Nowadays, a variety of materials are used for finishing facades, especially since they are presented in a large assortment on the construction market. Fiber cement panels for exterior home decoration are one of the recently introduced types of cladding that is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.

Until recently, the most common facade finishing was cement-based, more often than not, however, they have a number of significant drawbacks, which manufacturers are trying to eliminate by equipping the developed compositions with various modified additives. Another direction of development in this direction was the emergence of fiber cement finishing panels.

What are fiber cement facade panels

The main advantages of fiber cement cladding over traditional plaster

Plaster compositions, despite their constant technological improvement, still have a number of common negative features. This may include the following:

• The wall must be carefully prepared for the plaster layer, taking into account the properties of the material from which the building is constructed.
• Repair and finishing of the facade with plaster solutions is impossible or very difficult to carry out at low temperatures, since they are mixed with water.
• The plaster may not be applied in a very thick layer, and even if it is reinforced with reinforcing mesh, due to temperature changes and under the influence of natural factors it can peel off and crack. In addition, a thin layer of material is not able to create at least minimal thermal insulation for the walls of the house.

Therefore, at one time, based on the same cement, fiber cement panels were developed in Japan, which retained all the positive properties of the base material, and also provided for and corrected various nuances characteristic of “classical” plaster layers:

• The panels do not have direct contact with the wall, which means that they can be installed on a surface made of any material. The main thing is that it has a certain strength.
• Fiber cement boards, thanks to the components they contain, have a certain flexibility and resistance to bending and compressive loads, which almost completely eliminates their cracking.
• Cladding walls with panels is much simpler than applying plaster mortar, spreading it and smoothing it to perfect evenness.
• To properly mix the cement-sand mixture, you need to have fairly high skills. Each owner can install the panels independently, having studied the technology of their installation.

Production of fiber cement panels

Any modern building composite material goes through a complex production process, for which special equipment is used. The conveyor complex for the production of fiber cement panels includes a cellulose processing department, mixers, a molding and drying cycle. Next, the slab blanks go through the stages of applying protective and coloring layers. To understand how this facing material is manufactured, we can briefly consider this process step by step:

• Cellulose fibers (fiber) are used as a reinforcing material in the manufacture of fiber cement panels, which undergo complex processing. The cellulose is separated into individual fibers, washed several times with water and sent to a special settling tank, and from there it goes to the next section, where the solution is mixed.
• The first step in preparing a solution for slabs is to mix all the ingredients included in their composition (cement, cellulose, synthetic fibers, sand, additives that lighten the weight of the panels) into a homogeneous dry mass in a special drum. Next, water is added to the resulting mass, after which mixing continues until a homogeneous mixture is formed.

• The finished mass is fed to the next section, which is the mixer-extruder. Formed textured fiber cement panels are extruded from it under high pressure of 650 N/cm² through a special nozzle of a certain configuration. After this stage, the material “rests” for 6–8 hours, while simultaneously gaining strength.
• Next, the panels enter a special autoclave, in which they are heat treated at high temperatures of 170÷175 degrees and under a pressure of 10 atmospheres. Thanks to this process, calcium hydrate silicate is formed, which gives the panels ultra-strong characteristics.
• The next step is to send the dried slabs to a workshop where protective treatment is carried out - impregnation with moisture-repellent compounds and antistatic agents, then special paints are applied to them. After drying, the panels are coated with photoceramic or hydrophilic-ceramic substances, which form a molecular oxygen film on the surface. This layer protects the panel from dust and dirt, and also thanks to it the facade cleans itself during rain or when washing off dirt from a hose. In addition, this coating prevents fading and fading of the decorative layer.

A water-repellent primer is applied to the back of the panels, so the slabs are protected both from the outside and from the inside.

Main characteristics of fiber cement panels

The physical, technical and operational characteristics of fiber cement panels produced by different companies may vary somewhat, but basically the recipe for the manufacturing mixture is identical. Its composition includes the above-mentioned components, in the following percentage ratio: cement 85÷90% of the total mass, and 10÷15% are mineral additives, fillers and cellulose fiber. Different manufacturers use their own additive ingredients, but they always formulate the solution in such a way as to bring the characteristics of the materials to the standards established for this type of cladding.

So, instead of cellulose, glass fiber can be used in the mixture. Almost all Japanese companies necessarily include quartz sand in their composition, which improves the characteristics of the facing material.

Fiber cement panels have the following qualities, ideal for facade finishing of buildings built in different climatic regions.

• The facing material is absolutely non-flammable, so it will serve as a kind of protection for the walls of the house.
• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation is noted, that is, the finish retains its original appearance for the entire service life.
• The light weight of the panels greatly simplifies their installation.
• Low hygroscopicity - the panels do not absorb moisture.
• Inert to corrosion or erosion of the concrete slab.
• Thermal and sound insulating properties help to protect the house to a certain extent from heat loss and external noise
• High impact resistance and strength make the finishing material durable.
• The material is resistant to temperature changes, including sudden ones, with a large amplitude.
• The finishing does not particularly burden the walls, so the load on the foundation does not increase so significantly.
• Installation of the cladding can be carried out at any temperature.
• The material is environmentally friendly, so it does not emit harmful fumes.
• An aesthetic type of finishing can give any walls neatness, respectability, and the intended design of the facade.

Prices for fiber cement panels

fiber cement panels

It is worth saying that some models of fiber cement panels are produced without a protective and decorative coating. They have not only a lower price, but also a number of disadvantages, including:

• Considerable hygroscopicity in some varieties.
• Linear deformation of the slabs is up to 2% - but this is not such a big problem, since it does not lead to destruction of the material.
• The need to paint the panels yourself will increase the cost of finishing by about 10%. Therefore, it is best to purchase ready-made options that do not require modification. Moreover, their price will not differ much after purchasing paint and paying for painting work, and sometimes it may even exceed the cost of material that does not require painting. For example, if an unpainted version of some types costs from $20 per 1m², then the price for high-quality products with a decorative coating is about $22 per 1m².

The technical characteristics of fiber cement panels with protective coatings are based on GOST 8747-88, as well as European standards DIN EN 12467, and must be maintained in the following parameters:

• The density of the slab material is at least 1.5 g/cm³.
• Bending strength is 21.5 MPa or more.
• Moisture absorption – from 7%, but not more than 20% of the total mass.
• Flammability category - NG.
• Frost resistance – 100 or more cycles (approximately 45÷50 years).
• Impact strength – from 2 kJ/m².
• The weight of the finishing board depends on the thickness and density of the material. On average it is 16÷24 kg/m².

Find out about the new generation of thermal insulation boards from a new article on our portal -

Shapes, reliefs, colors and sizes of panels

The assortment of construction stores offers slabs with various textured patterns, as well as in a wide range of sizes. In addition, the panels can have different shapes, so the facade cladding differs significantly from each other. It can be a flat surface, imitate one or another brick or stone masonry, or even facing with boards like siding.

The variety of colors of fiber cement boards is amazing - there are so many of them that it will be difficult to settle on just one of them. The panels have deep, rich pastel shades, which gives the structure an aesthetic appearance. They can be matched to any selected facade design style and roof color scheme.

It is impossible not to mention separately the special coating of mineral chips, which is applied to moisture-resistant and frost-resistant compounds, making the panels more resistant to mechanical loads, as well as to the influence of natural factors.

