What is Fibercement?

HekimBoard Fibercement Boards

Ever since human beings made transition to stationary and social life, an evolving culture of common life spaces, structures and buildings has developed, and structural preferences have began to form. At the end of this historic process, towns and town culture has developed, crowded life spaces in towns as well as versatile structures have began to form in line with the developments in technology and architecture.

As a natural outcome of this structural evolution and structure culture, construction industry in particular is led to a search for structural elements allowing faster construction, structures that are more resistant against atmosphere and nature’s conditions, structural elements that make life spaces more safe and comfortable such as fire and thermal-sound insulation as well as visual aesthetics.

In line with the developing technology, miscellaneous structural elements are introduced into the structure industry in addition to the classical structure components. The boards developed by Hatschek of Australia in early twentieth century and produced by method named after him have been widely used in many areas of application for nearly a century. Cement board reinforced with cellulose fibers only which is referred as fibercement board today were developed through the studies carried out in 1990s. In addition to the boards produced as roof material, fibercement boards that are produced from cellulose fiber only using autoclaved method are now being released to market in plain board form with a variety of surface appearances to be used particularly as interior and exterior façade coating.

Upon latest innovations made in this field, cement based boards with natural fibers that are hardened in autoclave, having many surface patterns including plain, wooden, natural stone, widely used on any interior and exterior façade coatings of structures referred as fibercement are being produced. Production of these structural boards known as fibercement is made by Prefabrik YAPI A.Ş., the technology leader of prefabricated structure industry, for the the first time in Turkey in year 2001 through installation of a new factory and technology transfer by Hekim Group, partnership of Özge YAPI A.Ş. and Hebo YAPI A.Ş.

Fibercement products manufactured by Hekim YAPI A.Ş., a Hekim Holding company, are released to the market under Hekim YAPI A.Ş.’s Hekimboard plant in 2001.

Fibercement boards which can be briefly described as “fiber reinforced cement board” are produced from a raw material containing mixture of natural fiber, micronized silica and cement given the form of board in a special machine and autoclaved afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions About HekimBoard Fibercement

HekimBoard Fibercement panels, an environmentally friendly product that ranks first among new generation exterior claddings with its technical features and stylish look, make a difference in the areas where it is applied. Facade lining products, which save time and cost, are also privileged with their longevity and sustainability. You can find the most frequently asked questions and answers about HekimBoard Fibercement panels below.

Many products used in exterior coatings do not have a fire protection effect. Therefore, it is a building material with A1 class incombustibility features according to EN 13501-1, which is sought especially in public spaces and community buildings. Privileged production recipe and process of the product to prevent burning, melting and the spread of fire are among the most important features that distinguish it from its kinds.

It is extremely resistant to climatic changes in the atmosphere and UV rays depending on the raw materials used in the formula of the product and autoclaving process in the production process,. It is not affected by water. Thanks to its homogeneous structure, it can be easily processed and it is extremely simple to be converted into different forms. There are no chips in its content, every point of the product has a completely homogeneous structure. It can be used on interior and exterior facades. It provides advantages in time and cost-benefit analysis because extra mesh and plaster application is not need as a final product in exterior applications.

General definition of fiber cement based facade cladding boards is used as “Fibercement” throughout the world. Besides, Hekim Yapı A.Ş is the first company which has manufactured autoclaved Fibercement using advanced technologies in Turkey since 2001, and it is the brand name of fibercement boards as HekimBoard.
Fibercement is also preferred as it can be used decoratively on many different surfaces In addition to its superior features such as technical durability (high strength), A1 class non-flammability, UV filter technology and not being affected by water. It can easily adapt to both classical and modern building architectural modelling thanks to its machinability in workshop conditions or industrial CNC machine. It is extremely easy to apply authentic motifs and patterns used on exterior surfaces of classical buildings to slabs thanks to its homogeneous structure suitable for processing.

Fibercement boards can be used on exterior surfaces of the buildings, indoors, and in the areas as carriers or decorative purposes. Its functional design, which offers many solutions at the same time with a single material, provides a great advantage to the user both in terms of time and cost. It provides an aesthetic appearance to the surface.

