Many people in the construction and home building industry are excited by the promise of fibre cement, but is this new material a real alternative to the use of stucco? There is no doubt that fibre cement has many benefits over traditional materials, but is it the answer to building wall cladding and siding?
Old wall cladding materials such as brick and vinyl siding are not only unsightly, but they are also cumbersome, meaning that even one small piece of shingle board could become very heavy. Fibre cement, which is composed of fine, liquid fibre, has a much lighter composition than both brick and siding, but it also provides better strength to the surface. Fibre cement can support up to twelve times its weight without cracking or breaking down, making it a highly desirable material for constructing and repairing walls.
Provides A High Level Of Insulation And Moisture Resistance
The key feature that makes fibre cement a right choice for a variety of applications is the fact that it is not susceptible to blistering, warping, or rotting, which can be an issue with some of the more traditional materials. Unlike traditional materials, the fibre cement does not lose its strength, meaning that it can be used in high traffic areas, and can still provide a high level of insulation and moisture resistance.
Bonds To The Existing Wall Surface and Provides Additional Insulation Making The Product Even More Efficient
A great benefit of fibre cement cladding is that it can often be applied to walls without the use of nails, although there are a few cases where this technique may require a bit more work. In instances where nails are used, fibre cement is often used in the form of a bead-like sealer over the top of the nails, as well as a coating on the nails themselves, but is then left to dry for about 24 hours before being installed. This allows the beads to bond with the existing wall surface, as well as providing additional insulation to make the final product even more efficient.
Generally Much More Absorbent
Because fibre cement is generally much more absorbent than traditional materials, it does not allow as much air to enter into the home or building as traditional materials would. This means that it will not let moisture into the home or structure as efficiently as some of the other options for covering a wall, such as asphalt or pebble tile. Because of this, fibre cement is usually recommended for use where the building is being built entirely on the foundation. {with the goal of providing more airflow around the building. This is important because it helps to insulate the building from the inside, which means that heating and cooling costs will be less in these areas.
Great For Creating A Contemporary Look For Your Exterior
Fibre cement does not require a stucco coating on the exterior of your home. Therefore, if you want a more contemporary-looking appearance for your exterior, you may want to try this option. You will still have the appearance of stucco, but it will be far less expensive and will be easier to install.
In several cases, fibre cement is combined with another material to achieve a look that is reminiscent of brick and stucco but does not have the same level of insulation and moisture resistance that is necessary. There are a few disadvantages, as well, such as the fact that the mixture can become waterlogged at the edges of a building or where it is applied to the exterior, which is a problem when it is used to an interior wall. Other issues that can occur include air pockets and a lack of sturdiness, especially when it comes to certain types of paint and stucco that may not be suitable for using this type of material.
Conclusion
Is fibre cement the new alternative for stucco wall cladding? While the answer may appear obvious at first, there are still some things that should be considered. It is important to check out the information provided in this article to determine if the use of this product is right for your particular situation.
There is no doubt that fibre cement can provide some benefits over traditional materials when it comes to cost savings, but is it really worth the additional effort required for the finished product? Some many different methods and combinations can be achieved when using this type of material, and each has a unique look. The most obvious advantages include the cost-saving benefits of having a much more flexible finish, as well as the ability to work on a smaller area of the wall with less effort. Fibre cement is also available in various colours and is often used for both decorative purposes as well as for the actual application of the material to the wall.
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