The size range is also quite large. It is important to note here that manufacturers from different countries produce panels to their own standards, which are not particularly consistent with each other. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase at once the entire volume of material that is needed for the walls of the building, so as not to get into an awkward situation when the facing panels have run out, and the store no longer has exactly this type

• The thickness of the slabs can vary from 6 to 35 mm.
• Length and width:

Products from Japanese companies mainly have dimensions of 910x3030, 455x3030 and 455x1818 mm.

Standard parameters of panels from Russian manufacturers are 1200×1500, 1200×2400, 3000×1500 and 3600×1500 mm. “Siding boards” are manufactured in the format 3600×200, 3000×200, 3300×470 mm, but other options for the length and width of the panels are also possible.

The standard sizes of European products are quite numerous: these are 1200×770, 1590×306, 1593×455, 3600×190, 1500×1200, 1560×1190, 2440×1220, 2520×1220, 3000×1500, 3050×1 220, 3600 ×1500 mm

Application areas of fiber cement panels

This type of cladding has been known for several decades, but in our area it began to be widely used relatively recently. At first, consumers were “embarrassed” by the high prices, but after Russian manufacturers began to produce fiber cement panels, the price for this facing material dropped significantly.

Due to their high physical, technical and aesthetic characteristics, slabs are increasingly used for the following purposes:

• As a windproof and additional heat-insulating layer for the main walls of a building.
• As a leveling coating and decorative design of the surfaces of new houses and during the reconstruction of old buildings.
• Finishing of prefabricated and frame houses, since the material has all the necessary qualities for this.
• The use of panels in the arrangement of ventilated facades.
• The material is suitable and used for both residential low-rise buildings and industrial and office buildings.

Major manufacturers of fiber cement panels

Today, there are quite a lot of manufacturing companies on the Russian market that produce fiber cement facade and plinth panels. Therefore, before settling on one of the models, it is recommended to consider several options, since they can differ significantly in quality, despite the fact that their price will be approximately the same.

In addition to quality, it is worth paying attention to whether the panel manufacturer produces additional fittings and fastening elements that should be included with the facing material. Perhaps this factor will slightly increase the price of the panels, but you won’t have to look for suitable parts, without which it is impossible to achieve the desired neat appearance of the facade.

So, in the modern construction market, the most popular fiber cement panels are from the following manufacturing companies: NICHIHA and KMEW (Japan); "LTM", "Rospan", "Kraspan" and "Latonit" (Russia); "Eternit" (Belgium).

Products from Russian manufacturers

Table of physical and technical characteristics of fiber cement facade slabs from some domestic manufacturers that have won recognition among Russian buyers:

	"Rospan"	"LTM"	"Kraspan"	"Latonit"
Water absorption, no more, %	10÷16	20	20	18
Expansion from moisture, no more than, mm/m	2	2	1.8	2
Porosity, %	25	23	23	22
Frost resistance (cycles)	50	100	150	150
Density, kg/m3	1500	1650	1500	1650
Flammability group	G1	G1	G1	G1
	1200	1200	5.5	1400
	1400	1300	7.5	1500
Bending strength, MPa	18÷25	17÷26	24	16÷26
	0.3	0.25	0.2	0.6
Thickness (mm)	6, 8, 10	6, 8, 10	7, 8, 10, 14, 18	8, 9, 11, 16
Width (mm)	306, 455	1195	1190, 1220	200
Length (mm)	1200, 1590, 3000 and 3600	2500, 2780, 2800, 3050, 3100	1560, 2400	1800, 3000, 3600
Weight (kg/m²)	16÷18	6 mm - 15.7; 8 mm - 19.0; 10 mm - 22.6.	8 mm - 10.5	8 mm - 10.5; 9 mm - 13.5; 11 mm - 18; 16 mm - 16÷19
Availability of accessories	Corner elements.	No		Hanging systems for mounting panels.

And now - some information specifically on manufacturers.

Fiber cement panels "Rospan"

The company producing building materials under the Rospan brand has been operating on the market for 20 years and produces fiber cement siding, which is in very high demand for

The standard sizes of materials from this manufacturer are presented in the table above. And then it is necessary to clarify some also important nuances:

• Rospan siding is equipped with a three-layer coating, which provides reliable protection of both the material itself and its decorative finish from any external influences. The panels are covered with two layers of acrylic facade paint from a Finnish manufacturer, and then with a transparent silicone layer.
• The depth of the relief pattern of the siding can be 3÷4 mm and ideally imitates natural stone or wood texture.
• The material is designed to maintain its functional qualities at temperatures from -40 to +55 degrees and a maximum air humidity of 95%.

Prices for Rospan siding

Rospan siding

• The variety of colors and reliefs of fiber cement siding allows you to choose the ideal option for decorating the facade and transform the appearance of the building beyond recognition.

Fiber cement boards"LTM"

TD LTM LLC has been producing fiber cement cladding panels since 2008. The production of slabs is carried out using modern high-tech equipment, so the products are of high quality at an affordable price.

The panels have a reliable coating that perfectly resists external aggressive influences, such as ultraviolet rays, moisture, wind and various contaminants.

The company produces four types of panels, from which you can choose the one you need, depending on the operational directions of the building and its regional location:

• Moisture-resistant panels class "Aqua" are used for finishing the walls of buildings designed for high humidity, such as baths, swimming pools, car washes, showers, as well as some health centers that provide water treatments.
• Facade panels , which include models “CEMBOARD HD”, “CEMCOLOUR”, “NATURA”, “CEMSTONE” and others, with increased strength and density. This material has a special acrylic paint-protective coating that can make the finish wear-resistant and inert to external influences.
• Windproof panels They have a medium density and are excellent for finishing high-rise buildings, or buildings located in windy regions, for example, in coastal areas. These slabs are more designed to protect walls from blowing and noise from the outside.
• Fire resistant panels low density are intended for cladding buildings that are subject to increased fire safety requirements. Such buildings include multi-tiered parking lots, business and shopping centers, as well as any buildings designed for large crowds of people.

The table above shows the average performance of façade cladding materials.

The color range of the panels from this manufacturer is quite wide, but these are soft, pastel shades on which the eye rests. They give the building respectability and relative severity.

Panels of the Kraspan company

The Kraspan company has been operating since 1999 and produces various materials for facade decoration, one of which is fiber cement panels. In addition to them, the manufacturer has also developed elements of subsystems onto which the cladding slabs are fixed.

Kraspan's developments, mastered in production, include the following subsystems, which significantly simplify installation work:

• The L-shaped subsystem has a unique manufacturability that speeds up the installation of cladding through the use of adjustable moving elements with sizes of 110, 115 and 210 mm, selected depending on the thickness of the insulating mats and wall irregularities.

• The U-shaped Kraspan system is designed to ensure structural strength due to four stiffening ribs. It is possible to correct the curvature of the wall by adjusting the hanging brackets in 5 mm increments.

The use of fiber cement panels in combination with the mentioned subsystems allows you to correct any geometry of the facade walls, eliminating all irregularities, and without additional preparatory work to level the surfaces.

Prices for fiber cement panels "Kraspan"

fiber cement panels Kraspan

In addition, a wide range of tint solutions allows you to bring to life any design ideas for decorating the facade of a house.

Kraspan fiber cement boards perfectly resist electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation, and with proper, high-quality installation, the cladding can preserve the walls of the building and ensure its long-term operation without repairs.

Find out which option to choose from our new article on our portal.

Fiber cement boards "Latonit"

OJSC LATO has been producing fiber cement boards since 2013, but despite its very modest experience, many builders have already managed to appreciate the quality of this manufacturer’s products.