Cellulosic fiber, cement and quartz micronised by grinding are high quality raw materials in the ingredient of Fibercement plates.
Sustainable materials are used in the production recipe of the boards. For this reason, fibercement board types are formulated in a way that do not harm neither people or the environment. The product does not change over time or according to atmospheric conditions after application, and they do not cause harmful gas emissions that will harm the environment.
Fibercement boards are highly resistant to alkalis and other chemicals. Fibercement boards have poor resistance to anti-limestones due to the cement it contains.
The most important feature that fibercement products have is that it does not contain asbestos in addition to the fact that the content of it is completely natural. Fibercement boards are completely nature- and environment- friendly products developed due to prohibition of the products that asbestos is used on the prohibition of asbestos-used products.
Fibercement boards, which have high fire-resistance features, are A1 class fireproof building materials according to EN 13501-1 quality standards.
Fibercement boards are designed as long-lasting products, and the raw materials in their content are produced to withstand the toughest conditions.
Fibercement plates used outdoors can be painted with water-based, acrylic-based and silicone-based exterior paints, and exterior coating plates used indoors can be painted with interior paints. Plates used indoors or outdoors should not be painted with synthetic (oil-based) paints.
Fibercement coating types, which can adapt to both traditional Anatolian house models and modern architecture, are produced in different colors and patterns. Wooden-like plates offer a walnut or cedar wood textured look. Flat plates or natural stone patterns designed in more than one look give the products a dynamic visuality. HekimStone decorative stone patterns, natural stone, checker brick, knitted stone and mixed stone patterns are the other models in the product range.
Türksiding products, which reflect both the durability and the warm appearance of wood in exterior applications compared to wooden products, are produced in cedar wood and walnut wood surface appearances.
Fibercement boards , which are resistant to harmful UV rays of the sun, are not affected by sea water and humidity. For this reason, it can be used safely in buildings such as summer houses and hotels in coastal areas and on the exterior of the buildings in extremely sunny areas without posing any risks.
Boards have a certain water absorption value. However, if the environment reaches a suitable temperature, they throw out the water taken in in a short time. Under all conditionss, it is not possible for water to pass from one surface of the plate to the other. After plaster and paint processes applied to the plates, water absorption rate of these surfaces decreases even more.

You can get more detailed information about Fibercement plates that have a lower water absorption rate than reinforced concrete buildings by analysing the section of tests applied to fibercement boards.

Quartz in the formula of fibercement plates makes it difficult to shape products with simple cutting tools. However, you can use a diamond twist bit to drill the products. Diamond-tipped granite cutting knives or Dia-tipped saws should be preferred to cut fibercement boards easily. Hekim Yapı Marketing and Sales Department can be consulted to obtain these products and to get more detailed information.
It is highly resistant to impacts. It is absolutely not affected by impacts of the objects carried by wind or simple impacts.
Absolutely not. Fibercement boards with natural content are odorless. Therefore, it does not release any harmful gas or substance that will adversely affect human health during fire. One of the reasons why Fibercement boards are preferred in places where there is a fire danger is that it has a safe usage feature.
They are not affected by harmful pests , they do not contain pests.
The plates, which are absolutely not affected by water and humidity, can be used safely in all humid and rainy climates thanks to their superior features.
Fibercement boards, which have a very wide usage area, can be used as interior and exterior cladding material of all buildings. Also, it can be preferred as an under-ceramic material for interior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors of lightweight construction steel buildings and prefabricated structures or on wet floors. Fibercement boards, which offer advantage of safe use against water and fire, are also used as roofing material. It has a strong effect as a roofing tile, shingle or bituminous under board material. Fibercement boards are innovative building materials that are applied in more areas of use every day. Facing boards can be used as a wall element in prefabricated pool applications, as a supporting ground or wall cladding element in small and cattle farms since it does not undergo any chemical reaction. Thanks to its A1 class non-flammability feature, it can be preferred as a surface coating material in fire corridors, elevator shafts or parking areas. It can be used as a carrier element on steel floors of areas with high human circulation such as shopping malls, theaters and movie theaters and on raised floors.
Fibercement boards can be used with almost all insulation materials.
The outer plates refer to the plates that are applied to be directly exposed to atmospheric conditions. Although their general formulations are largely the same, some additives are added to keep the thermal elongation values of these plates at a minimum level.

All of the patterned plates and Turksiding product models are produced with outer plates coating formulation.

