Fibre cement
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Fibre cement is a composite building material first developed in the early-1980s as an asbestos-free cement-based construction product. It is used predominantly in roofing and façade products because of its strength and durability.
Fibre cement products are a mixture of:
- Natural and synthetic fibres.
- Portland Cement.
- Sand.
- Water.
- Small amounts of chemical additives to provide particular characteristics.
Some of the advantages of fibre cement include:
- Resistance to rust, rot and chemical attack.
- Vapour permeability, which reduces the risk of condensation.
- Durability.
- Excellent thermal and noise insulation properties.
- Good weather-proofing properties.
[edit] Fibre cement sheeting
Fibre cement corrugated sheets can be used for a wide range of situations, but are most common in:
- Industrial warehouses.
- Agricultural warehouse and farms.
- Stables.
- Domestic buildings and garages.
Marley Eternit, the UK’s largest manufacturer of fibre cement products, produces AS6 and AS3 profile sheets, differentiated by the size of the corrugation in the sheets. The AS3 profile has smaller corrugations than the AS6 profile. AS6 is designed for roofs with a pitch of 5-degrees, and for vertical cladding in both single skin and insulated constructions. AS3 is more suitable for small structures such as housing, general purpose sheds, and garages.
Correct fixing of the sheets is vital to avoid the risk of premature failure, corrosion or leaks. Sheets should be installed according as follows:
- The smooth surface should face upwards.
- Sheets should be cut using a hand saw or slow speed power saw.
- Fixing holes should be drilled not punched.
- Factors influencing the roof fixing, such as the purlin or rail type and the nature of the roof in question, should be carefully considered.
[edit] Fibre cement slates
A fibre cement slate is a lightweight roof tile, particularly suited to complex roof geometries, which can also be used for vertical hanging. The surface and square edge are designed to closely resemble natural slate, and have the advantage of being easier and faster to install. In addition, they can be installed on roof pitches as low as 15°.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.