Exterior finishing of the house with fiber cement boards. Fiber cement panels (7 products in category)

Fiber cement boards are finishing material artificial etiology. Form of its production: slabs or siding. Facade panels are 90% cement, the rest is cellulose synthetic fibers, that is, fibers, as well as various mineral additional components. Outer layer slabs are a coating that is resistant to atmospheric influences. It can imitate stone and brickwork.

During the manufacture of this sheet material– these are substances that give the coating the following qualities: the ability to “breathe”, protection from moisture, and resistance to dampness.

Detailed specifications are offered in the following tables.

Physical data

Indicators of physical and mechanical qualities

Name	Unit change	Indicators
Extreme flexural strength, minimum
Density, minimum
Impact strength, minimum	kJ/m 2
Frost resistance, minimum
Fire resistance
Retained strength after frost resistance tests, minimum
Resistance to the influence of climatic factors At 90 test revolutions (GOST 9.401): for defensive qualities for decorative qualities		no worse than AZ1 no worse than AD2
Light resistance (conditional indicator)		There are no changes in appearance or color.
Adhesion after weathering	point

When purchasing sheets for exterior cladding of a house, be sure to ensure that they comply with DIN EN 12467 and GOST 8747-88.

Advantages of facade panels made of fiber cement:

Excellent protection against aggressive factors (temperature changes, precipitation, mechanical influences).
Environmental Safety. The material does not harm either humans or the environment, because it contains no hazardous substances.
Ease of installation. It can be carried out in any weather.
Rich color palette, choice of textures and shapes.
Reasonable price panel.

Flaws:

If painting is necessary, costs increase for facades.
High level of moisture absorption (about 10%)
The appearance is inferior to many types of external finishes. Although this opinion is ambiguous. Facade fiberboard does not always inspire confidence among designers.

Decor

When studying appearance, fiber cement non-combustible panel is divided into the following categories:

Imitation of stone masonry. There are many options in this category. The criteria for distinguishing them are as follows: shape, parameters of the “stones,” color, degree of detail, texture specifics.
Imitation of brickwork. White, yellow and red variants are often found here, and other colors are less common.
Imitation of painted wood. There is more to this category.
Fiber cement with stone chips. Their differences: colors, fraction parameters, presence of inclusions.
Products of a single color and with a “plaster” texture.

Products of similar color - façade panels with marble chips. They are less often used to decorate private houses. Fiber cement facade is suitable for both office and multi-storey residential buildings.

Kinds

There is a wide size range in the types of panels. Products from Japanese manufacturers are usually classified into a different category of finishing materials. The length of the Japanese slabs is impressive, for example 182 and 303 cm. And the width is modest: 45.5 cm. Thickness range: 1.2 - 1.8 cm.

Products from Russian and European companies have different parameters (in cm), for example: 77 x 120, 30.6 x 159, 45.5 x 159.3, 119 x 156, 122 x 244, 120 x 150, 122 x 252, 300 x 150, 360 x 150. The interval of their thickness: 0.6 – 1.6 cm.

Japanese manufacturers often coat their products with a glass-ceramic layer. This results in very powerful protection against external influences. Therefore prices Japanese panels made of glass fiber reinforced concrete are several times higher than the prices of domestic analogues. The Japanese are also making more extensive decorative options– about 500 decors. The warranty period for their products is up to 10 years.

Fiber-reinforced concrete slabs may differ in the type of joining edge. Some panels are equipped with clamp plates, while others are not. Panels with such plates have protrusions on the long sides. with clamps it has no visible fastening and looks more expensive.

Fiber cement panels and siding (FP and FS)

FS are wide boards of decent length. Their appearance is similar to rare varieties of wood. To the touch, FS also resembles a natural material. The FS parameters are usually set by the manufacturer himself. Today, two types of FS are widely used:

Flat board. It is mounted with an overlap. Perfectly imitates.
A board equipped with a chamfer - a special groove. Thanks to it, installation can take place end-to-end. This view is excellent.

FP are slabs rectangular shape. Usually they look like stone or brick. There are also smooth options for plaster. They look like a plastered wall. This is the facade made of fiber-reinforced concrete.

Differences between fiber-reinforced concrete panels and fiber cement panels

When solving this issue, one conclusion emerges - there are no differences. This is the name of the same material. It’s just that some manufacturers call their products fiber-reinforced concrete, while others call them fiber cement. In practice, these are the same material.

Manufacturers and prices

This is one of the most key issues today. Here, a lot is decided by the purchasing financial abilities and goals. Some people are not looking for special quality and may purchase cheaper versions. For some, quality is a priority criterion, and as a result, expensive Japanese or European options are purchased.

