How are Fiber Cement Boards Made?

Fiber Board

It seems as if everyone is trying to find a way to go green through whatever measures they can think of. It's not only a way to help protect the environment and recycle materials, but going green has created many materials that wouldn't have otherwise been created. Fiber cement boards are one of those unique creations. Made from cast off and throw-away materials, fiber cement boards are made of sand, cement, and cellulose fiber (the fibers that wood is made up of). The most popular use of fiber cement boards are as siding for houses where they can duplicate the look of wood, but they are more resistant to insects, water, and other elements than the material fiber cement boards are replacing.

Materials and Mixing

The first step in creating fiber cement boards is to assemble all of the materials that will go into making them. The sand and cement are easy enough to find, but the cellulose fibers must be obtained by breaking down wood to its basic components. Often times scrap wood that isn't being used on building sites is taken for this purpose, and ground down until it's nothing more than fibers. These fibers will add structure and solidity to the fiber cement board, making it a more durable and crack resistant material. Once the three base materials are obtained, they're mixed together into a slurry that will then be used to create the fiber cement boards once it's dried and put under pressure.

Drying and Pressure

Once the slurry is mixed, it's sprayed into sheets and put under extreme pressure. This pressure is created through the use of steam, and it makes sure that the fibers, sand, and cement all compress together and form a solid, even material. The cement fiber board is then ready for use once it's been compressed and dried. Once it's completed, fiber cement boards are usually made to resemble wood boards for cosmetic reasons.

References

• About Fiber Cement Board
• Fiber Cement Board