Cement boards
are used for walls, ceilings and soundproofing.
If you ever walk into a contemporary restaurant with exposed cement walls or see a novel use of cement inside of a modern loft or apartment, you are probably looking at cement board or E-board. This is often used for popular industrial architectural styles in both exterior and interior applications. The term "cement board" refers to the overall category of boards that use common Portland cement as the main ingredient. E-boards are one type of cement board.
Cement Board
Cement board is used for both residential and commercial building installations. A drywall-like material is most often used in homes for installing tile. Prior to the development of cement board, commercial builders used cement, mud and metal lath systems. Cement board replaced that format and technique, giving builders an easy-to-install panel-style material that significantly reduced the amount of labor required and installation time for projects. Cement boards come in different composite varieties, including materials such as wood, gypsum and fiberglass.
E-Board
E-Board is a type of cement board. It represents the "new generation" and is classified as Class O fiber cement board. Like cement boards, in general, E-boards are used in applications that require moisture resistance, sound insulation and fire retardant properties. E-board is made from finely ground silica, treated cellulose fibers, mineral filters and water -- which are the basic components of ordinary Portland cement. E-boards are often preferred over wood-based cement boards because they are more stable and can hold up to moisture. E-boards absorb moisture and, once dry, resume their original strength and shape.
Similarities
Cement and E-boards are both used as substrates for the external cladding of buildings and work well when attached to all types of framing materials, including wood and steel. Each is used to create walls and partitions, and they are both popular choices for substrates and backer board materials for laying tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Cement boards, as a group, are often preferred over plywood because of their moisture-resistant properties. They can be painted or stained with acrylic or silicone-based products and polished. In some areas, cement and E-boards can qualify for tax credits. Check with the dealer at the time of purchase to see if the board you're considering qualifies.
Differences
Cement boards refer to the entire category of cement-based boards, including E-boards. There are many varieties of cement boards as a group. Other types contain materials, such as wood, fiberglass and gypsum, to form composite cement boards. However, E-boards do not contain wood or synthetic additives and, therefore, have a more pure concentration of cement versus other types of cement boards. This can make E-boards up to 25 percent lighter than other types of cement boards. E-boards are thinner and lighter in weight than other types of cement boards and are easier to cut. Heavyweight, thick cement boards have to be scored first, followed by several passes with a circular saw with an abrasive blade before they snap off.
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