Japanese products come to Russia mainly from two manufacturers: KMEW and TM NICHIHA. They are listed as part of the Panasonic corporation. Their products are of the highest quality, and, logically, the same prices.

Among Russian manufacturers, the leading positions are occupied by ROSPAN and LTM. However, there are many more modest companies that are trying to achieve Japanese quality their products.

Buying fiber cement panels is a very responsible matter. Here it is important to choose high-quality, smoothly colored material and not overpay. It is useful to study foreign and foreign products before purchasing. domestic producers. Foreign manufacturers are represented by the brands “Cembrit” and “Swisspearl”, the density of these boards is much higher than domestic ones. Some types of foreign fiber cement can even be fixed in a hidden way, onto the Keil bolt, in the same way as porcelain tiles are fastened without visible elements.

Firm	A country	Specifics	Price (in rubles) per 1 sq. m
Cedral	Belgium	Wood imitation. High strength concrete. Very accurate image of fibers.	Minimum 1000
Kmew	Japan	Nanotechnology is used. The panels have a photoceramic coating.	1000-2580
LTM	Finland-Russia	Wide choice: solid slabs for high-rise buildings, versions with self-cleaning coating,	1100-2850
Latonite	Russia	High environmental safety. The production of panels takes place using technology without the use of asbestos.	300-705
Rospan	Russia	Products are manufactured taking into account certain climatic specifics. It has excellent noise insulation.	Minimum 480

Painting fiber cement boards

When choosing paint for fiber cement boards, it is necessary to base it on the existing color scheme of the house, as well as the roof.

At self-painting For such slabs, it is important to comply with the following criteria:

There should be no defects on their front sides.
Do not fill cracks with putty.
After sanding, dust and dirt are removed from the slabs. Compressed air is used.
The boards must be completely dry.

Fiber panel painting technology

A diluted fluat fixative is used. To apply it to the front surface of the slab
use a roller or brush. The substance is absorbed in about 15-20 minutes. Next, the slabs are stored for a day in a room with parameters of +18-24 degrees and 50-60% (humidity).

Then the slabs are treated with a special impregnation on both sides. Drying follows. At 50-60C it lasts 1 hour. At 20C – 12 hours.

You need to tint the paint 2 hours before use.

The working tool is an air pistol. Requirements for it: clean and dry. Necessary parameters for work: pressure 3-4 atm, nozzle dimensions - 1.8 - 2.2 mm.

First apply one coat of paint. It dries up. Apply the next layer. Required thickness wet film – 80-120 microns. If necessary, after drying the final layer, sanding is done.

You can also work using the following technologies:

RP – “reduced pressure”.
HVLP – “high volume, low pressure”.
Combination of applications: air and airless.

Application without air is not permissible!

Drying the slab after painting

After priming, thorough drying follows: the slabs are kept at 18-24 C for 10-20 minutes, then
sent to the dryer. The conditions there are: 40-60C and 50-80% (humidity). Drying period – 2-4 hours.

After painting (colored paint is used), the slab is kept for 10-20 minutes, then again placed in the dryer under the same conditions. Only the drying period is 3-4 hours.

In practice, the final information on the drying period largely depends on the efficiency of the dryer itself. Complete polymerization occurs after 5-6 days. It is impossible to install the slabs before this time.

We suggest you read about installing fiber cement boards in a separate article.

Fiber cement facade panels are very popular for cladding the external walls of residential buildings. Fiber cement board is beautiful and reliable protection for walls. Products of both budget and premium classes have proven themselves well in the process of constructing new buildings and installing suspended ventilated facades. Fiber cement panels for exterior finishing houses can be purchased in our stores at wholesale prices. Delivery of orders in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Prices and manufacturers

	Cedral fiber cement panels externally similar to lumber. They also have many properties natural wood- easy to saw, fasten, environmentally friendly pure material, retain heat well.	from 1240 RUR/m2
	Cedral Click fiber cement panels- This is an excellent replacement for wood when finishing buildings. Kedral Click looks like wood, but it does not have many of the disadvantages of natural wood. It is fire and frost resistant, durable, strong, lightweight.	from 1769 RUR/m2
	Canadian fiber cement panels- This is a horizontal cladding board. Provides high strength of the material and resistance to moisture, and mineral fibers reinforce the material from the inside.	from 704 RUR/m2

Advantages of fiber cement panels

Fiber cement facade panels are a mixture of cement, natural mineral fillers, fiberglass, plastic, and cellulose fibers. The main components give the material resistance to moisture and mechanical strength. Filler fibers provide panels with rigidity and bending, resistance to temperature changes, and act as internal reinforcement. Plastic granules prevent products from crumbling.

