Things You Should Know About Fc Cladding

A fibre cement cladding inspection will identify any problems with the fibre cement cladding before you expose yourself to a costly and/or potentially dangerous situation. Here's what you need to know about FC cladding When it comes to choosing building materials for your home's exterior facade, fibre cement cladding has a lot to offer.

What is fibre cement cladding?

Fibre-reinforced cement or fibre cement is a building material developed in the early 1980s. James Hardy developed the material as an alternative to recommended building materials at the time. The goal was to provide asbestos-free cement-based products to the market.

FC cladding is a popular choice for builders because it is easy to install and comes with many benefits. It is weather-resistant and water-resistant. This means you won't have to contend with rot or warp from weather or water damage. If that's not enough, properly installed fibre cement cladding acts as an effective thermal barrier. It can help keep your home cool on hot days and is a low-maintenance material.

What is fibre cement cladding used for?

FC cladding is particularly used in areas that are subject to either high fire hazards and/or wet conditions. It is often used as eave linings, fascias, and bargeboards when used on the exterior of homes, but it can also be used to cover the exterior of buildings as "fibro" or "Hardie board planks" in sheet form. Your building inspector will identify where fibre cement cladding is used.

Does fibre cement cladding contain asbestos?

Depending on the age of the building there is a possibility that inspection of FC cladding may identify a product that contains asbestos. Asbestos was used in Australia from the 1940s to the mid-1980s in fibre cement sheets for interior and exterior cladding, but also as gutters, downpipes, roofing, and fencing to name a few including pre-dating the 1940s for house renovations.

For houses built in the 1990s, it should be safe to assume that the fibre cement cladding used does not contain asbestos as it was phased out in all fibre cement building products in the 1980s. Your building inspection will identify whether the fibre cement cladding used in your property contains asbestos and special testing should be carried out if there is any doubt.

Is fibre cement waterproof?

Fibre cement cladding is water-resistant which is unaffected by water exposure and will not disintegrate. Fibre cement cladding can be waterproofed by applying a liquid or membrane waterproofing treatment. Because of its water-resistant properties, FC cladding is often used as exterior cladding and for interior wet area applications. When inspecting the home, your building inspector will look for signs of fibre cement cladding use.

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