Latonit panels are produced in different versions:

• Pressed painted slabs used for finishing interiors and facades. The cladding will last a long time, as the slabs have high technical characteristics.
• Pressed unpainted panels are used only for finishing the facade of a house, as they have low thermal conductivity, resistance to atmospheric influences and mechanical stress. However, this version of the panels requires additional treatment with paints and varnishes.
• Unpainted and unpressed trim panels are used only for cladding interior walls of premises. They are made to standard sizes and to order. The material has high strength and resistance to mechanical stress, but also requires painting.
• Fiber cement facade siding is a new generation material that is intended for façade cladding. Siding “boards” are highly durable and will reliably protect the main wall from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

Latonit facade panels are produced not only in pastel shades, but also in more vibrant colors, which will make the facade of the house bright and beautiful, which will inevitably lift your spirits when you look at it. In addition, the manufacturer provides the service of selecting and painting panels in a color selected from the RAL catalogue.

With a fairly high level of quality of boards and siding from Russian manufacturers, the price of domestic products is significantly lower than imported analogues, and on average in 2016 is 800 rubles per m².

Products from leading foreign manufacturers

Table of physical, technical and operational characteristics of fiber cement panels from the most popular foreign manufacturing companies that present their products on the Russian construction market:

Main physical, technical and operational characteristics	"NICHIHA" (Japan)	"KMEW" (Japan)	“Eternit”, “EQUITONE” panels and “Cedral” siding (Belgium - Germany)
Water absorption, %, no more	3	20	20
Expansion from moisture, mm/m, no more	1.55	1.75	1.5÷1.75
Porosity, %	22	23	23
Frost resistance (cycles)	150	150	150
Density, kg/m3	1400	1300	1650
Flammability group	G1	G1	G1
Modulus of elasticity along the fibers, N/mm²	1400	1300	5.5
Modulus of elasticity across the fibers, N/mm²	1500	1500	7.5
Bending strength, MPa	24	24	24
Thermal conductivity coefficient W/m׺С	0.32	0.25	0.25
Thickness (mm)	14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 35	14, 16, 18	8, 10, 12
Width (mm)	455 and 910	455	190, 1250
Length (mm)	1818 and 3030	3030	2550, 3100, 3600
Weight (kg/m²)	14 mm - 16.5; 16 mm - 18.9.	14 mm - 13÷15; 16 mm - 15÷16.	8 mm - 14.9; 12 mm - 23.2.
Availability of fittings and additional elements	Metal and fiber cement corner. Start and finish bars.	Corrective paint, castings and clamps.	Starting, corner, finishing and dividing strip. Corrective paint and gluers.

Fiber cement slabs "NICHIHA"

The NICHIHA company was founded in 1956, but in Russia it opened its representative office only in 2012, and in a short time has already earned quite a lot of popularity.

The panels of this manufacturer have a multi-layer coating that perfectly protects their surface from any external influence, which is why the material is called weather-resistant.

NICHIHA panels give the walls excellent sound insulation, comparable to double-glazed windows, so the house will be reliably protected from extraneous noise.

The boards are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, so the finish practically does not fade.

Technologists and designers of the NICHIHA company also provided for the production of additional elements that decorate the external and internal corners of the building. Such additional profiles are made from fiber cement, as well as from metal or plastic.

Decorative corner trim designed for connecting façade panels at external corners and ensuring the tightness of the cladding. This element is able to hide mistakes made when designing a corner. This part is made of fiberglass and fastened to fiber cement panels using self-tapping screws.

Metal corner is also used to decorate a corner, but this insert will differ from the main finish in texture and color.

Fiber cement corner element ordered or purchased together with the main material, since they must have the same relief and color.

When installing corner elements, additional sheathing parts must be installed under them.

The price for products from this manufacturer in 2016 per m² starts from 1,575 rubles, and may vary depending on the region.

KMEW panels

KMEW is one of the leading companies in Japan, which has been supplying many countries around the world with its unsurpassed quality products for more than 30 years.

The panels are made of ultra-resistant cement and have several layers of protective coatings - these are painted in different shades, as well as an outer layer of ceramic coating, which protects the applied decor from the penetration of ultraviolet rays.

During the existence of the company, a very large number of relief designs have been developed that imitate various materials - these are “wild” stone, brick or stone masonry and tiles of various shapes. The coating of the material has a pronounced self-cleaning property, so the finish is easy to care for.

The disadvantage of this material is the long delivery time, since not all types of panels are presented on the Russian market, and some of the options selected from the catalog are delivered from Japan within a specified period, which can be about two months.

The price per m² of panels from this manufacturer in 2018 averages 1,800 rubles.

Video: quickly and reliably - finishing the facade of a house with Japanese fiber cement panels

Eternit products

More than a century of experience in the production of building materials - the company "Eternit"

Eternit is a Belgian company with more than a century of experience in the production of building materials. Panels of various shapes are manufactured in factories in Germany and Belgium, and then delivered to warehouses in many countries around the world. The company produces EQUITONE panels and Cedral siding from fiber cement finishes.

"Cedral" has 32 standard colors, which are given in the color card; the main colors can have different shades, which are made to order.

The material is equipped with two layers of coating - colorful and protective, and the back side of the panels is also covered with waterproof compounds that prevent moisture from penetrating into the thickness of the material and causing erosion.

Fiber-reinforced concrete siding resembles ordinary painted boards in appearance, and even has a certain number of qualities characteristic of wood. Moreover, in some of its properties it is superior to wood, for example, its non-flammability, resistance to moisture and the appearance of fungal formations.

The manufacturer guarantees that the original color of the finish will be preserved for 10 years or more, since the outer coating reliably protects the paint composition from ultraviolet rays.

“EQUITONE” (natura) have the same physical characteristics as siding, and an equally wide range of colors, from light pastel to rich deep shades, but a different size and shape.

Average prices in Russia for Cedral siding in 2016 range from 900 to 1800 rubles per m², for EQUITONE slabs - from 2500 rubles.

In addition to the above-mentioned companies, other manufacturers from countries such as Malaysia, China and Taiwan are appearing on the market, whose products may possibly have a lower price. But still, when buying exterior decoration for a home, it is recommended to give preference to those products that have been tested over a long period of operation and thus have gained popularity among consumers in different parts of the world.

Find out from our new article with step-by-step instructions and video.

Features of installation of fiber cement panels

General principles for installing fiber cement cladding

Fastening fiber cement panels to the surfaces of the walls of a house, as well as installing any facing materials, has a number of specific features that you need to obtain information about before starting finishing work.

