We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Cement Cladding?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,529
Share

Fiber-cement or cement cladding is a building material used on residential and commercial exteriors. Cladding is the common term used in the United Kingdom and Australia to refer to what in North America and other parts of the world is known as siding. Cement cladding, or siding, is applied to building exteriors in boards or sheets to help in fireproofing, reducing sound and providing weather protection.

The full name of fiber-cement cladding is fiber reinforced cement (FRC). The fibers in the cement cladding are cellulose. Cellulose is the main material in plants. Cellulose fibers used in industry are usually extracted from cotton plants or wood pulp. When cellulose from recycled paper is used, the result is environmentally friendly building cladding or siding.

James Hardie Industries, a building products company founded in Australia, is credited with developing FRC as a replacement for harmful asbestos cladding or siding. Asbestos cladding was banned in many countries in the 1980s after it became widely connected with causing respiratory problems as well as lung and chest cancers. It was used commonly on houses and commercial buildings built between the 1930s and the 1970s. Asbestos is considered highly toxic and must be removed only by professionals. Builders or homeowners who suspect a building contains asbestos siding or cladding should report the details to a public health board; lab testing may be required.

Cement cladding is available in many different colors. The wide variety of cement siding or cladding finishes include brick, stone, granite or marble. Different textures of the cladding are available such as smooth or a wood grain look. Cement siding or cladding is also sometimes called rainscreen since in helps prevent moisture leaks and is considered as weatherproofing for buildings. Cement-fiber cladding is also termite and fire resistant.

FRC or cement cladding is considered both easy to work with and simple to maintain. It's placed onto buildings in sheets or panels that overlap. Cladding is sold in different thicknesses. Some cement siding or cladding boards are made to snap apart while others need to be cut with an electric saw.

Paint usually works well on cladding made from cement. Unlike wood cladding or siding that tends to shrink and expand with changes in weather, cement varieties are more consistent. Paint isn't as likely to peel on cement siding as it is on wood. When environmentally friendly cement cladding is used, many people prefer to use paints with a low volatile organic compound (VOC) to further the green, or environmental, theme.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-cement-cladding.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.