Recommendation points
- Why such a finish is valuable?
- Fiber cement siding problems
- Fittings, components, subsystem
- Insulation system
- Installation features
For all its advantages, fiber cement siding has a number of qualities that force us to reconsider the appropriateness of its use. It must be understood that this material has a limited application environment, pursues a limited range of goals, requires attention when choosing and installing.
Why such a finish is valuable?
Like any other type of siding, fiber cement (FCS) has a simple installation scheme, a hidden fastening system and can be most successfully used in buildings with external ventilated insulation. However, fiber cement siding has several advantages over metal and vinyl siding. Of these, the most significant is the elegant and natural appearance, which is quoted in different styles. Also at the customer’s disposal there are several installation schemes with different appearance..
In addition, the attractiveness of the FCS is added by:
- Lack of acoustic effect.
- Low thermal expansion.
- High strength.
- Resistance to weathering, FCS is sensitive only to prolonged wetting.
- Resistance to burnout.
- Long service life.
The only counterargument is the cost of the material, which is 2–2.5 times higher than common brands of high-quality PVC siding. The FCS subsystem and fasteners are identical to conventional siding in both type and cost, but the hardware (corners, ends) will cost in proportion to the difference in cost with plastic and metal.
Fiber cement siding problems
The scope of application of cement siding is not limited by atmospheric conditions and not by the structural features of the building. Basically, you should focus on the economic feasibility of using expensive finishes. At the same cost, a block house and brushed boards of factory painting will cost at least 3-5 times cheaper and will be not much inferior in appearance.
FCS itself is a fairly modern material with a technologically advanced fastening system. If there is no direct contact with the siding manufacturer or an accredited dealer, it is better to refuse products of dubious quality to avoid disappointment. Also, for a number of reasons, FTSS is poorly suited for temporary solutions and “mixed” technologies. Only installation taking into account the requirements recommended by the manufacturer.
When ordering remotely (which is true for most provincial buyers), you should carefully choose the carrier. FCS – the material is quite fragile and during transportation, loading and unloading, a large amount of battle is possible. It should also be remembered that fiber cement panels do not have structural staining, but damage to the decorative layer can be repaired with putty and retouching compound..
Fittings, components, subsystem
One of the most pleasant moments in the installation of FTSS is the possibility of fastening both using the classical method, by analogy with wooden siding, and using clamps and / or connecting / corner profiles.
Perforated (ventilation) trays for the plinth and openings are supplied by most manufacturers painted in the color of the front of the boards, the same applies to the proprietary aluminum profile support subsystem. In fact, the technology allows the use of wooden or galvanized rack elements, but in any case, the maximum pitch of their installation (50-60 cm) is regulated. Subject to these rules, the finish, as a rule, does not void the warranty.
Installation scheme and additional elements of fiber cement siding: 1 – starting profile; 2 – cleat; 3 – external corner profile; 4 – inner corner profile; 5 – ventilation profile; 6 – end profile
The rack elements are fastened to mounting brackets or brackets. A mandatory requirement is considered to be the provision of the recommended gap (20-30 mm) from insulation, wind membranes or the supporting layer of the walls. Therefore, it almost always makes sense to supplement the crate with distance strips. In the general case, the installation procedure is as follows: first, the supporting system, then laying the mineral wool, wind protection and distance strips. But exceptions are possible.
Insulation system
FCS is best suited for use in ventilated facade systems. This is a fairly simple way to carry out external cladding, besides, in terms of the equipped weight, it is much more profitable than porcelain stoneware and many sheet materials. The downside lies in the fact that, according to the standard technology, finishing and heat protection are mounted almost simultaneously, which is always associated with high one-time investments of funds and labor hours..
Sometimes it is necessary to mount the supporting system after insulation. For example, high-density mineral wool can spend one or two years harmlessly under wind protection, after which the hands reach the decorative finish. In such cases, it is imperative to ensure that the subsystem consoles are attached directly to the load-bearing layer of the wall. That is, cut out the insulation, fix the brackets, and then fill the voids with foam or cotton wool strips. It will not be superfluous to put a cut of a thin insulator, for example, PPE tape, under the bracket.
In systems of a ventilated facade, it makes no sense to use polymer insulation, which limit the passage of steam through itself and the supporting layer of the wall. The technology of thermal insulation with mineral materials is well mastered and can provide equivalent thermal protection with a slight increase in the thermal insulation layer. With a low weight of the FCS, it is allowed to use sufficiently long subsystem brackets, respectively, the thickness of the insulation can reach 200-250 mm without compromising the strength of the fastening.
Protection against blowing is required, vapor-permeable membranes are used for this. Sometimes, when installing without overlap, it is necessary to take into account the insignificant effect of ultraviolet radiation on the windscreen, in such cases it is either planned to replace it in 15–20 years, or materials based on fiberglass are used. The vapor barrier is always installed between the wall and the insulation, its throughput is determined by the heat engineering calculation.
Installation features
The material can be cut with either a brick hacksaw or with a power tool with appropriate cutting elements. Here the only caveat is that cutting with a hacksaw and a jigsaw is performed from the seamy side, and in the latter case, with the obligatory disconnection of the pendulum. When cutting with circular saws and angle grinders, the front side, on the contrary, is turned up.
Attaching the siding begins after fixing the perforated profile to which the starting rails are attached. Their installation is carried out immediately along the entire contour of the cladding; asymmetric corner profiles are also pre-installed in the openings. The plane of the wall finishing is filled with boards from the bottom up: either with an overlap of about 20-30 mm, or butt-to-end. The ends of the outer boards rest against the sides of the corner edging profiles or are flush with each other, followed by installation of the overlay.
You can fasten the boards either with clamps for a special groove, or with screws (nails) through the body, it all depends on the type of siding. Visible fasteners should be stainless or galvanized to avoid rusty streaks. Drilling is not required in the latter case, but the head of the fastener must be recessed by 1–1.5 mm to seal the mounting marks. It is imperative that the board is fastened along the edges and at least one point to each rack element.
The joints of the boards of the same row are fitted tightly to each other, undermining with an abrasive bar. With a direct layout, installation is carried out sequentially along vertical rows, while at the end of the set of a row, the common end is always sharpened along the common line. The racks, on which the joints of the boards fall, are glued in whole or in part with a protective rubber tape. Docking with oblique trimming is allowed at the corners. FTSS does not require expansion joints up to a certain value of the row length (20-25 m) in addition to the extreme gaps of 2-3 mm at the edge of the corner profile.
The installation is completed with the installation of the upper extensions. Their fastening is usually visible, but it can be masked in a hidden groove or decorative strip, it all depends on the manufacturer of the system. During operation, the siding can be re-painted, usually the color warranty is shorter than the service life and is 7-10 years. Cleaning the siding is possible both with the pressure of clean water and with the use of special chemicals from the manufacturer, which allows you to “refresh” the appearance.
I have recently heard about ventilated facade and fiber cement siding. Can you please elaborate more on how these two elements work together? How does the process of ventilation enhance the efficiency and durability of fiber cement siding? Additionally, what are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using this combination in building construction? I would greatly appreciate any insights or information you can provide. Thank you!