Today, many property owners from Moscow and the region choose fiber cement panels as wall decoration. The material has a long list of advantages, including:

strength and durability;
unpretentiousness to external factors, facades retain their original parameters and color in the temperature range from -80°C to +80°C;
fire safety, the material practically does not change its appearance at high temperatures;
environmentally friendly material does not contain chemical components, suitable for use in residential interiors.
a large assortment shades and textures of fiber cement panels;
inexpensive and available material can be purchased for self-execution installation

Production of facade slabs

A competent choice of material for installing a ventilated facade provides the building with high-quality ventilation, and, as a result, long term operation. Fiber cement boards fully meet these criteria. The strength of the structure largely depends on the type of facade panels. At the same time, heavy weight can negatively affect the parameters of the structure.

Due to their technical characteristics, fiber cement tiles are considered unique and have no analogues. Composite panels consist of mineral additives, cellulose fiber, and cement. The manufacturing process consists of two stages, performed sequentially one after another: autoclaving and pressing. To obtain a uniform structure, the mixture is exposed to high temperature and pressure. The surface of the finished base is painted and the original structure is applied. A varnish coating is applied on top of the paint as an additional protective layer.

Features of fiber cement

Fiber cement panels used for exterior decoration of the house are distinguished by their perfect imitation of various natural materials. The most popular options include a brick surface.
Visually, the structure, lined with slabs, repeats the perfectly executed masonry.
Compared to brick, fiber cement products are more durable, practical, and easy to use.
Installation of panels on the facade is faster and costs less than laying brickwork.
Affordable cost
Installation of a ventilated facade of a new or old building is carried out in a short time.
The material does not crack over time, it does not fade in the sun, and does not form efflorescence.

IN finished house During operation, it remains warm, it is quiet and cozy, the facade is reliably protected from atmospheric pollution.

Fiber cement panels for exterior home decoration are very common today. They are used for arranging These products have unique functional properties, which makes them so widespread and popular among consumers.

Positive Features

Among the main advantages of the products described are environmental friendliness, which is expressed in their safety for human health. Among other things, these panels are durable and characterized by high strength properties. Exactly outstanding specifications make this material most suitable for finishing facades. For private buildings, this solution is the most acceptable also for the reason that fiber cement does not burn or ignite. This indicates that from a fire safety point of view, this façade panel meets the most stringent requirements.

Fiber cement panels for home exterior decoration are universal material. These products can be used for thermal insulation and decorative purposes. Quite often, fiber cement is used in the construction of internal partitions if work is to be done in industrial or residential buildings. Home craftsmen note another positive feature: installation of fiber cement panels is very simple.

The instructions for installing ventilated facades using this material do not imply preliminary work on preparing the wall base. It should be noted that the price is quite reasonable. The price is combined with decent performance characteristics, allowing you to get panels that are suitable for a consumer who appreciates the properties of the material and knows how to count money.

Disadvantages of fiber cement panels

If you decide to use it, it is worth considering that this material has one significant drawback, it lies in the insufficiently presentable appearance of the products. And indeed, in a number of cases, the facade, which was finished with these panels, is significantly inferior in external indicators to walls lined with facade tiles, stone or decorative brick.

However, experts note that this disadvantage is very subjective, because in the vast majority of cases, finishing with fiber cement panels is optimal from both a practical and ethical point of view.

Characteristics of Nichiha fiber cement products

Nichiha are made in Japan. They have the ability to self-clean. In their production, wood fiber, mica, as well as cement and quartz are used. They can be used for external and interior decoration. The surface of the panels is covered with six layers acrylic paint, as well as a protective composition, which is distinguished by water-repellent characteristics.

Japanese fiber cement panels of this brand can be purchased with different parameters. The thickness of the products varies from 14 to 35 millimeters, while the length can be selected from two presented parameters, namely 1818 and 3030 mm. The width can be equivalent to 455 or 910 millimeters.

It will be very easy to work with canvases, because one sheet, the size of which is 455 x 3030 x 14 cm, has a mass of twenty-two kilograms. The panels can withstand up to 300 freezing and thawing cycles, while the products will not lose their quality and performance characteristics.

Expansion and antistatic

Thermal expansion is not very small, thus, with temperature fluctuations in the region of 100 degrees, the expansion occurs within one millimeter per one linear meter. Such fiber cement panels for facades are antistatic, which ensures their ability to self-clean. During the installation process, you can use nails that will allow you to attach the products to the wooden surface.

If you have to work with metal, you can use self-tapping screws for fixation. If you purchased panels whose thickness is 16 millimeters, you should provide additional fastening with hidden clamps. By installing these products, you can completely eliminate the problem of water getting on the surface of the facade and the sheathing elements. This extends the life of the materials and the entire building.

