Is Fibre Cement Cladding Good or Bad?

Before we get into its many traits, it is important to know just how Fibre Cement and Fibre Cement Cladding is properly made.

 

How is fibre cement Made?

 

Originally invented in the 1890s by Ludwig Hatschek of Austria, fibre cement took over seven years of experimentation before a truly effective method and recipe was developed. The result was something of a ‘slurry’ material that was fed into a paper making machine where it continuously rotated, stacking layers on top of one another. After enough time, the layers would be built up to their desired thickness before being removed or compressed. It is a mixture of water, sand, cement, and cellulose fibre, with various trace additives, included as well.

 

While some of the ingredients and methods have varied slightly from company to company, this core setup is how fibre cement can be stronger and more capable than other types of cladding while at a considerably lower weight.

 

Benefits of Using fibre cement

 

There are numerous benefits that come with using fibre cement. And while these are only the five most apparent, there are many, many others as well.

 

#1. Lightweight

 

Through the hydration process, fibre cement becomes progressively stronger while maintaining its demonstrably lighter weight load. The advantage of this is that installation and transport is made considerably easier. Similarly, by using fibre cement, one can mimic stone appearance without the various complexities often made up of its production.

 

#2. Flexible

 

Especially compared to stone, wood, or steel cladding types, fibre cement is noted as being remarkably pliable immediately after it is formed. As a result, it can be shaped and moulded into numerous shapes and styles. This offers the creators a large amount of customization and freedom that is simply not present in other cladding materials.

 

#3. Resilient

 

Realistically, this could be an entire section in and of itself. The number of things that fibre cement protects against is quite expansive, making it one of the biggest incentives for using it over other forms of cladding. Despite its lightweight and flexible nature, Fibre Cement Cladding is able to effectively protect against virtually all weather conditions. From high heat temperatures to heavy snowstorms, to torrential showers, fibre cement can withstand it all with virtually no sign of wear or deterioration when properly installed.

 

It is resistant to microbial damage as well, warding off bacteria, algae, and rot. This is due to the plank panels absorbing and releasing moisture rather than simply holding it in. As a result, fibre cement cladding does not crack, rot, or warp when exposed to rain and moisture.

 

Similarly, fibre cement is also non-combustible and is quite resistant to fire, especially when compared to most other forms of cladding.

 

#4. Customizable

 

Next, fibre cement cladding is particularly well known for its large number of colour variety. Whereas most other materials start as a base colour and require a fair amount of work on your end in order to customize, many manufacturers produce numerous different colours in-house, allowing you your own unique facade exterior or distinct interior style.

 

#5. Inexpensive

 

Finally, in addition to all of these amazing benefits, fibre cement is one of the more affordable options when it comes to properly cladding your home. Not only that, but it is extremely low maintenance, further saving you money while keeping it in its highest quality.

 

Conclusion

 

Fibre Reinforced Cement is a very, very good material that has a long list of benefits that are simply not available in other cladding types. If you are on the fence about it or are considering whether fibre cement is right for you and your home, consider that the material is cheaper, lighter, and more resilient and durable than others.

 

It is something worth looking into for both your exterior home as well as its interior.