their color during the entire period of operation. Fiber concrete is not susceptible to UV radiation.
• Good sound insulation.
• Ease of cleaning. As a rule, such panels do not even need to be washed. They are perfectly cleaned in the rain. And if there is a dry summer, then it is enough to pour water on the walls from a hose.
• Fire safety. And we are talking about 100 percent safety. The fact is that fiber concrete panels do not burn, do not smolder and do not even melt under the influence of direct fire. Since they do not contain toxic materials, then in the event of a fire, no hazardous components will be released either.

Furthermore, fiber concrete is a very strong, trustworthy material that doesn’t rot, corrode, or shrink. Insects and rats find it uninteresting. To be fair though, we must point out that it still has drawbacks.

Disadvantages of fiber-reinforced concrete panels

Fortunately, just three of them exist:

• Vulnerable to prolonged contact with water. Despite the fact that fiber-reinforced concrete has good waterproofing properties, if it interacts with moisture for a long time, it will begin to absorb it. If the indicators of so-called water saturation reach 10-20%, then this can provoke deformation of the elements. But at 2% moisture no changes will occur.
• Installation features. This is not the worst disadvantage, but you need to know it. The fact is that the panels are most often quite large, so they need to be laid with a partner.
• High price. Compared to conventional putty, such panels will certainly cost more. But thanks to the variety of choices and their characteristics, this is an understandable difference in price.

Types of panels

These kinds of products come in a plethora of variations. The most widely used ones copy:

• Stone masonry. Such products are not much different from real stone in shade, texture. The detailing is so high that the building turns into a real palace.
• Brick masonry. In this case, the panels will cost less than the complex and more expensive laying of real brick.
• Wood. It is also very difficult to distinguish such panels from wooden ones. As a result, the house looks very cozy, but the finish is devoid of all the disadvantages of natural wood.
• Stone chips. You can choose any color and size of chips.
• Plastered walls. There are also ordinary monotonous products on sale, which allow you to make cladding much faster.

Additionally, you can purchase unpainted panels and customize their design.

Features of manufacturing and installation

There are four steps involved in producing these goods:

• First, liquid concrete is diluted, to which a dye is added. Everything is thoroughly mixed until a uniform and homogeneous mass is obtained.
• The concrete solution is poured into the molds. At this stage, fiberglass is added to it. It is distributed throughout the mixture in a chaotic manner.
• The concrete mixture hardens in the molds for 28 days. A certain level of humidity and heat must be maintained.
• The finished products are treated with hydrophobic and other compounds to enhance the characteristics of the slabs.

Following that, you can start laying.

It’s easy, but there are some things you should know. Prior to installing the cladding, you must first dust and clean the surfaces. Every big pothole needs to be fixed. The installation of unique brackets, which are fastened with dowels and whose length is determined by the thickness of the insulation (usually glass wool), is the next step. On top of this layer is a thin layer of extremely waterproof material that will help to improve the panels’ resistance to moisture. Only then is the facade system itself put into place.

The steel frame must be made in order to install. Subsequently, the wall is affixed with horizontal profiles initially, followed by vertical ones. They are then covered with the fiber concrete panels.

Diamond wheels, which are used to cut regular reinforced concrete products, are used to adjust the panels if they do not fit properly. It is also advised to use diamond drilling rather than other methods for creating holes. It is also important to consider the characteristics of fastening these panels.

Fastening fiber concrete panels

There are two methods for attaching fiber concrete, based on the chosen panel thickness:

• If this parameter does not exceed 140 mm, then ordinary self-tapping screws are enough. However, after installing the panels, there will be recesses from their caps. They must be filled with mastic.
• If the panel thickness exceeds 140 mm, it is recommended to use clamp locks. This technology is very similar to siding finishing. This method is considered more reliable.

Additionally, the kind of guides and the fasteners need to match. Their step is computed based on various factors, including the facade’s characteristics and panel thickness. Builders typically like a step between 40 and 60 cm.

Furthermore, fiber concrete panels with slopes, auxiliary fasteners, and corners for internal and external joints will endure longer. The elements will last longer if they are fixed more consistently.

For building exteriors, fiber concrete facade panels provide a contemporary and useful option. They offer several advantages, such as resilience to weather, longevity, and aesthetic diversity. By imitating different textures and finishes, these panels can give buildings a fashionable appearance without sacrificing strength. They are also a dependable option for many projects due to their resistance to impact and fire.

It’s crucial to take into account a few of the disadvantages, though. Fiber concrete facade panels may initially cost more than other materials. Specialized knowledge and equipment may be needed for installation, which could raise labor expenses. Furthermore, even though the panels are strong, over time they may be harmed by severe impacts or adverse weather.

For many builders and architects, however, the benefits of fiber concrete facade panels often exceed the drawbacks, even in spite of these difficulties. Long-term costs are reduced by their longevity and low maintenance requirements, making them a wise choice. Like with any building material, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages in light of the particular needs of your project in order to decide if fiber concrete facade panels are the best option.

In the end, fiber concrete facade panels are a harmonious combination of durability, functionality, and beauty. They provide a facade solution that can satisfy the requirements of modern architecture while delivering an aesthetically pleasing finish, making them a monument to modern engineering. These panels have the potential to greatly improve the exterior quality and appearance of a building, provided that their advantages and disadvantages are carefully considered.

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