Features of Latonit panels

Are you interested in the Latonit brand? Fiber cement panels from this manufacturer also have high quality characteristics. They can be used not only for arranging ventilated systems, but also for installing ventilation shafts, balcony screens and plumbing cabin ducts. On sale you can find all kinds of shades and factors that allow you to emphasize the individuality of the building. The products have good insulating properties and are also resistant to microorganisms and chemicals. By changing the thickness of the sheathing elements, you can restore absolutely any geometry of the building. You will have the opportunity to eliminate unevenness without first preparing the surface.

If you are interested in the Latonit brand, fiber cement panels from this manufacturer can be installed all year round, which will reduce heating costs by up to 30%. The products resist ultraviolet and magnetic radiation. If we compare the frost-resistant qualities of fiber cement with those of brick, they will be three times higher. This makes it possible to provide an optimal microclimate for residential buildings even in the coldest climatic zones.

Maintaining the façade will be very easy. It has a smooth surface and is weather resistant. If water gets on the surface, it is distributed over the surface without leaving dirty stains. If there is a need, you can purchase panels of non-standard sizes.

Characteristics of Kmew brand panels

Kmew fiber cement panels are a Japanese product. Such products are excellent for use in the harsh Russian climate. The manufacturer guarantees that the material will last more than 35 years, without requiring repair work. During the production process, not asbestos is used as reinforcing fibers, but cellulose, which is completely safe for health. The products have a multilayer photoceramic coating, which is the fruit of the hard work of technologists. If the surface gets Sun rays, then the base begins to destroy harmful organic matter and chemical compounds, excluding the occurrence of bacteria.

Features of fiber cement products "Rospan"

Fiber cement panels "Rospan" are produced in Russia. They have excellent quality and are made exclusively from environmentally friendly components, including cement, marble chips, wood chips, liquid glass, as well as antibacterial additives. The cost of such products depends on the complexity of the process.

The material is resistant to cracking. In order to achieve such indicators, dispersed fibers are added during the production process, which can reduce the quality of fragility. Among the positive features, we can highlight all the characteristics that are inherent in the panels described above. Without change quality characteristics The slabs can be frozen and thawed up to 50 times. The manufacturer provides a 50-year warranty. On sale you can find products whose texture imitates brick, wood or marble.

Such fiber cement panels for exterior decoration of a house are also very easy to install, in addition, they have anti-corrosion characteristics. The canvas can be installed both vertically and horizontally.

Negative reviews about Rospan panels

Those consumers who purchased the described slabs note that the finish is capable of absorbing up to 10% moisture. However, you can combat this by installing waterproofing. Home craftsmen emphasize that the panels begin to deform when exposed to moisture. However, here we can highlight an advantage, which is expressed in the fact that the material is not destroyed. You should work with such products carefully, as they have low impact resistance. However, it is worth remembering that the facades of private houses are hardly or not subject to strong impacts.

Conclusion

If you decide to use fiber cement panels for the facade to renovate your house, then it is important to take into account all the positive and negative aspects of the material before purchasing. This will help you do right choice, and also prefer products of the brand that will last longer than others. This is the only way to get a facade that looks attractive and does not require repairs throughout its entire service life. Every master should take this into account before visiting the store.

A variety of facade materials allows you to choose the most best option both in terms of economy and performance.

Fiber cement facade panels for exterior decoration of a house may be of reasonable interest.

They combine the use of classic basic raw materials for production, a modern exterior and ease of installation.

At its core, this finishing material is a mixture consisting of 90% cement, 10% mineral filler and cellulose fibers. Due to the high percentage of cement content, the panel is as hard as possible. This increases its durability and resistance to mechanical damage.

Filler microgranules solve two problems:

reduce the weight of the product;
allow you to regulate the moisture content of the material, reducing the risk of cracking with the onset of frost.

Cellulose fibers give the panels a degree of elasticity, increasing their fracture toughness.

On many samples it is additionally applied protective layer. The protection can be applied either only to the outer surface of the panel, or to both sides.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are several main advantages of fiber cement facade panels over their analogues:

Mechanical strength. Due to the hardness of the material, it is almost impossible to damage it during installation and operation. This reduces the cost of finishing and increases service life.
Durability. The characteristics of the panels allow manufacturers to give them a guarantee of several decades. At the same time, proper installation is quite capable of ensuring a service life of 100 years or more.
Fire safety. Fiber cement panels do not support combustion, unlike analogues made from synthetic materials.
Unpretentiousness to weather conditions. The material can be used in any climatic zones. Air temperature and humidity level do not affect their characteristics in any way.
Environmental friendliness. The production process does not use raw materials that emit harmful substances.
Variety of texture and color options. Production technology makes it possible to produce panels that imitate stone, brick, wood, etc. The color range is limited only by the design idea.
Convenience and ease of installation. The finishing technology does not require the use of special equipment and does not require special skills. Therefore, finishing facades with fiber cement panels is quite accessible to most non-professional craftsmen.

