The house will likely contain fibre cement cladding either on the outside or on the inside. Fibre cement cladding should be inspected to catch any problems before they are too expensive or potentially hazardous to deal with. Here is what you need to know about fibre cement cladding:
What Is Fibre Cement Cladding?
Fibre cement cladding is an exterior siding made from cement, cellulose, and fibres. It is primarily used for outside siding on homes but is occasionally used as an interior siding material.
What Is Fibre Cement Cladding Used for?
Foundation walls and load-bearing walls are often constructed with fibre cement cladding. Many older schools and buildings were also constructed with fibre cement cladding.
Fibre cement cladding is a durable and affordable material. In many cases, it will cost less than half of what a wooden siding would cost, and it’s also more durable. It is fire-resistant, rot-proof, and water-resistant and can last up to 100 years. It also has little to no maintenance aside from cleaning, which is easier than many other materials.
Why Fibre Cement Cladding Isn’t Fail-Proof
While fibre cement cladding has a lot of upsides, there are downsides to be aware of. First of all, fibre cement cladding is not as strong as wood, so it will not stand up to direct impacts and wood. Bricks should also be used in conjunction with it to absorb any shock. However, it is moisture-resistant, not moisture-proof. When moisture gets into the fibre cement cladding, it can chip away at it or even cause it to fall apart.
Does Fibre Cement Cladding Contain Asbestos?
Depending on the age of the building, there’s a chance the fibre cement cladding inspection could identify products that contain asbestos, which was used in many different building applications in Australia from the 1940s to the mid-1980s, including fibre cement sheeting. This type of asbestos was used in internal and external cladding and gutters, downpipes, roofing, and fencing for houses pre-dating the 1940s.
What Are the Issues with Fibre Cement Cladding?
As you’re home-shopping, don’t assume that a fibre cement-cladding house will necessarily come with a buyer’s guarantee for structural issues, pests in the basement, or weather damage.
A fiber cement cladding system has been built to withstand weather, water, and termites, but it’s not foolproof. As your potential buyer moves into their new home, issues can arise if the fiber cement cladding is not installed properly or maintained to the correct standard.
Poorly fitted exterior cladding can expose your home to the elements. You don’t want rain coming into your home every time it rains or storms, nor does a gap in the cladding allow any water to seep in. If something leaks at your home, you could have serious structural problems. Such as warped and rotting framework, water stains, and mold.
Hire an Inspector for a Fibre Cement House
You should hire a home inspector with experience inspecting fibre cement cladding and other non-traditional exterior wall materials. Any moisture problems, such as water stains, cracks, and swelling, should be dealt with immediately. If you’re buying a home with a fibre cement cladding system, it’s up to you to make sure that all is well with it.
We Plaster and Recruit is a registered plastering company providing the best plastering services with operations throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Queensland areas. We believe in quality work to breathe in new life to the interiors while also giving you value for your money. Over the years, we have mastered and worked on all sorts of plastering contracts. We follow strict protocols and guidelines to make our work stand out. If you need cladding services on the Gold Coast, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!