Fibre Cement Boards: The All-Rounder Elevation Solution
Fire resistance, termite resistance, durability, good looks, eco-friendliness are just some qualities of FCB
Fibre cement board or FCB is a composite cladding material of a long-lasting and undemanding make. A wet mixture of cellulose fibre, cement, silica sand, non-toxic additives and water is cured under high-pressure steam to form planks and sheets of this hard-wearing building material. FCB’s adaptability and versatility have tempted architects and designers to use it across India in a myriad of ways over modern and traditional building facades.
Owing to their organic constituents and eco-friendly manufacturing process, FCBs prove to be much kinder than asbestos cement sheets (made of harmful asbestos fibres), which the former has replaced for good.
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Some cool features
- Although FCBs come in pre-stained forms in the market, they can be finished in a wide selection of colours and veneers to suit the design of the facade and typology of house, even after the installation of the boards.
- These boards, in both raw and embellished forms, go well with other facade materials such as wood, metal and glass.
- FCB’s compact and robust structure makes it stand the test of time, even under the unpredictable and varying climatic conditions of India.
- Before FCB boards are cured, certain additives and fillers are added to aid fire resistance, termite resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, rot and warp resistance and more. This attribute expands the spectrum of application of these boards to interior lining, partition walls, flooring and decking, false ceilings, eaves and soffit lining, tile underlay, duct facia, kitchen backsplashes, wardrobe shutters, doors and more.
- When used internally, FCBs can be finished with wallpaper and digital printing to elevate the design. They can also be CNC-cut into jali patterns when used as partition walls, wall linings and wardrobe shutters.
- Installing, replacing and repairing FCB is far less demanding than wood, stone, tile or stucco.
- FCBs are easy to work with. They can be nailed or screwed on as needed.
- Upon cutting, these hardy boards give clean edges and hold both large and small dimensions well.
Commonly available thicknesses and their applications
4.5 millimetre: False ceiling
6 millimetre: False ceiling and backsplash
8 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding, interior wall lining, backsplash, floor underlay and tile underlay
9 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding, interior wall lining, partition walls, floor underlay and tile underlay
10 millimetre: Partition wall, interior wall lining, floor underlay and tile underlay
12 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding and high-impact partition wall
15 millimetre: High-impact partition wall and flooring
18 millimetre: High-impact partition wall and flooring
Fibre cement boards are readily available in 4 x 8 foot sheets of the above-mentioned thicknesses with many domestic vendors. Zykron by CenturyPly, Birla Aerocon by HIL Industries, Shera by Mahaphant Group, and fibre cement boards by Ecopro and Everest Industries are some names in the market who offer quality sheets and planks, and some interesting finishing options to choose from.
4.5 millimetre: False ceiling
6 millimetre: False ceiling and backsplash
8 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding, interior wall lining, backsplash, floor underlay and tile underlay
9 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding, interior wall lining, partition walls, floor underlay and tile underlay
10 millimetre: Partition wall, interior wall lining, floor underlay and tile underlay
12 millimetre: Elevation wall cladding and high-impact partition wall
15 millimetre: High-impact partition wall and flooring
18 millimetre: High-impact partition wall and flooring
Fibre cement boards are readily available in 4 x 8 foot sheets of the above-mentioned thicknesses with many domestic vendors. Zykron by CenturyPly, Birla Aerocon by HIL Industries, Shera by Mahaphant Group, and fibre cement boards by Ecopro and Everest Industries are some names in the market who offer quality sheets and planks, and some interesting finishing options to choose from.
Keep in mind
While the thin fibre cement boards are fragile, thicker ones are quite heavy. Hence, the sheets need to be handled with care during transportation and installation. The boards should only be cut outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of crystalline dust. It is always suggested to employ skilled labour for both installation and retrofitting works. Dust masks, safety goggles, and the right tools and equipment must be used at all times.
Read more:
Urban Indian Homes: 40 Incredible Exteriors
Dare to Bare Those Exposed Cement Walls?
Tell us:
Does your home feature fibre cement boards? Show us! Do share pictures in Comments below.
While the thin fibre cement boards are fragile, thicker ones are quite heavy. Hence, the sheets need to be handled with care during transportation and installation. The boards should only be cut outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of crystalline dust. It is always suggested to employ skilled labour for both installation and retrofitting works. Dust masks, safety goggles, and the right tools and equipment must be used at all times.
Read more:
Urban Indian Homes: 40 Incredible Exteriors
Dare to Bare Those Exposed Cement Walls?
Tell us:
Does your home feature fibre cement boards? Show us! Do share pictures in Comments below.
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Fibre cement boards are typically available in large profiles with a uniform surface, high impact-bearing strength and dimensional stability. This makes them ideal for external applications for the house.
These boards can imitate the look of natural timber when cured over textured substrates; that is why FCB has evolved as a low-maintenance alternative to wood and wood-based cladding solutions. Even otherwise, untreated FCB’s cement-like appearance can offer tactility and accent to any plain, plastered or painted building elevation.