Meanwhile, the material also has some disadvantages:

Additives for regulating the moisture content of the material cope with their task only to a certain extent. With constant exposure to water, the humidity level can rise to 10%.
Simple installation technology still requires an assistant. This is due to the significant dimensions and weight of the panels.

Production technology

The chain of technological operations in the production of fiber cement slabs includes two main stages: pressing and autoclaving. The compressed mixture has a higher density compared to conventional bulk material.

Due to this, the final product gains greater strength and less hygroscopicity. Along the way, during pressing, the front side of the panel acquires a given relief.

Autoclaving involves treating the compressed workpiece with high pressure steam.. This operation is performed in special devices - autoclaves.

Under the influence of pressure and steam, particles of cement and filler are sintered into a dense solid mass. It increases strength finished panel, and also allows you to protect it from the appearance of lime efflorescence.
The production cycle is completed by cutting, grinding and painting operations.

Types of fiber cement panels

The following types of panels are most often found on sale:

under the brick. Imitation brick walls fits well into the design of buildings for any purpose: from country houses to office and production premises. The texture of the panels can imitate either new fired brick or already aged brick. The color can be arbitrary: gray, white, red, terracotta;
under a stone. Finishing the facade with stone panels allows you to create the appearance of stone masonry on those facades where the use of natural material is impossible or impractical for economic reasons;
under the tree. Such facades instill a feeling of warmth and comfort. At the same time, fiber cement is much more practical and durable natural wood. It does not rot, does not darken and is completely fireproof.

Distinctive features from other species

There are a number of unique qualities inherent in fiber-reinforced concrete facade panels.

Firstly, great mechanical strength. According to this parameter, fiber cement is close to facing bricks. However, the latter is much more expensive, heavier and more labor-intensive to install.

Secondly, the variety of types of fiber cement panels is not inferior to analogues made of synthetic materials. At the same time, fiber cement is non-flammable and much more durable.

Thirdly, this material is very beneficial from an economic point of view.. It has the most attractive combination of acquisition cost, performance and durability.

Specifications

Properties of a specific sample of facade panels of this type depend on the characteristics of its production. The following characteristics are taken as average:

Thickness - from 4 mm or more.
The maximum panel length is up to 3600 mm.
Geometry deviation is no more than 2 mm per 1 m.
Density – not less than 1.55 g per 1 cubic meter. cm.
Fire resistance class – G1.
Frost resistance – at least 150 cycles.

In addition, fiber cement is absolutely light-resistant.

Main manufacturing companies

Among domestic manufacturers of facade panels of this type, the following are the most famous: Brevitor, Fibrit, Latonit, Cemboard, ROSPAN. A special feature of their products is that they can be used in all climatic zones of the country.

In addition, the installation technology of domestic panels has been adjusted to allow work to be carried out in winter.

The Japanese company KMEW differs from its competitors by introducing self-cleaning technology for panels. The facades are treated with a preparation that forms ideal smooth surface when saturated with moisture. All dirt from such a surface is washed off on its own along with rainwater.

Nichiha is another company from Japan. Its main trump card is its focus on nanotechnology in production, which increases the strength characteristics of facade panels.
Belgium is represented in our country by Etenit. Its products under the Cedral brand qualitatively imitate natural wood.

Installation technology

All work on the installation of facade fiber cement slabs is divided into a series technological stages. First perform preparatory work and installation of the frame (photo below):

The façade of the building is photographed using geodetic instruments, all irregularities and curvature are identified.. On the facades of small houses, you can use building levels with a large base and plumb lines. Beacons are displayed.
Bracket installation. The standard step for installing brackets for panels of the type in question is 60 cm horizontally and 100 cm vertically. The brackets are attached to the walls with dowels, the dimensions and characteristics of which must correspond to the type of wall materials.
. Slabs are used as insulation material heat insulating material. Its type and layer thickness must comply with the requirements of thermal engineering calculations. If the insulation is two-layer, then the seams should be overlapped (as in brickwork). The optimal fastener for insulation is disc-shaped plastic dowels driven into holes drilled through the insulation in the wall. For each slab - at least 5 dowels.
Installation of windproof film. The same film serves as a waterproofing barrier. Lay it with an overlap of 15-20 cm; a ventilation gap should not be left.
Installation of horizontal and vertical frames. The horizontal one is assembled from L-shaped galvanized metal profiles 40x40x1.2. Vertical - from U-shaped and intermediate profiles. The pitch of the frames corresponds to the pitch of the brackets prepared for them.