Illustration	Possible installation options and features
	The first thing to consider when installing the slabs is that the cladding can be attached directly to the wall using self-tapping screws, or to the sheathing frame installed on the front side of the house wall. In both one and the other version, for the installation of this material, special clamping brackets are used, through which self-tapping screws are screwed into the sheathing elements or into the wall. Fiber cement boards are secured using clamps to each sheathing post, that is, in increments of 600 mm horizontally, and even more often in areas of reinforcement, including in the corners of the building or in areas adjacent to window and door openings.
	The option of fastening the panels to the sheathing is chosen to facilitate installation work, create an air gap between the main wall and the cladding, as well as to create the necessary space for installing certain insulating materials.
	Although fastening fiber cement panels to a wall or frame without using clamps is not particularly recommended, in some cases it is impossible to do without using such a method. For example, if fiber cement boards require fixation in areas where it is simply impossible to install staples on them. In this case, a through hole is first drilled in the panel through which a self-tapping screw will be screwed. Its cap is recessed into the plate material by 1÷1.5 mm. After completing the installation of the cladding, the holes are carefully covered with a moisture-resistant plaster mixture or sealant paste, which is matched to the color of the panels or often even comes with them.
	The installation of fiber cement siding is somewhat different; it is mounted at an angle, with the top boards overlapping the bottom boards, like a “herringbone” or “ship plank.” The siding is fixed only along the top side of the panel to each of the sheathing posts. When joining boards lengthwise, it is necessary to maintain a gap of 2 mm between them - this is necessary to compensate for the linear thermal expansion of the material as the ambient temperature rises. The heads of the screws screwed into the top of the siding panels are overlapped by the boards fixed above.
	Another option for attaching slabs to the wall is framed, that is, metal frames are fixed to the sheathing or wall, into the grooves of which fiber cement panels are installed and screwed. In this case, not only the surface of the slabs will be visible, but also the strips of the frames themselves. An approximate diagram of such installation is shown in the figure.
	The sheathing is installed using wooden beams or galvanized metal profiles. Horizontal frame elements consisting of timber should have a cross-section of 50x30 mm; they are installed on the wall in increments of 600 mm. To fix them, anchors are used, mounted in increments of 600 mm. Vertical sheathing posts usually have an approximate cross-sectional size of 40x70 mm and are secured to each of the horizontal elements with two self-tapping screws. The distance between the vertical bars is usually also 600 mm. It is also advisable to adhere to these parameters because the vast majority of insulation materials are produced in exactly these sizes, and therefore their installation will be easier and with a minimum amount of waste.
	Sometimes the facade is faced with fiber cement slabs or boards from the blind area to the junction with the cornice, without highlighting the base. In this case, the frame for securing the panel trim is made common.
	If you plan to move the base forward to form a space into which insulation will be installed or poured, then you can arrange a frame such as shown in the illustration. After fixing the slabs to the base of the wall, it is recommended to fill the entire space between the slabs and the main wall with expanded clay of medium fraction. This material is not only an excellent insulator, but also an indispensable protection against rodents that bypass it.
	In some cases, in order not to resort to plastering the built walls, the gap between them and the facing layer can be filled with cement mortar mixed with polystyrene foam chips or polyurethane foam. Filling the gap with the insulating mixture is carried out sequentially as the finishing panels are fixed.
	Whatever installation method is chosen, work begins from the bottom of the wall or from the blind area, provided that it is planned to cover the base of the building with the same material. If the slabs have to be cut, adjusting them to each other, then the cuts must be painted with acrylic paint, which often comes complete with the finishing material. The paint will not only disguise the cut of the slab, which may differ in color, but will also provide good protection for the end part from the penetration of moisture and from the effects of other negative factors.
	Upon completion of the installation of the panels on the base part of the wall, above it, immediately along the perimeter of the entire structure, a metal ebb with a drip is fixed. The ebb for facing slabs can have different designs, but the simplest and easiest option is an element fixed to the wall.
	Further, when installing wall panels, the fastening points for the ebb and flow will be hidden by their lower cladding.
	To neatly secure the panels around the windows, special dividing strips are attached to the sheathing. Upon completion of the installation of panels around window or door openings, it is recommended to close the gaps formed along their perimeter with a special decorative corner that will enhance the cladding.
	If wide slopes have formed around the window, which also have to be decorated with fiber cement panels, then to ensure that the joint between the frame and the finishing material is also neat, a special starting profile is attached to the window frame, into the grooves of which the slabs are installed. If necessary, the gaps are coated with sealant before installing the cladding slabs in them. At the internal and external corners of the house, in order to mask the joints of the corners of the panels, special additional fittings are also installed - corners or dividing strips. These elements will be presented below in a more detailed description of the installation work.

Installation work on installation of fiber cement panels « KMEW"

The company produces both the slabs themselves and all the fittings necessary for their installation and fastening, as well as sealants and paints for waterproofing and masking screw heads and joints between slabs.

The design of the cladding of the insulated façade with fiber cement boards must be well ventilated. Therefore, when forming a frame, it is necessary to provide ventilation gaps for the circulation of air flows. When performing installation work, an individual approach to each individual building is required, taking into account its architectural features. But in any case, it is unacceptable to violate the installation technology of a façade structure with an external finish made of fiber cement boards, otherwise, under the influence of moisture and temperature changes, the facing material may be hopelessly damaged over time.

Illustration	Nuances that need to be taken into account when installing fiber cement panels
	The manufacturer does not recommend, unless absolutely necessary, fastening façade fiber cement panels directly to a metal or wooden frame, stitching them through with self-tapping screws and nails.
	If cracks and gaps form between structural elements during installation, they must be sealed with sealant, otherwise water will get into them. When the temperature drops, the moisture will turn into ice, which will partially destroy the slabs. As a result, some panels will have to be dismantled and replaced with new ones over time. The ventilation gap between the fiber cement panel and the insulation layer (or the wall of the building) must be protected from wind and moisture by a continuous vapor-permeable membrane.
	The panels cannot be installed end-to-end on the starting strip, as gaps may form between them, in which non-evaporating moisture will accumulate, resulting in the appearance of mold. The fungus spreads quickly and will therefore quickly spread to the insulation or main walls of the house.
	Therefore, between the starting profile and the lower edge of the panels of the first row, it is necessary to form a ventilation gap 10÷15 mm wide.
	Avoid installing panels with uneven skew. The manufacturer recommends fixing the panels symmetrically to the central vertical axis of the facade. This will only be possible when using a dividing strip.
	It is not recommended to install panels on a sloping roof parapet. It is best to use special roofing materials for this purpose. Fiber cement boards, for all their rigidity, are still not designed for this type of load.

For the work to be successful, you need to know all the technological nuances of installing KMEW panels, which the manufacturer himself recommends taking into account.

So, facing the facade wall is carried out in the following order:

