Cladding FAQ

Fibre cement cladding is made from a combination of cement, cellulose fibres (usually from wood pulp), sand, and water. These ingredients are blended, formed, and cured to create sturdy panels or planks.

Fibre cement cladding is known for its durability, fire resistance, and is low maintenance compared to wood or plastic. Unlike timber, it doesn’t rot or attract termites, and it’s more fire-resistant than plastic or wood.

Fibre cement cladding is a type of building material made from a mixture of cement, sand, cellulose fibres, and water. It is designed to provide durable, weather-resistant exterior protection for buildings and can be shaped into a variety of styles and textures.

The benefits include durability, fire resistance, low maintenance, resistance to rot and termites, weather resistance, and the ability to mimic other materials like wood or stone.

With proper maintenance, fibre cement cladding can last 30 to 50 years or more. Some manufacturers offer warranties that reflect this longevity.

Yes, fibre cement is highly fire-resistant, does not attract termites or other pests, and is moisture-resistant, which prevents rotting and swelling.

Fibre cement cladding is extremely durable and can last for decades when properly installed and maintained. It is resistant to harsh weather, UV rays, pests, and rot.

Fibre cement cladding is low maintenance. It typically only requires occasional cleaning and repainting every 10-15 years, depending on the finish.

Yes, fibre cement cladding can be painted, and many manufacturers offer pre-painted or pre-finished options that reduce the need for immediate painting after installation.

Fibre cement cladding installation can be a simple task. We have created an installation hub to help guide you through the entire process.

Yes, installing fibre cement requires tools like special saw blades or a guillotine designed for cutting cement-based materials, as well as the correct fixing screws and tools to help hold the board whilst installing, such as Gecko Gauge.

We advise that all existing external finishes are removed before installing fire cement cladding. It's best to check that the structure is sound and free of moisture and install it using the correct timber batten and breather membrane. If you are in doubt please refer back to the manufacturers fixing guides.

All project are different and will require a different level of skill to complete. Following our installation hub guides we believe a competent DIYer can install fibre cement cladding on their home project.

Fibre cement is highly resistant to weather damage, including wind, hail, and rain. It also performs well in areas prone to extreme heat or cold.

Yes, fibre cement cladding is designed to withstand various climates, from hot and humid to cold and snowy, making it suitable for most regions.

Fibre cement cladding itself is not a primary insulator, but it can be paired with external insulation systems to improve energy efficiency.

Fibre cement cladding is highly UV-resistant, but like all exterior materials, the paint or finish may fade over time. Pre-painted options often come with warranties that cover fading.

Fibre cement cladding is typically more expensive than plastic and timber. However, its durability and low maintenance costs can make it more cost-effective over time. We have DIY cost calculators for each of the big fibre cement cladding manufacturers. Cedral Cost Calculator James Hardie Cost Calculator Supertech Cost Calculator

Most manufacturers offer warranties for fibre cement cladding, typically ranging from 30 to 50 years for the product itself and shorter warranties for paint or finishes. View our product comparison to see the warrantys for each manufacturer.

Factors include the size of the project, labour costs and the complexity of the design. Depending on your starting structure, you may incur additional costs to setup the layout of your fibre cement cladding. For example a property that is rendered would cost more to layout and install the timber batten than a brick built property.

It’s important to repair cracks or damage as soon as possible to prevent water infiltration and further deterioration. In most cases, minor repairs can be done with a cement patch.

Minor damage can be repaired with patching compounds and touch up paint, but for significant damage, it’s often best to replace individual panels or planks. This can cause issues when installed in the standard lap orientation. You can't replace a board that has another overlapping above it due to the fixings being covered. Often when the damage is beyond repair, the best course of action is to remove all boards above the damage until you can replace the board correctly.

Yes, most fibre cement cladding products are certified for fire resistance and meet safety standards required for use in residential and commercial buildings. Always check the certification of your chosen manufacturer meets your requirements.

Yes, fibre cement cladding must meet local building codes and standards, especially regarding fire resistance, moisture management, and installation techniques. Please discuss with your local building control before undertaking any project of your own.