NOTE!

At total length frame ribs more than 5 m, a gap of 3 - 5 mm should be left between adjacent profiles.

Next, they begin to install the actual façade panels made of fiber cement. It starts from the foundation. The installation technology depends on the thickness of the material. If it does not exceed 12-13 mm, then the optimal fasteners will be 4.2×32 self-tapping screws screwed into pre-drilled holes.

The fastening point should be at the location with the maximum thickness of the material. It is not recommended to place it in a decorative joint in brick or stone masonry.

To avoid chipping facade material, attachment points should not be located closer than 2-3 cm from the edge. It is advisable to paint over screws that are screwed in place to prevent corrosion. For thicker panels (from 15 mm) it is advisable to use the technology hidden installation on metal clamps.

That's what they call it fastener, screwed with self-tapping screws to the frame profiles and completely hidden under the facade panel. Using clamps speeds up installation work and allows you to maintain the integrity of the cement panel.

When fastening the panels, you should control the size of the gap between them and the insulation. The distance should not be less than 40 cm.

When the panels reach the window opening, the first step is to form a box of galvanized metal profiles. An ebb tide is installed on it. The edge of the ebb should extend beyond the boundaries of the facade by 20-30 mm. To increase the mechanical strength of the ebb, you can lay a board or plywood of the appropriate size and thickness of about 10 mm under it.

Next, slopes are installed. One side of them is attached to the frame of the fiber cement facade, the other - to window box. The joints of the slopes and facade panels are sealed and/or sealed with connecting strips. The technology depends on the material used to make the slopes. If self-tapping screws are used for fastening, they are painted to improve corrosion resistance.

The use of facade panels made of fiber-reinforced concrete will improve the exterior of any building, simultaneously increasing its energy efficiency. The cost of materials and installation costs of a ventilated facade are relatively low. You can reduce the cost of finishing even more if you take advantage of the simplicity of the technology and do all the work yourself.

Useful video

Video instructions for finishing the facade with fiber cement slabs:

In contact with

Façade finishing is not only business card home, but protecting its walls from moisture, cold and other unwanted influences. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to approach the choice of material as responsibly as possible. Do you want to get beautiful and durable exterior wall decoration without overpaying? Then fiber cement panel for facades is your choice. Here you can find out what this material is, how it is produced, what it is like and how to work with it correctly.

Fiber cement panels - what is it, advantages and technical characteristics of the material

Fiber cement panels are a finishing material of artificial origin, produced in the form of slabs or siding. Consists of 85-90% cement and 10-15% mineral additives and fiber - cellulose or synthetic fibers. The last component of the material plays the role of a reinforcing component, giving fiber cement panels bending strength. On the outside, they have a weather-resistant coating that imitates brick or masonry. Fiber cement panels also contain water repellents - additives that simultaneously protect the material from moisture absorption and allow it to “breathe”, remove small particles of water and not become damp.

Fiber cement boards and siding were created early in the last century as an alternative to stucco. New material should have surpassed her in many ways operational characteristics and be easy to manufacture/install.

More details about the benefits of fiber cement panels can be found below.

Ease. Boards and siding made from a composite of cement and fibers are very lightweight. This feature of the material greatly simplifies transportation, carrying and installation. In addition, the total weight of the finishing is less, and accordingly, the load on the load-bearing walls of the house is reduced.
Non-flammability. Fiber cement is not subject to fire and is a barrier to fire.
Resistance of fiber cement panels to ultraviolet radiation – the material will not fade after many years spent in the sun and will not lose its original appearance.
High impact and flexural strength– these characteristics of fiber cement panels are largely due to the fact that the composition includes cellulose or synthetic fibers, which play the role of a reinforcing lattice.
Low hygroscopicity– due to water repellents, fiber cement boards do not absorb water either from the outside or from the inside. But at the same time, as mentioned above, the material has satisfactory vapor permeability parameters and “breathes”.
Durability– due to the three properties presented above, fiber cement boards can serve as facade finishing from 25 to 50 years, depending on the conditions and the manufacturer. For a material with a relatively low cost, this is a very good indicator.
Ecological cleanliness– fiber cement boards do not contain components harmful to humans. When working with the material, you do not have to worry about any fumes or other negative effects.
Frost resistance– fiber cement finishing can withstand a large number of freeze-thaw cycles without loss of strength. This material is quite suitable for exterior finishing houses in places with harsh climates.
Good warmth and noise insulation properties , especially when combined with insulation made of mineral wool.
Easy to install - Working with fiber cement boards is much easier than working with plaster. If you have a certain set of tools and a source of information, you can install such a finish yourself.
Possibility to carry out installation in conditions negative temperatures – unlike plaster, you can work with fiber cement boards even during cold weather.
Versatility– siding and fiber cement panels are available in dozens of options, varying in size, price and appearance. Imitate the most different materials and are perfect for both a private home and a city office building.