Illustration	Brief description of the operation performed
	The first step is to install the sheathing frame on the main wall of the facade. This part of the structure can be made of wooden beams treated with antiseptic compounds or a galvanized metal profile.
	The KMEW company produces special profiles for forming the frame, appropriately designed for the considerable weight of the panels. The thickness of the metal from which the frame profiles are made can range from 1.6 to 2.3 mm.
	A vertical beam or a metal profile guide in the KMEW system is fixed in increments of no more than 606 mm from each other - this will set the optimal clearance for laying mineral wool insulation blocks. If necessary, the racks can be extended from the wall to a distance that depends on the thickness of the insulating material, provided that it is provided for thermal insulation of the walls of the building. If the wall is high enough, then the vertical elements every 1000–1200 mm in height are reinforced with horizontal crossbars made of the same material.
	If an insulating layer is installed, then thermal insulation mats are installed between the sheathing elements and secured to the main wall using special fasteners with a wide head, the so-called “fungi”, which will reliably press the material to the surface.
	It is very important to ensure that when installing various elements of the frame structure, the error is no more than 2 mm. That is, when joining parts, their shift or gaps are allowed no more than the specified value, but they cannot be exceeded, as this will affect the reliability of fastening of the fiber cement panels themselves.
	The KMEW system provides all the necessary fasteners, including those for joining vertical and horizontal profiles. When marking and installing guides, their correspondence with the vertical and horizontal is constantly monitored using a building level or a laser plane builder.
	After the sheathing posts are installed, a starting strip is attached to the lower horizontal profile or beam, which at the same time becomes a casting for the base of the wall. Fasteners are screwed in increments of 400÷600 mm.
	If the facade wall is long enough, you will have to use two starting strips (sometimes more). They are combined with an overlap, which should be at least 50 mm. In this case, the lower edge of one and the upper edge of the other plank are unfolded and cut as shown in the illustration.
	It is very important to correctly form the outer and inner corners of the starting strip when turning it onto the adjacent wall. Having measured the required size of the strip and the location of the cutout, a rather complex configuration of the area to be removed is marked and drawn using a marker, which is cut out using metal scissors. In order not to spoil the profile, you can practice on a cardboard “substitute” by drawing a template, cutting out and folding a corner. By using this method of designing the corner areas of the structure, you can ensure that the corner is completely protected from moisture penetration.
	After fixing the starting strip along the entire perimeter of the building, thermal insulation mats are laid between the racks of the frame structure, if they are provided for in the project. Next, you can proceed to laying a wind-waterproofing membrane on top of the frame and insulation. It is very important to fix this material correctly, since the integrity of the main walls, the durability of the thermal insulation layer and, therefore, the preservation of heat in the house will depend on this. Installation of the membrane begins from the bottom of the frame structure, and its lower edge should cover half of the vertical part of the starting strip, to which it is fixed with moisture-resistant and frost-resistant double-sided tape.
	Along the upper edge, the canvas is glued to the frame posts using the same adhesive double-sided tape. Here it should be noted that the next, upper membrane sheet is laid overlapping the lower one by 90÷100 mm. Conveniently, this distance is marked on branded KMEW membranes with a dashed line along the upper and lower edges of the canvas.
	The membrane is installed from right to left, and if its sheets have to be combined horizontally, then they are mounted overlapping at the distance provided between the frame posts, that is, the edges of each of the combined sheets must be secured to two posts.
	It is very important, when laying the membrane sheet, to maintain its integrity at the corners of the building. That is. do not attach a separate canvas to each wall, but fix it on one side of the building, then turn it around the corner onto the second wall.
	Around window and door openings, it is most convenient to secure the membrane with the same double-sided waterproof tape. It is glued along the perimeter of the openings, starting from the lower horizontal side. Then the tape is attached to the sides of the opening, and lastly along the top edge.
	Before gluing the membrane, the upper protective backing is removed from the adhesive tape, and then the edge of the canvas is pressed tightly against the adhesive strip.
	After the entire surface of the walls is covered with a vapor-permeable windproof membrane, you can proceed to preparing the installation of fiber cement panels. It is convenient to cut them with a hand-held circular saw with a special disk, and it is better that the tool is connected to a dust collector. A metal ruler is installed on the panel, against which the edge of the saw platform will rest, and the cut is made along the drawn line. When performing this work, it is imperative to protect your respiratory tract from cement dust with a respirator, and your eyes with special goggles.
	When marking and cutting, the panels are laid face down. If you make a cut along the front side, then irregularities and burrs often form on the edge of the cut.
	After preparing the facing material for installation, a long starting fastening bracket is fixed, which is secured on top of the starting strip. The bottom edge of this profile must coincide with the bottom edge of the membrane. Since this strip is designed to create an ideal horizontal arrangement of panels, it is set strictly according to the building level.
	This element is fixed with self-tapping screws, which are screwed through the bracket, membrane and starting bar into the horizontally located frame profile. The bracket has perforated holes at the bottom, which will ensure high-quality ventilation of the facade. This element is secured in increments of no more than 606 mm.
	Next, the installation of external fiber cement corners is carried out, which are purchased in conjunction with the slabs. The bottom of the decorative corner element is installed in a fixed long bracket.
	The upper edge of the corner is attached on both sides to special brackets - clamps, which are screwed with self-tapping screws to the corner post of the frame. Next, the next ones are installed on the first corner and fastened according to the same principle.
	When the entire corner area of ​​the cladding has been assembled to the height of the building, dividing strips are fixed along its edges. They will be located at the junction of the panels and corner elements, and are designed to prevent them from moving during installation and during operation.
	Next, the first fiber cement panel is installed. It is mounted so that the protrusion on the back of the panel fits into the groove of the starting bracket.
	The upper side of the panel is fixed to the vertical posts of the sheathing using special brackets - clamps for flat slabs. Fastening is carried out with a self-tapping screw on each frame post. The mounting brackets have several holes through which these elements can be screwed to the posts. However, the best option would be to fix it to the frame through the hole located in the middle.
	A dividing strip is installed at the vertical joints of the panels, preventing the panels from moving relative to each other from a single vertical plane.
	The dividing strip is fixed on both sides to the vertical posts of the frame. Fixation is carried out in height increments of no more than 600 mm.
	It is unacceptable to install panels without a dividing strip in vertical joints, since without it it is impossible to maintain the same size of the seam along the entire height of the joint. In this regard, displacement of the panels may occur, which will make the cladding extremely sloppy.
	The size of the seam formed by the dividing strip is 10 mm.
	If there are internal corners in the architectural structure of the structure, it is necessary to fix a special internal drainage corner in them under the cladding. It will protect this area of ​​the facade from penetration and accumulation of moisture, and therefore from the formation of mold. In addition, it will give proper accuracy to the joint of the panels at the inner corner.
	Next, on one side, on top of the corner, a facing panel is installed, which is also secured to the frame posts using mounting clamps.
	Then, a one-sided dividing strip is fixed into the corner, which will close the corner gap between the plates and maintain its size along the entire height of the corner.
	The next step is to install a second panel on the other side of the dividing strip, forming an internal corner. Thus, the entire corner assembly is neat and protected from moisture penetration.
	In areas of the facade where it is problematic to use staples to secure panels, for example, under window and other openings, special spacers are used that will become spacers. Their thickness should be equal to the distance between the waterproofing membrane and the cladding panels.
	Spacers will hold the panel at the required distance from the wall, level with the top surface of the dividing strip. Here, the panels are fastened through the panel and gasket, to the frame racks, which are mounted in this place more often. The screw head is recessed into the panel surface to a depth of 0.5÷1 mm.
	Installation of panels to the sides of window or door openings is carried out on pre-fixed one-sided dividing strips.
	The finishing strip is fixed along the upper cornice edge of the façade. Its width is selected taking into account the thickness of the panel, so the cladding should fit into the groove of the strip. This profile also provides ventilation holes, so air flows entering under the cladding through the perforations of the lower mounting bracket will freely exit through the finishing strip.
	This illustration clearly shows how the fiber cement facing panel should be installed into the finishing strip.
	To ensure that the final panel is tightly fastened to the vertical elements of the sheathing, and there is no free space left between them at the fastening point, spacers are also installed under it.
	To secure the panel through the gasket to the vertical post, use a self-tapping screw 60 mm long. Fastening is carried out along the upper edge of the panel, with a distance of 70 mm from the edge.
	All screw heads are carefully sealed with moisture-resistant sealant for external use. It is purchased along with the finishing material and has the same color as the fiber cement panels. If you purchased a white sealant, then after drying, the places where it is applied are covered with paint.
	After the entire installation is completed, it is necessary to seal the vertical joints of the plates with sealant. To do this, the protruding surfaces of the dividing strip are cleaned with a soft brush.
	The next step is to glue protective tape (masking tape) along the edge of the joined slabs. This is necessary to ensure that silicone does not get on the surface of the panels. And then this limited strip is coated with a special primer to create better adhesion of the materials.
	Next, silicone is carefully applied to the prepared and primed seams. Its layer should completely cover the surface of the dividing strip, and protrude slightly from the surface outward.
	After applying the silicone composition, until it dries, it is leveled with a rubber or special flexible spatula. Moreover, when moving the tool along the seam, it is necessary to ensure that the working surface of the spatula also captures 7–8 mm of facing slabs on each side. When the spatula moves along the surface of the slabs, their relief will form on the silicone sealant. Thus, after the sealant has completely dried, the seam will become almost invisible. If the seams are painted over with white sealant, then, after waiting until it dries, the seam is also painted with the appropriate paint. The protective tape can be removed immediately, and if you plan to paint, then after the paint has dried.
	As a result, the facade will be covered with a neat, seamless decorative coating, indistinguishable from relief plaster. In addition, fiber cement boards will provide excellent protection for main walls from moisture and wind.

