Introduction To Fiber Cement Board And Its Potential

What is a Fiber Cement Board?

Fiber cement board is a low-maintenance and durable material commonly used for facade cladding of residential and commercial buildings. It is manufactured with cellulose fibers, cement, and sand, making it long-lasting and durable. It has been in use for around 100 years and is quickly becoming more popular due to its good looks (that resembles wood grain or even stucco), fire resistance, and high resale value.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

Cement Fiber Boards are non-uniform, monolithic material with an increased mechanical impact strength and fracture strength. Fiber Cement board is composed of materials like :

• Portland Cement – 40-60%
• Fillers – 20-30%
• Cellulose fibres – 8-10%
• Mica – 10-15%
• Other additives (aluminum stearate and PVA) – <1%
• And Cenospheres (only in low-density boards) – 10-15%

Two of the methods by which Fiber Cement boards can be manufactured are Hatschek Process and Autoclave Process.

Hatschek Process

In this process, firstly, unbleached cellulose fibers are re-pulped in warm water at an alkaline pH of 11 to 12.5. The re-pulped fibers are then refined and mixed with cement, silica sand, and other additives to form a mixture. Then the fiber cement mixture is deposited on a felt band substrate where it is vacuum dewatered and cured to form a fiber-reinforced cement matrix in sheet form.

Autoclave Process

This technology manufactures polymer-based composites by applying intense heat and pressure to eliminate moisture from fiber cement materials. This leads to composite consolidation, resulting in an extremely strong and robust fiber composite material.

Characteristics

A few of the most essential qualities of fiber cement board is that it is very durable, energy-efficient, and, to a small degree, contributes to insulating your home. Let’s look at some other characteristics of fiberboards.

1. It is a water-resistant material with excellent drying properties.
2. The board is also fire resistant.
3. It is a material that has replaced asbestos in many areas.
4. It is a very durable material with high strength and stability. It does not break or lose its composition in continuous exposure to water.
5. Fiber Cement Boards have high weather-resistant properties and are extensively used on the exteriors.
6. They are termite resistant.
7. The Boards are very good insulators of sound and heat. It can increase the energy efficiency of the building.
8. And on top of all these, they have a great appearance. They are available in wide variety of colours and textures.

Drawbacks

Although fiber cement boards have pretty impressive characteristics, there are a few drawbacks. 

1. These boards are very heavy and must be handled carefully to prevent the edges from getting chipped or cracked. Even the cutting of the board should be done carefully with carbide-tipped tools and saw blades.
2. It can be a dusty affair when these boards are cut.
3. They are expensive.

Tips for Selecting Fiber Cement Board

So weighing all the pros over cons, Fiber cement boards are definitely a smart purchase. However, here are a few things you can take care of to make sure that you have the right investment:

1. Weight: The sidings can be light or heavyweight. Hence you need to check that the weight of the cellulose plank is as per your need before buying. 
2. Multiple usages: Sidings are used for various purposes like flooring, exterior facade, and false ceilings. They are also ideal for wall paneling, partitions, cladding signboards, and cabinet back lining. You should check whether you can utilize the model you are buying for your particular purposes. 
3. Resistance: The sidings are resistant to plenty of things. So, they don’t erode quickly. However, you should check the specifications to know whether the model you are buying is resistant to water, heat, fire, all types of climates, and pests. 
4. Shrinkage: You must choose a shrinkage-free siding as some of these cellulose planks may shrink. Check the specification before buying.
5. Always choose low VOC paints, primers, and other sealants for use with your fiber cement siding.

So this was all about the composition, characteristics, and drawbacks of fiber cement board. With the help of these selection tips, we hope you will be able to make the right purchase for yourself.