On a note! A controversial point regarding fiber cement panels is that some builders and owners of country houses consider this material not very beautiful and inferior in appearance to plaster or natural stone.

Now let's look at the technical characteristics of cement and fiber finishes. The main parameters of the material are given in the table.

Table. Fiber cement panels for facades - technical characteristics.

Technical specifications	Meaning
Density, g/cm3	From 1.5
Weight of an individual finishing element, kg/m2	From 16 to 26
Bending strength, MPa	20 or more
Impact strength, kJ/m2	From 2
Moisture absorption,% by weight	From 7 to 20
Thickness of an individual element, mm	From 6 to 35
Length of an individual element, mm	1200, 1500, 1800, 2400, 3000, 3600
Width of an individual element, mm	190, 455, 910, 1200, 1500

When selecting fiber cement panels for the facade, make sure that they are manufactured in accordance with GOST 8747-88 or DIN EN 12467 standards.

GOST 8747-88. Asbestos-cement sheet products. Downloadable file (click the link to open the PDF in a new window).

Prices for popular fiber cement wall panels

How are fiber cement panels made?

Let's take a look at the example of fiber cement panels of the LATONIT brand with technological process production of this finishing material.

Step 1. Cement, sand, cellulose and other components of the finishing material are mixed together.

Cement is one of the components

Step 2. The resulting mixture enters the molding department and is rolled out to a still wet layer of a certain thickness.

Step 3. Raw rolled fiber cement is cut according to the length and width into sheets of certain sizes.

Step 4. The fiber cement sheets obtained in this way are stacked.

Step 5. The laid slabs enter the press, where they are subjected to high blood pressure. Thanks to this, excess moisture leaves the fiber cement, increasing the density and strength of the finishing material.

Step 6. The fiberboards that have passed the press are sent to a chamber for thermal and humidity treatment. There the material passes through accelerated process hardening.

Step 8 Fully cured fiber cement panels are sanded and painted.

Important! Often, a rather complex coating is applied to the surface of fiber cement panels, imitating real stone or brickwork.

Step 9 The technological process of manufacturing fiber cement boards is completed by rejecting, packaging and sending the material to the warehouse.

Types and main manufacturers of fiber cement panels

Based on their appearance, fiber cement panels can be divided into the following groups.

Important! Some of the fiber cement panels are produced unpainted - the home owner must complete this stage of façade finishing independently. On the one hand, this will allow you to choose a color that for some reason you did not find in the manufacturer’s catalog. But at the same time you will need to spend time and effort on applying paint. It is also worth noting that the cost of such unpainted fiber cement panels is 10-20% lower than the fully finished material.

Durability and appearance fiber cement panels for the facade directly depend on who produced them and on what equipment, as well as with what care the manufacturer followed the technological processes. In total, there are eight manufacturers who are considered leaders in this area in the construction market in the CIS. You can familiarize yourself with them from the table below.

Table. Fiber cement panel for facades - main manufacturers and brands.

Firm	Description
	A Japanese company that is one of the pioneers in the production of fiber cement panels. Many years of experience allowed them to bring the technological process and the quality of the manufactured material to the best possible levels.
	Another manufacturer of fiber cement finishing from Japan. The company pays great attention to the quality of the cement and mineral fillers used.
	A developing manufacturer from Russia. Constantly increases production speed, expands model lines fiber cement boards. The most modern equipment from Europe is used for their production.
"Minerite"	Finnish manufacturer of fiber cement finishing. Produces medium slabs price segment, very high quality and especially resistant in cold conditions.
	Large assortment and high quality, ensured by strict monitoring of the technological process and product compliance with basic standards.
"Kraspan"	The products of this company can be found almost everywhere - there are representatives in dozens of cities throughout the CIS.
	Danish manufacturer, one of the leaders in the production of asbestos-cement boards. Known for its quality, in no way inferior to its Japanese counterparts.
	This company specializes in fiber cement panels secured with rivets. Most often, these products are used for finishing facades. public buildings and offices.

Not every homeowner allows it financial condition decorate the house with stone tiles or decorative bricks. It's not just the cost of materials, but also the complexity and high cost of installation. To insulate and give the house a more aesthetic appearance, there are special facade panels. Read more.

