What Is The Lifespan Of Fibre Cement Weatherboard?

Fibre cement weatherboard is one of Australia’s most trusted building materials. It’s strong, it’s affordable and it lasts a lifetime… literally!

So, just how long is the lifespan of fibre cement weatherboard?

Well, that depends on several factors, but you’ll be surprised about the average lifespan of standard quality fibre cement weatherboard.

In this post, Plaster Wholesalers explains all you need to know about the lifespan of fibre cement sheeting.

Lifespan of fibre cement sheeting

The average lifespan of fibre cement sheeting in Australia is around 40-50 years. That’s basically a whole lifetime’s worth of homeownership! Fibre cement weatherboard is a cladding that you’ll only have to install once in your whole term of home ownership. That makes it one of the most suitable and durable materials for any façade renovation project.

Factors that influence lifespan of fibre cement

There are a couple of varying factors that can affect the lifespan of fibre cement weatherboard in Australia:

• Environment and weather
  Aussie weather is tough on all building materials, but fibre cement cladding is fortunately very weather-resistant. Resistant to cracking and warping in temperature changes, rain and heat, fibre cement weatherboard is great for the Victorian climate. Humidity and snow are two of the worst environmental conditions for fibre cement – thankfully, Melbourne doesn’t have much of either.

• Fibre cement quality
  The quality of the fibre cement weatherboard itself also affects its lifespan. Low-grade fibre cement isn’t going to have the same longevity of a high-quality manufacturer like James Hardie. We recommend always choosing a reputable brand of fibre cement weatherboard – at Plaster Wholesalers, we stock only the finest brands.

• Installation quality
  The installation process requires a bit of expertise in order to get the job done right. If you fail to install your fibre cement weatherboard properly, there will likely be problems affecting lifespan down the track. It requires proper fastening techniques, gap maintenance, and correct flashing installation. Hire an expert to install your fibre cement weatherboard.

• Maintenance
  Though fibre cement weatherboard doesn’t need all that much maintenance, you still can’t afford to neglect it. Take care of your fibre cement, and the fibre cement will take care of you! Some of the key aspects of fibre cement maintenance include intermittent cleaning to prevent mould and mildew growth, timely repair of any damage or separations and repainting or resealing as needed every 7-15 years, depending on conditions.

Need some A-grade fibre cement sheeting? For Melbourne’s best plaster and cladding supplies, stop in at Plaster Wholesalers. Our team is Melbourne’s most experienced, with 30 years of service in the plastering industry. We carry Victoria’s best range of plaster and cladding materials, and can guide you in the right direction for cladding processes. Pop in to our Hoppers Crossing and Somerton locations, or give us a call today.