Manufacturers give durability and colorfastness warranty up to 10-15 years in some paint types manufactured for the use in fibercement boards. Correct application of the plates and most suitable paint selection support their use for many years without the need for paint renewal.
Fibercement plates do not need any special maintenance or repair. Depending on the life of the paint used, renewal may be required on plates painted. Information about the durability and renewal time of the paint can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Environmentally-Friendly Fibercement Boards

Fibercement boards are human end environment friendly materials. They are free of any substances that may be harmful to humans and environment. It does not result in gas emissions in time or due to atmospheric conditions. Fibercement boards have long life thanks to the material content. There is no pre-determined service life for cement or silica. Since the boards are exposed to high temperatures and pressure during production, they are resistant against the most harsh conditions. They are not impacted by ultra-violet rays. Fibercement boards demonstrate a good resistance against chemicals (apart from anti-scaling agents). They have a good resistance particularly against alkalines.

Water-Resistant Fibercement Boards

Fibercement boards are not impacted by climate conditions. Elongation - shrinking amounts are significantly lower than similar materials. Fibercement boards are not impacted by water or sea water. Therefore, they can be perfectly applied to buildings having this type of problems. They are absolutely water-proof. Water absorption rates are lower than reinforced concrete buildings. Undoubtedly, fibercement boards alone are not an insulation material. Although, they have a quite good thermal and sound insulation values. A very good thermal and sound insulation can be obtained when they are used in conjunction with materials having high insulation value.

Class A1 Non-Combustible Fibercement Boards

Fibercement boards have full resistance against fire. It has aan international class A1 anti-flammability certificate. Fire resistance tests of walls made of fibercement boards officially certify 120 minutes of fire resistance known as F120. Fibercement boards has an approximate density of 1300-1400 kg/m. This means approximately 10 kilograms load per square meter on façade coatings depending on the application type. Cephe kaplamada ortalama 10 mm. kalınlığında fibercement kullanılmaktadır. Oysaki fibercement yerine sıva yapılsa idi yaklaşık 30-40 mm kalınlığında yapılması gerekmektedir. Ayrıca sıvanın özağırlığı 2000 kg/m 'tür. Fibercement cephe kaplama sıvadan daha hafif olmaktadır. Sıvanmış binalarda ise deprem riski açısından ihmal edilebilecek eser bir ağırlık artışına yol açmaktadır. Sadece ısı izolasyonu amaçlı yapılan mantolama işleminde de 2 kat sıva yapılmakta ve sonuçta cepheye gelen yük fibercement kaplamadan daha fazla olmaktadır. Özetle fibercement kaplamada binalara deprem açısından ilave bir risk eklenmemektedir. Fibercement levhalar her türlü su bazlı akrilik boya ile rahatlıkla ve istenirse birden fazla boyanabilmektedirler. Fibercement levhaların emsal malzemelere kıyasla; uzama – kısalma katsayıları çok azdır. Doğru bir uygulama ile ek yerlerinde sorun yaşanmaz. Fibercement levhalar 125 cm eninde, 250 – 280 ya da 300 cm boyunda üretilmektedirler. Desenli levhalar 8, 10 ve 12 mm kalınlığında, düz levhalar 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 ve 20 mm kalınlıktadırlar.

Where is Fibercement Board Used?

Fibercement board can be easily used as any type of interior and exterior surface coating for any type of building and in every detail of structures. Boards can be used as a whole or can be sized in various dimensions or applied with joint gaps. Application with joint gaps are layered in various line widths to achieve different appearances. The most common application types are as follows:
  • As interior and exterior façade coating material,
  • As partition wall element in the form of sandwich panel,
  • As decorative interior and exterior façade coating material using joint gaps,
  • As false ceiling element (6 mm),
  • As flooring material between floors in multi-storey prefabricated structures (16 mm),
  • As a supporting element underneath floor coating materials (instead of OSB),
  • As tile-base material in wet areas,
  • As a flooring material over floor concrete (eliminates need for trowel application),
  • As decorative coating element for indoor areas to provide wooden appearance (wainscot application),
  • As eaves and fascia coating material,
  • As prefabricated coating element,
  • As base material on advertisement boards,
  • As partition element in wet areas (with PP lamination coating)
  • As door and window jambs on exterior façades,
  • As corner element in fibercement siding applications,
  • As composite element in conjunction with various coating materials,
  • As sandwich panel in conjunction with various insulation materials,
  • As decorative surface element on garden walls.
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