How to properly cut, drill and store fiber cement panels

Before we begin installing fiber cement panels on the facade of a building, we will consider some of the features of working with them - cutting, drilling and storage. Let's start with cutting the panels, which may become necessary when working with corners, slopes and the space under the roof of the cottage.

Step 1. The cutting line for the fiber cement panel is marked. It is laid face down on a flat surface. Placed under the panel soft material which will protect it from scratches.

Step 2. The cutting tool is being prepared. It is best to use a circular saw for this. In this case, a product with a guide rail is used, automatic feeding and a dust extractor - with the help of these devices, a neat and quick cut of the fiber cement panel is achieved. Disk circular saw should be positioned in such a way that at its lowest point it extends 5 mm below the sheet of finishing material.

Step 3. Turns on Circular Saw and the cutting process begins. Its disk runs along the entire length of the fiber cement panel. Then the cut part of the fiber cement panel is separated from the main sheet.

Prices for the popular range of circular saws

A circular saw

Step 4. The surface near the cut of the fiber cement panel is wiped from dust formed during the cutting process with a dry cloth.

Drilling fiber cement panels should not cause you any problems. The main thing is to comply with several conditions.

If possible, use only special drills with the appropriate sharpening angle.
Do not drill several panels at the same time - only one at a time.
It is necessary to make indents from the edges of the fiber cement panel. They depend on the specific characteristics of each sheet and should be specified in the instructions or description supplied with the material.
After completing the drilling process, the panel around the hole must be cleaned of dust on both sides. To do this, use a dry microfiber cloth.

Every house has utility lines; in some cases they go outside not underground, but above it. In such a situation, there is a need for cutting in fiber cement panels round holes. You can see the process in the photos below.

Fiber cement panels should be stored in a dry place and strictly in a horizontal position. It is not advisable to place the slabs on the ends - they will be deformed. Pallets or wooden blocks must be placed under stacks of fiber cement panels.

Video - Installation of Cedral fiber cement siding

Installation of fiber cement panels - step-by-step instructions

Let us present step-by-step instructions that consistently outline the process of installing fiber cement panels on the facade of a house.

Step 1. Installation of fiber cement panels begins with preparing the wall. It is cleared of residues old decoration, dust and dirt. If the house is made of brick or foam blocks, get rid of the excess cement mortar between them. Then, using a level and beacons, they determine how smooth the wall is and whether there are any defects on it that need to be taken into account in the future.

Step 2. Markings are applied to the wall for the installation of brackets on which the frame for finishing made of fiber cement panels will be attached. The vertical and horizontal spacing between the brackets is selected based on the project and the material used.

Step 3. Using the marks made at the previous stage, holes are made for anchor fasteners. Their depth is selected based on the wall material and the weight of the fiber cement panels that will be used for finishing.

Prices for popular hammer drill models

Hammers

Step 4. Brackets for the fiber cement finish frame are assembled and mounted on the wall using anchor bolts. Then the length of their working part is adjusted according to the plumb lines that were made in the first step. This parameter depends on the thickness of the intended insulation layer.

Step 5. According to the principles set out in the previous operation, all brackets are installed on the wall.

Step 6. A layer of mineral wool is laid on the main wall. In this case, cuts are created in the material for the brackets. Fixation is carried out using disc-shaped dowels driven over the entire surface of each individual mineral wool slab. In this case, the insulation is laid overlapping the vertical joints like brickwork. This is necessary to improve thermal insulation properties layer and eliminating “cold bridges”.

Step 7 The vertical profile of the frame is fixed to the brackets. Their final connection is made using rivets.

Step 8 The rest of the vertical profiles are installed using the same principle. They are connected to each other using a busbar and rivets, as shown in the illustration below. It is necessary to leave a small gap between the vertical profiles being joined to compensate for the thermal expansion of the metal.

Step 9 Drill holes for fasteners in the fiber cement panels and install them on the vertical profiles. Level the product horizontally using a level.

Step 10 Fiber cement panels are fixed to the frame by tightening self-tapping screws in the corners.

Step 11 Screws alone are not enough to fix fiber cement panels for a façade; they must be supplemented with slides installed in a vertical profile. They are adjusted to the corresponding panel parts.

Step 12 Another panel is attached to the side. Its fixation follows the same principle - first, self-tapping screws in the corners, then fitted slides. But at the same time, a small gap is maintained between adjacent panels, designed to compensate for the increase in facade finishing for one reason or another and to prevent its warping.

Step 14 The slopes are finished separately. There are two options here. In the first case, the slopes are covered with painted metal products, in the second - with pieces of fiber cement panels. The joints at the corners are treated with sealant.

After this, finishing the facade of the house with fiber cement panels can be considered successfully completed.