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Who doesn’t like stability and reliability? Entering the construction scenario, cement boards have been a synonym for these for many years. The reason is the durability and strength which can withstand adverse climatic conditions. Cement board adds value to your house/building both in monetary and endurance terms.
What is cement board?
Cement board or fiber cement is a unique mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. This material offers unique exterior and interior appearance and stands tough against the elements. It has been an available siding solution for more than 100 years. Recently, it has witnessed a surge in popularity in the residential market.
Fiber Cement/Cement Board looks very similar to traditional wood shingles and is often mistaken for wood. Natural wood has an elegant appeal, but it is more susceptible to damage from the elements like fire. Fiber cement sidings are fire-resistant, durable, and affordable.
Now let us look into some benefits of cement board sidings.
Here are 10 benefits:
1. Long life span
A combination of cement and fiber helps the cement board with long term durability. The average lifespan of fiber cement siding is roughly 40 years, and most manufacturers’ warranties last as long.
2. Versatility in style
Fiber cement boards offer a striking beauty just in the material makeup alone. It compliments the natural looks with advanced manufacturing methods.
3. Material is fire and heat resistant
Cement board is a fire-resistant board which also insulates from heat. In fact, the material has almost a 90% fire repellent rating which could greatly restrict the spreading of flames when compared to wood and other more flammable materials. The fire resistance of fiber cement is great for the safety of your home and family.
4. Weather resistant
Extreme heat and humidity can also wreak havoc on some siding types but the makeup of fiber cement makes it dimensionally stable and protected from being damaged in these conditions. Cement boards withstand rain and sunlight.
5. Minimal maintenance required
One of the great things about fiber cement is that the material is low maintenance, especially as compared to wood boards or shakes. Due to its special curing process, this siding absorbs less moisture than other materials, which means the chance of prone to cracking or breaking is low. Fibre cement will not need regular pressure washing like vinyl and aluminum.
6. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
One of the greatest environmental advantages of fiber-cement board is the underlying production process. It is made out of recycled material and other sustainable products. The general make-up of the material is cement, sand, and cellulose, that is essential in nature.
7. Easy Installation
Fiber cement installation is generally done by professionals, but a homeowner with the right tools can complete the job as well. Therefore, if you are interested in DIY (Do-It-Yourself), fibre cement board is your friend!
8. Expands and contracts less than wood
Although there will be a need for expansion gaps left to account for expansion and contraction in the changing climate, the amount is much less than wood. In other words, issues due to material expansion and contraction will be minimal.
9. Multiple choices of colors
Cement board is an all-around excellent choice. You can easily paint cement boards. Therefore it’s highly recommended for homeowners who want the flexibility to change the color of their home’s exterior.
10. Reflect your style
Fibre cement boards come in a variety of options in texture, share and size. Therefore, the range of style selection is a huge plus of cement boards.
Have you used cement boards in your project? Tell us how below.
What are the application? Is it water resistant? (Not humidity but rain)
Yes, it is water resistant. It will survive all climate conditions.