Benefits of Fibre Cement Roofing Sheets
Fibre cement was originally invented in the 19th Century as a man-made alternative to timber cladding. Since its creation, fibre cement has become an incredibly popular material in the construction industry, particularly for both roofing and siding. It is a highly versatile building material, and sees widespread use in agricultural, commercial and residential projects. But what benefits do fibre cement roofing sheets offer over other materials?
Table of Contents
- What is Fibre Cement?
- What Are Fibre Cement Sheets Used For?
- The Advantages of Fibre Cement Roof Sheets
- To Conclude
What is Fibre Cement?
Fibre cement is a composite material, made up of Portland cement (limestone, iron and clay), sand, and sustainably sourced cellulose fibres which are used to further reinforce the material and improve its durability. Finally, water is used to bind these components together, and allow the fibre cement to harden. A small quantity of chemical additives is also included to aid in this process and bolster the material’s strength.
Once the fibre cement has been created, it is rolled into sheets and compressed to draw out any excess moisture. If intended for roofing, these sheets are then shaped into a strong, corrugated profile to provide additional impact resistance and improve their ability to shed water. To improve their aesthetics, many manufacturers then paint or through-colour their sheets for a highly impressive finish.
What Are Fibre Cement Sheets Used For?
Thanks to their many unique advantages and characteristics, fibre cement sheets are used in an enormous variety of applications. Most commonly, they can be seen adorning the roofs and walls of agricultural buildings such as barns and stables, or industrial premises like warehouses. Available in a wide variety of sizes, fibre cement sheets can also be used on smaller structures such as sheds or garages.
The Advantages of Fibre Cement Roof Sheets
From their impressive strength and durability, to sustainability and fire safety, fibre cement roofing sheets boast many practical benefits.
Durability
Fully resistant to rot, mould, moss and algae, fibre cement roofing sheets are outstandingly resilient. Their robust construction ensures that the structure has no risk of warping, shrinkage or cracking due to thermal movement. Better still, unlike other roofing materials such as metal, fibre cement sheets will not rust, and are immune to fire or chemical damage, so there’s no need to worry about unexpected damage to your fibre cement roof.
Longevity
Another fantastic advantage of fibre cement roofing sheets is their incredibly long lifespan. Capable of lasting for fifty years or more, fibre cement sheets maintain their strength and quality performance for decades with little need for repair or maintenance. This makes fibre cement an ideal choice for farmers or business owners looking for a long-term investment that requires little upkeep.
Low Maintenance
Designed to be highly robust and resist nearly any problem that usually plagues roofing, fibre cement roof sheets require virtually no maintenance. If you want to keep your fibre cement roof looking as beautiful and performing as well as the day it was installed, all you’ll need to do is give it an occasional clean to remove excess dirt and debris. This is best done using soft sponges, water, and mild detergent.
Ventilation
One major benefit that is particularly advantageous for equestrians or farmers that raise livestock, is the fact that fibre cement sheets enhance ventilation levels in a building. When installed correctly, a fibre cement roof improves a structure’s ability to breathe, increasing the flow of crisp, clean air and providing optimal ventilation. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone that cares about comfort levels and internal air quality.
Easy Installation
Thankfully, fibre cement roofing sheets are actually quite simple to install. This is thanks to their light weight, which makes them easy to handle and transport. Plus, the large sizes these sheets are available in helps to speed up installation. Perfect for both DIYers and professionals, fibre cement sheets require no specialist tools to install. Read our handy blog for more info on how to fit fibre cement roof sheets.
Vapour Permeability
Another aspect that makes fibre cement roofing ideal for agricultural buildings and stables, is the way in which they create a safe, secure, and comfortable space below. This is achieved thanks to their vapour permeability, as they can effectively disperse excess moisture levels in the air. These sheets are also able to combat condensation and humidity, keeping livestock comfortable and preventing structural issues related to moisture.
Non-Combustible
An extremely important feature to note, is that fibre cement roof sheets will not burn and will in fact actively combat the spread of flames. For example, Eternit’s range of fibre cement roofing sheets are Fire Performance rated as A2 according to BS EN 13501-1, SAA and Class 0 which denote limited combustibility and resistance to the spread of flames. Another reason why choosing a fibre cement roof will let you sleep soundly at night.
Weatherproof
Thanks to their impressive ability to repel water, fibre cement roofing sheets also offer brilliant resistance to the weather. This is largely thanks to the use of sand in their construction, which ensures resilience even in the face of extreme heat, cold, or storms. Furthermore, fibre cement sheets are also fully resistant to UV rays, with no risk of fading, discolouration or any damage when exposed to sunlight.
Visual Appearance
Despite their utilitarian nature, many find that fibre cement sheets offer a simple, yet remarkable aesthetic. Their timeless, traditional appearance lends itself particularly well to buildings and properties in the country, such as agricultural buildings, farmhouses and more. They’re also available in a broad selection of colours and finishes to offer even greater flexibility in creating the perfect roof for you.
Sound Insulation
One aspect of roofing that is overlooked by many is sound insulation. Fibre cement offers fantastic levels of acoustic insulation. In fact, when tested under heavy rainfall, fibre cement sheets greatly outperformed alternatives such as metal in how much sound they absorbed. This is just another way in which choosing fibre cement roofing sheets will create a much more comfortable environment for your livestock.
Thermal Insulation
But, the insulative qualities of fibre cement roofing don’t stop at sound waves. Fibre cement enjoys a very low level of thermal conductivity, which makes it a highly effective insulator. This means that a building such as a barn protected with a fibre cement roof will be kept at a far more comfortable, consistent temperature all year round. This is true whether in the dead of winter or at the height of summer.
Sustainability
Finally, fibre cement roof sheets are highly sustainable, which is becoming increasingly important to many. This is thanks to their largely natural construction, and the low amount of energy required in their manufacture. This makes fibre cement sheets ideal for anyone looking to preserve the environment when making their next choice of roofing. Eternit’s sheets for example, achieved an A+ rating in the Green Guide.
To Conclude
Fibre cement roof sheets are a highly practical solution that offer a very broad range of benefits that other roofing materials simply cannot. With fantastic advantages in strength, sustainability, safety, longevity and reliability, it’s very easy to see why so many choose fibre cement. They’re perfect for anyone who values high levels of performance, long-lasting results and doesn’t have the time for excessive upkeep. Take a look at our range of high-quality today.
For any other questions and queries, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us directly on 01295 565 565 or drop us a message using our handy live chat.
