Cement board, also known as fiber cement board, is a building material made of cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water. The cellulose fiber cement mixture is pressed and dried into strong, rigid panels or sheets that are durable, fire resistant, and waterproof. Other names for cement board include fiber cement siding, fiber cement panels, and hardie board.

Physical Properties

Cement board is dense and rigid with low water absorption. It has a smooth and hard surface that is resistant to denting, cracking, and wear from normal use. The boards are installed internally or externally in various thicknesses from 1/4 inch to over 1 inch depending on the application. Standard cement board sizes are 4 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 9 feet for easy installation on walls.

Durability

The fiber cement composition provides Cement Board with excellent durability to withstand weathering, impacts, rotting, fire, and other destructive conditions. It does not rust, corrode, or break down over time like other building materials. Cement board retains its strength for the lifespan of a building without needing replacement or repair. This durable construction cuts down on long-term maintenance costs.

Fire Resistance

Added benefits of cement board are its fireproof and noncombustible properties. It has among the highest fire resistance ratings of any wall or ceiling material. Under extreme heat, cement board will not melt, burn, or emit toxic fumes like many other materials. This makes it ideal for fire-prone areas and as a suitable substrate beneath flammable wall and roof coverings.

Moisture Resistance

The dense, non-porous surface prevents moisture from penetrating cement board. It is highly resistant to water damage from sources like plumbing leaks, flooding, or continuous wet conditions. Cement board will not swell, warp, rot or degrade in contact with water over time. This moisture resistance allows it to be installed in high humidity areas like bathrooms without risk of damage.

Applications

Versatility has made cement board a popular product for both interior and exterior construction applications. Common uses are exterior siding, tile backer board, soffits, facades, and lining for roofs, walls, ceilings and floors. Other applications include commercial construction, agriculture, infrastructure and marine projects where durability, strength and moisture resistance are key requirements. Let’s look at some specific cement board applications in more detail:

Interior Applications

As a tile backer board, cement board creates a stable, waterproof substrate for installing ceramic, porcelain or glass tile on walls and floors. Its rigid construction eliminates the need for a concrete slab or plywood in wet areas. Cement board is the preferred substrate for shower surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, and other interior areas with frequent water exposure. It forms a durable base resistant to warping or cracking from water penetration over the lifetime of the tile installation.

Cement board also serves as an excellent underlayment below resilient flooring like vinyl, linoleum and engineered wood. Screwed or nailed securely to subfloors, it creates a smooth, flat, non-absorbent surface for long-lasting flooring installations. The cement board prevents deterioration of wood subfloors from moisture while adding sturdiness underfoot.

Exterior Applications

On exteriors, cement board panels are commonly used as siding for walls. The interlocking installation provides an affordable alternative to wood or vinyl siding with superior resistance to impacts, moisture and rotting. Factory-applied finishes make cement board siding low-maintenance with a long-lasting appearance. It is also well-suited for soffits and fascia applications around eaves, decks and overhangs.

In marine and infrastructure projects, cement board withstands prolonged exposure to moisture, chemicals and corrosion. It serves as a durable substrate for waterproof roofing membranes on commercial buildings. Cement board is also employed in agricultural applications like protecting livestock shelters, barns and equipment sheds from the elements.

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