It is simply not possible to provide details of cladding with fiber cement panels of all well-known brands with all the technological nuances on the scale of one publication, since different models have their own specifics and their own regulatory indicators. In any case, you should rely on the installation instructions, which must be included with the purchased batch of material.

However, the common feature of any high-quality fiber cement panels is that it is a modern material with which you can quickly finish the facade of any building. The cladding is durable, reliable, and, importantly, extremely beautiful. And as was clear from the step-by-step instructions shown, most skilled home owners can cope with the task of installing such a facade on their own.

Fiber cement siding is a modern material for quick, durable and beautiful finishing of building facades. The material consists of cement, mineral fillers and reinforcing fibers.

History of creation

At the end of the 19th century, the Austrian Ludwig Gacek took up the issue of creating a new type of building material that would be less fire hazardous than those used at that time. It took about 7 years to create fiber cement. It has proven to be resistant to heat, fire, frost, as well as wear-resistant and durable, withstanding severe tensile loads, which is detrimental to ordinary concrete. The cost of production was low enough for the material to quickly burst onto the market as roofing tiles that were lighter, more durable and stronger than tiles.

In the Russian Empire, they learned about the new material quite quickly and already in 1908 the first plant was launched in Bryansk. Fiber cement boards quickly gained popularity and were used until 1976, when some researchers and scientists began to point out the harmful effects of asbestos on human health. Perhaps asbestos dust really provoked cancer. Clear evidence was never provided, but such rumors and allegations were enough to stop the trade in fiber cement boards containing asbestos dust.

It took many years to develop a safer material with similar properties. As a result, cellulose, basalt, aramid and other fibers began to be used in production to reinforce the cement composition of slabs. At the same time, their range increased: from panels for interior decoration to exterior walls of buildings (fiber cement siding).

Use Cases

Fiber cement boards (panels) are now widely used in construction and as design elements. Finishing buildings with fiber cement panels is one of the popular options for their use. Also used for interior decoration (kitchens, baths, saunas, flooring) and furniture production.

Existing types of fiber cement panels can be divided according to their characteristics:

• size: large and small;
• surface: textured and laminated;
• fire resistance: normal and increased;
• resistance to humidity: normal and increased.

Properties of fiber cement panels for exterior finishing

The most common use of fiber cement panels is as finishing for ventilated facades. Their system consists of two elements: fiber cement siding and a special system of metal profiles. It is possible to use additional insulation.

Fiber cement facades have the following advantages:

• environmentally friendly material;
• the ability to “breathe”;
• attractive appearance;
• wear resistance;
• fast, simple installation;
• do not burn;
• thermal insulation;
• suitable for any climate;
• resistance to rapid temperature changes;
• a large number of color and texture options.

Fiber cement siding is usually used as a facade material. It has all the properties and advantages of panels made from the same material, but is more convenient for cladding buildings.

Material characteristics

Fiber cement panels for exterior home decoration have the following characteristics:

• class: non-combustible materials;
• dimensions: the width and length of the product range from 0.45 to 3.5 meters;
• weight per 1 sq.m: 13-20 kg;
• frost resistance: 100-150 cycles;
• thickness: from 7 to 20 mm;
• density: from 1000 kg per cubic meter;
• withstandable temperatures: from -60 to +80;
• durability of the top coating: no change;
• ultraviolet: stable;
• water absorption: up to 10%;
• service life: from 50 years;
• color retention: 15-20 years.

This is why fiber cement siding has become such a popular material for finishing any type of structure. It has the most serious performance characteristics among all the others.

Fiber cement facades: features and additional advantages

Fiber cement panels for exterior home decoration have become widespread due to the convenience and speed of installation, a large selection of coatings, environmental friendliness and relatively low price. Their high properties as a thermal insulation material make it possible to reduce heating costs by a third. If additional insulation is used, the indicator will only increase.

Today, there are more than 1,000 different color and texture types of material for cladding facades made of fiber cement panels from various manufacturers. Some of them offer improved fiber cement panels for exterior home decoration: with a special coating against dirt and dust, increased resistance to physical damage, increased fire resistance and moisture resistance. This way, you will surely be able to find the desired type of material to decorate your home.

When purchasing, pay attention to such a detail as the presence of clasps. These fasteners allow you to completely hide horizontal seams.

Disadvantages of fiber cement panels

Many years of operation of a large number of buildings lined with fiber cement panels have not revealed any significant shortcomings. Users named their only disadvantage as their less presentable appearance compared to brick, tile or natural decorative stone.

Now manufacturers are offering more and more interesting and high-quality imitations of panels imitating stone and other materials. If their appearance seems quite attractive to you, and the price is reasonable, then you should not hesitate to purchase this particular facing material for your home.

Installation of fiber cement siding

Fiber cement facades are usually installed by experienced master builders, but the simplicity of this allows you to do such work yourself, with 1 or 2 assistants. If you decide to do the cladding yourself, then it is best to use fiber cement siding.

You can carry out work on cladding a building with fiber cement slabs at any time of the year. Resistance to various temperatures makes the material universal in this regard. We do not recommend installation with insulation during high humidity and frequent rains. Otherwise there are no restrictions.

For installation the following are required:

• screwdriver;
• hydraulic level or regular level;
• rule;
• drill;
• diamond saw;
• metal scissors;
• hammer;
• Angle Grinder;
• clamps;
• riveter;
• tape measure, square.

Before installing a new cladding, remove any remaining old materials so that the building wall is accessible for installation of fasteners.

Fiber cement siding is installed on the house in 3 stages:

1. A frame or profile is installed. You can use steel or aluminum. To correctly calculate the required quantity, use the help of the material seller.
2. Direct fastening of fiber cement panels to the frame. A seam strip is used to make the panel material fit better together.
3. Fastening the panels to the frame. For this, metal screws are used. At the end of the work, the caps must be painted over to match the color of the facing material. Paint of the appropriate tone is purchased along with the panels. Sometimes it is given as a gift.

Due to the properties of the material and installation features, fiber cement siding does not shrink, is easy to repair or replace parts of the structure and does not require maintenance during use.

Protecting buildings with façade systems is very popular in construction today. Fiber cement panels occupy one of the leading positions. Their quality allows you to satisfy any aesthetic tastes and requirements for the necessary properties of a facade slab. Fiber panels are used both for finishing the walls outside the building and for cladding the interior.

