Fiber cement is a wood substitute for siding that mimics the look of real wood. It is environmentally friendly because its composite materials occur in nature or originate from other recycled materials. It is recommended by for use especially in areas that are susceptible to fire. Fiber cement siding is non-combustible and durable. It resists warping, swelling and rotting. It is also cost efficient compared to other home exteriors such as stucco or brick. Many fiber cement boards are guaranteed against breakage, wear and tear and cracking for 30 to 50 years.
Basic Ingredients
Fiber cement contains wood pulp, cement, sand and water as its base ingredients. The ingredients are mixed together and cured in an autoclave (a device meant to sterilize its contents with very high temperatures), making it much more stable and strong. For reinforcement, fiber is added to the mix, which helps to prevent cracking of the material.
Wood Pulp Compononent
One of the main chemical components of fiber cement is cellulose. Cellulose occurs in the wood pulp used for the product; it is an organic compound that is made by plants and used industrially to create paper products such as cardboard.
Fly Ash and Sand Components
In addition to cellulose, there are other main components to cement and sand. Fly ash is a component of cement. Fly ash is an industrial by-product of coal combustion, and ends up in a landfill when not used. Rock and mineral particles are what make up the millions of tiny grains of sand, the most common constituent of sand is silica, which is quartz and is resistant to water.
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