Modern building materials have a lot of useful qualities that are necessary for high-quality facade cladding. Everyone can choose according to their taste and capabilities. There are light and heavy protective materials, natural and artificial, in different sizes and shapes. Fiber cement boards combine many advantages at a very affordable cost. The material itself was invented back in 1900 in Western Europe. At that time, the need for non-flammable durable material for construction was very high. Initially, it was made from cement and asbestos as a fastening element. At the end of the 20th century, studies showed the possible harm of asbestos dust to the human body, and production was discontinued throughout the world. Modern FTPs are made with the addition of synthetic fiber and cellulose, which makes them a completely environmentally friendly material.

Composition of fiber cement

This material became most widespread in the early 2000s. Japan can be considered its homeland, therefore Japanese panels are valued all over the world as original. The main producers are still considered to be Western Europe, Japan and Russia. Our country produces high-quality fiber cement, whose characteristics are not inferior to imported ones.

The ease of use of the FTP also comes in a variety of sizes and numerous accessories for the most complete façade cladding. The width of facade slabs ranges from 100 to 1500 mm. Length: from 1200 to 3600 mm. This allows the slabs to be used even for independent façade cladding. The average slab thickness of 8 mm is the most popular in construction. The main physicochemical characteristics are shown in the table.

Basic physical and chemical characteristics of fiber cement boards

Fiber cement panel construction - pros and cons

As already mentioned, FTPs consist of 90% high-quality cement, and 10% cellulose and mineral additives, which are necessary to hold the concrete together, providing it with lightness and strength. The raw materials for production are environmentally friendly and do not contain elements harmful to human health. Like every material, fiber panels have their own pros and cons. The positive qualities of the FTP are obvious:

• environmental friendliness of this material and no harm to health;
• lightness and strength of the structure;
• unlike many façade slabs, fiber cement has the production capacity to produce large sizes, which saves time and money during installation;
• high frost resistance, which can withstand up to 150 cycles;
• the light weight of the FTP reduces the load on the façade and foundation of the building;
• molding of plates under high pressure ensures high strength and durability;
• they have good thermal insulation properties, which allows you to save on heating costs;
• have a high noise-insulating effect;
• at high density, the slabs are a breathable material;
• the ability to install it yourself makes it easy to cut slabs using a grinder with a diamond blade;
• Fiber cement is a non-flammable material, so facades made from it are used for the construction of facilities with high fire safety requirements: children's and medical institutions, saunas, warehouses.
• One of the unusual positive qualities of the panels is self-cleaning. Dirt and mold do not settle or linger on their surface. In addition, the material is not susceptible to acids and other chemical influences.

Pros of the Federal Target Program

Of the significant known disadvantages of fiber cement panels, it is necessary to note their high moisture absorption - they absorb up to 10% moisture. Manufacturers are trying to combat this by reducing the porosity of the structure by adding synthetic materials. But this disadvantage can be ignored in most development areas. This percentage of absorption does not produce a deformation of more than 2%.

Types of fiber cement panels

Plain-colored

Fiber cement slabs can be of several types: smooth with a uniform surface and textured. There are painted and unpainted ones. Painting is done using high-quality paints, usually acrylic or acrylate. When choosing and purchasing, you should take into account that unpainted slabs are 10-15% cheaper, but subsequently they will have to be coated with paint. Painting FTP is not such an easy task due to the porosity of the surface texture. Painted boards can be glossy or semi-gloss. Their surface is smooth, without structural elements. On the reverse side they are coated with a paint and varnish mixture for additional protection.

Smooth painted surface

Shagreen

For many years, decorative plaster in the decoration of facades and interior spaces has not gone out of fashion. But if any materials can be used inside the building, then on the street such decorative finishing will quickly become unusable. Fiber cement imitating various types of plaster is not susceptible to damage. Facades lined with such slabs look very impressive and modern.

Bark beetle or oak bark

This decorative coating is similar to Italian plaster, but looks like oak bark. It is made using polymer plaster, which is applied to the FTP, primed and painted. The furrows can be horizontal or vertical. Such slabs are often used for interior decoration.

Oak bark finish

Art decor "Flock"

This is a three-dimensional finish and consists of a main background of acrylic or acrylate, “flock” scales - tinted paint that creates a three-dimensional effect of velvet or velor, as well as a finishing varnish. This coating is also called “Flock chips”. Modern designer slabs with such a surface are a modern type of facing material.

"Flock - chips"

Covering "Mosaic"

The popular polymer coating “mosaic” is applied to the surface of the slabs simultaneously in various ways: by spraying with a brush, spatula, or spray gun. Typically, it consists of three or more colors of polymer paints. The coating is also three-dimensional and very popular for facade solutions and interior decoration.

"Mosaic"

Texture "Stone chips"

This coating is made from natural stone chips (marble, granite) and a polymer base for the binder. The fractions of pebbles can be very different, and the color can be from natural to unnaturally bright. Slabs of natural colors are especially appreciated by buyers. They give the building respectability. Internal premises are also decorated with such federal target programs.

"Stone chips"

Imitation of natural materials - panels imitating stone, imitating wood, imitating brick

Fiber cement boards are especially valued because they can imitate not only the texture of natural materials, but also convey the sensations of contact with the bark of a tree, its warmth. The coolness and hardness of natural stone, combined with complete external identity, can delight those who love stone decoration. One of the most popular textures for facade cladding is brick finishing.

The production of “bricks” on fiber panels can be done by painting with acrylic or acrylate. The most common type of brick-like surface is a ceramic surface coating. Clinker fiberboards have gained popularity all over the world. In Russia, many factories produce fiber cement cladding for brick-like facades. Including "Kraspan". Ceramic “bricks” are a strong, wear-resistant and frost-resistant coating.

Japanese fiber cement panels with imitation of natural materials

Installation technology of fiber cement boards

The attachment of FTPs depends largely on where they are intended. Many people ask the question: is it possible to install fiber cement using the frameless method? The answer is clear: it is possible, but an important condition must be observed - the wall must be extremely flat. Even if it seems to you that the surface is ideal, do not be lazy to check it with a plumb line. Many people are sure that if the slab is equipped with joints, then it can be easily mounted on the wall using self-tapping screws or dowel nails without any preparatory work.

This is wrong, since distortions due to the smallest irregularities will ultimately lead to unpleasant consequences. Therefore, we recommend fastening the panels only using a frame method both inside and outside the building. Interior spaces can be equipped with aluminum grilles if the fiber panels are small. Products of large dimensions can damage such sheathing. Outside, it is recommended to use galvanized steel or stainless steel.

The cladding of a FTP house can be carried out in a ventilated manner and without a gap. In the second case, the installation technology is not much different from the first; you can simply make a single sheathing and apply the panel directly to the insulation. This is usually done to reduce the cost of construction and reduce labor costs.

Installation materials

Ventilated facades made of fiber cement panels

Before starting work, it is necessary to make calculations of the amount of material. You will need various types of profiles, fastening devices (dowels, nails, screws), panels and accessories for them for the finished look of the facade. Most of the mounting materials and grille parts are shown in the photo.

Approximate amount of basic materials per 1 sq. m area is indicated in the following photo. The total surface area for a ventilated facade is calculated simply: the area of ​​window and door openings is subtracted from the total surface area.

Approximate consumption of materials per 1 sq. m of facade area

Next we will make the sheathing and install the panels. The grid is necessary not only for holding the panels, but also for attaching insulation and wind protection. The design of ventilated facades provides a gap between the insulation and the top protection. Thanks to this, air quietly circulates between the outer part and the insulation, creating an air cushion. It not only provides additional heat, but also moves the dew point beyond the walls of the building.

• The next step is to attach the insulation sheets. Usually dense sheets of mineral wool are used. It is better to lay the insulation using the brick ligation method and attach it to the wall using disc dowels.

Attention! Before purchasing brackets, make sure that the thickness of the insulation does not exceed their length.

Attaching the insulation

• The next step will be attaching the panels. Please note that thanks to the cross double sheathing, you have a small gap between the insulation and the slab. The gap should be from 30 to 50 mm. Think about this size in advance. And to do this, it is enough to calculate the thickness of the insulation, the length of the bracket and the thickness of the grille structure.
• The first step is to install the basement flashing. The fastening is made to the vertical profile, and then the first fiber cement panel is mounted.

Fastening the base drip

The fiber panels are fastened using self-tapping screws or clamps. In the first case, we get a significant reduction in the cost of the design. It must be remembered that self-tapping screws can be used to secure panels of 12 mm or smaller. The self-tapping screw is screwed into the pre-made holes for the countersunk. Then the caps are painted with paint that matches the color of the main surface. If the fiberboard is more than 15 mm, then the fastening must be done using clamps, special clamps, which must initially be screwed to the vertical profile with self-tapping screws. Such fastenings preserve the integrity of the fiber cement and the beauty of the texture on the surface of the FCP, since they are practically invisible.

Fastening the FTP with self-tapping screws

Fiber cement panels are a wear-resistant and aesthetic material that can satisfy the most demanding tastes. It is not difficult to install it yourself, and the ratio of quality and price of this material will allow you to choose fiberboards in accordance with your financial capabilities. Manufacturers of fiber panels from Japan, Russia and other countries are represented on our market with a wide range of textures and colors.

It has not been destroyed under the influence of external factors; care must be taken to protect it. For these purposes, manufacturers of finishing materials produce a wide variety of products to suit every taste and budget. Today, along with natural stone and clinker bricks, fiber cement panels are often used for cladding external walls. What kind of material this is, what features it has and how difficult its installation is, we will tell you in this article.

Composition and scope of use

Facade panels of this type are made from wood fibers, cement, quartz, polypropylene and various mineral fillers. All components are pressed under high pressure, resulting in durable slabs of specific dimensions. The products are coated with several layers of paint and special protective compounds that make the material resistant to moisture and other atmospheric phenomena.

The fiber cement panel can have the texture of stone, natural wood or brick, and the color range of the products is very diverse, which allows you to decorate the facade in both neutral and bright colors.

These products are actively used in the cladding of frame buildings, in the arrangement of ventilated facades, external and internal decoration of loggias, partitions and as formwork for foundations.

Main technical characteristics

Fiber cement panels for exterior finishing of buildings are considered to be a fairly durable material, which can be confirmed once again by looking at their technical characteristics. And they are like this:

1. Panel thickness varies from 7 to 20 mm.

2. The density of the product is 1000 kg per m³.

3. Water absorption rate does not exceed 10%.

4. The material can withstand temperatures ranging from -60 to +80 degrees.

5. The coating's resistance to ultraviolet radiation lasts for 15 years of operation.

6. Fiber cement panel can withstand 100 to 150 freezing cycles.

7. The service life of the material in outdoor conditions is 50 years.

8. The average weight of one m² of cladding is from 16 to 25 kg.

9. The products can withstand strong gusts of wind and moderate mechanical impacts.

The dimensions of the panels for each manufacturer are different and can range from 45 to 3500 cm in length and width.

Positive Features

Speaking about the advantages of this product, first of all we should mention its absolute fire safety, which is very important when it comes to cladding the facade of a residential building. Fiber cement panel is a non-flammable material, and since it is based only on natural components, it is safe from an environmental point of view.

In addition, the advantages of such cladding include:

Excellent strength;

Moisture resistance;

Complete absence of corrosion;

Ability to maintain color for a long time;

Variety of shades;

Wide scope of application;

Ease of installation;

Relatively light weight;

Affordable price.

It is also worth mentioning the high thermal insulation qualities of the panels, thanks to which you can reduce the cost of heating your home by a third. And if the walls are additionally insulated, the savings can reach 50%.

Flaws

According to consumers, fiber cement facade panels have only one drawback - poor aesthetics. Indeed, if we compare with natural stone or clinker tiles, then this cladding definitely loses. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of experts are of the opinion that, given its cost and technical characteristics, in many cases this option is optimal.

What are the features of installing fiber cement panels?

Another significant advantage of this material is that finishing a house with fiber cement panels does not require special preparation or leveling of the walls. The cladding elements perfectly hide all surface imperfections, so you don’t have to bother with removing them. If finishing is carried out on a wooden facade, it should be treated with fire retardants to reduce the risk of fire.

The process of installing slabs begins with arranging the sheathing. To create it, you can use wooden slats with a section of 50 x 50 mm or a galvanized metal profile. The sheathing pitch should be no more than 60 cm, while the planks are attached not only vertically, but also horizontally (every 60 cm in height). The frame elements are fixed using dowels. Upon completion of the sheathing installation process, it is covered with a waterproofing film.

1. Installation of the plates is carried out using stainless steel self-tapping screws.

2. Fasteners are screwed into the sheathing through holes in the slab.

3. The self-tapping screw should be deepened to such an extent that its head can be easily masked with colored sealant.

4. The cladding elements are connected end-to-end, and each subsequent row is laid in a checkerboard pattern.

5. The panels should be cut using a grinder with a diamond blade. The cut is made from the reverse side of the product.

On wooden frames, clasps can be used as fasteners to hide the seam between adjacent elements.

If slabs are used for suspended facades, then a double frame is made for their installation. Insulation is attached to the first one, covered with waterproofing, after which a second sheathing is installed to secure the panels themselves.

Manufacturers and cost

Since the first fiber cement panel was created by Japanese manufacturers, their products are most widely represented on the domestic market. The most popular and in demand today are materials from the Kmew and Nichiha brands. The average cost of 1 m² of such cladding is 1,600 rubles.

The products of the Belgian company Eternit are also in great demand. At our construction sites you can find not only slabs, but also siding from this company (made of fiber cement composite). The first option is the most expensive, since its price tag starts at 2,500 rubles per m². Siding has a more affordable price - from 900 rubles for the same volume.

Products from Russian manufacturers are not inferior in quality to foreign analogues. Today, slabs from Kraspan, Rospan and Latonit have earned particular consumer trust. With fairly high performance characteristics, their products are much cheaper than previous options. The average cost of fiber cement boards manufactured by the above manufacturers is 850 rubles per m².

Let's sum it up

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that finishing with fiber cement panels is an excellent way to quickly protect and insulate the facade of a private house. The only thing that every master should pay attention to before purchasing this material is its characteristics. Careful selection of the manufacturer and type of panels will allow you to choose the most suitable option for yourself, which will last for many years without requiring repairs.

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. It is the outstanding technical characteristics that 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 exterior home decoration are a 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 drawback 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 internal decoration. The surface of the panels is covered with six layers of acrylic paint, as well as a protective composition, which has 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 around 100 degrees, expansion occurs within one millimeter per 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 is exposed to sunlight, the base begins to destroy harmful organic substances and chemical compounds, eliminating the occurrence of bacteria.

Features of fiber cement products "Rospan"

Fiber cement panels "Rospan" are produced in Russia. They are of excellent quality and are made exclusively from environmentally friendly components, including cement, marble chips, wood chips, liquid glass, and 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 changing the 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 make the right choice, as well as choose products from 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.