Fibre Cement Sheet & Panel
Concrete/Masonry
ATLAS CODE
MIN-CEM-FC-001
Category mineral
Material Family Cementitious
Regulatory Status Non-combustible (deemed-to-comply)
Density
1250-1300 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.5-0.8 kgCO2e/kg
Fire Class
Non-combustible (deemed-to-comply)
Lifespan
50+ years
Description
Non-combustible cementitious flat sheets reinforced with cellulose fibres, manufactured to AS/NZS 2908.2 in thicknesses from 4.5mm to 18mm. The cement matrix with dispersed cellulose fibres produces a dimensionally stable, moisture-resistant material suitable for external cladding, internal lining, eaves, soffits, and wet-area substrates. Classified as deemed-to-comply non-combustible under NCC Clause C1.9(e), eliminating the need for AS 1530.1 testing. James Hardie (HardieFlex, Villaboard, Scyon range) is the dominant Australian manufacturer, with BGC (Durasheet, Duraliner) and CSR Cemintel as secondary suppliers. Density typically 1250-1300 kg/m3 with flexural strength meeting Category 3 Type A classification (minimum 7.0 MPa saturated). The material provides excellent termite resistance, dimensional stability, and fire performance across all BAL ratings per AS 3959, with expected service life exceeding 50 years.
Typical Uses
- External wall cladding
- Internal wet area lining
- Eave and soffit lining
- Fire-rated wall systems
- Gable end lining
- Flooring substrate
- Ceiling lining
- Facade panel system
Thick.
Primary Form [Sheet]
Standard Widths [1200mm, 1350mm] mm
Standard Lengths [2400mm, 3000mm] mm
Thickness Opts [4.5mm, 6mm, 7.5mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm] mm
Weight [6.8-31] kg/m2
Recycled Content 0-30
Renewable Content 5-15
Recyclability 10-30
Embodied Carbon 0.5-0.8 kgCO2e/kg
Embodied Energy 6-10 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Deemed-to-comply non-combustible under NCC C1.9(e) — no AS 1530.1 testing requiredSuitable for all BAL ratings (BAL-LOW through BAL-FZ) per AS 3959 — universal bushfire zone complianceFRL up to 120/120/120 achievable in steel-framed wall systems (James Hardie Fire Rated Application Guide)50+ year expected service life with 30-year non-prorated substrate warranty (James Hardie)Complete termite and rot immunity — inorganic cement matrix unaffected by wood-destroying organisms (CSIRO tested)Dimensional stability: moisture movement 0.04% (A direction) / 0.03% (B direction) at 30-90% RH (HardieFlex TDS)AS 1530.3 indices 0/0/0/0-5 — exceptional early-fire performanceSupply cost $15-45/m2 — competitive mid-range cladding material in Australian market
Cautions
Water absorption 34% by mass when immersed — requires moisture management in wall assemblies (ASTM C1186)Thermal conductivity 0.23 W/mK — minimal insulation value, requires bulk insulation in wall cavity for NCC energy complianceFlexural strength 7.0 MPa saturated — modest; requires continuous support by framing at max 600mm centresCrystalline silica dust hazard during cutting — requires water suppression or HEPA extraction per SafeWork Australia WHSWeight 13-19 kg/m2 at 9-12mm thickness — heavier than timber weatherboards, requires 2-person handling for large sheetsLabour-intensive installation — score-and-snap or water-suppressed cutting required, not as fast as vinyl or metal claddingLimited recycled content — no post-consumer recycled input in standard James Hardie formulationsPaint recoating required every 10-15 years for field-applied finishes in high-UV exposure
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-CEM-FC-001
Density (Dry) 1250-1300 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 1.25-1.30
Porosity Not specified %
Water Absorption 34-36 %
Hardness Not specified Mohs
Surface Roughness Not specified um
UV Resistance excellent
Chemical Resistance good
pH Tolerance Not specified pH
Available Colors
Primed (ready for field painting in any colour)ColorPlus factory-applied finish (15-20 standard colours)Custom colours available for large volume orders
Surface Finishes
Primed (for field painting)ColorPlus factory-applied acrylic finishUnfinished (for render/texture coat application)Sanded (Villaboard — for paint, wallpaper, or tile substrate)
Texture Options
SmoothTextured/sand finishCedarmill (wood grain)Colonial roughsawnColonial smoothRustic cedar
Pattern Options
Horizontal lap (weatherboard style)Vertical board and battenLarge format panelStria (wide horizontal groove)Axon (vertical groove panel)
Compressive Strength 38-46 MPa
Tensile Strength 2-4 MPa
Flexural Strength 7.0-10.0 MPa
Shear Strength Not specified MPa
Elastic Modulus 12-18 GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable MPa
Impact Resistance Not specified J
Bearing Capacity Not specified kPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.2-0.25
Creep Resistance good
Abrasion Resistance good
Thermal Conductivity 0.23 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.056 m2K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840-1000 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion Not specified mm/m/degC
Melting Point Not applicable degC
Ignition Temperature Not applicable degC
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Not specified STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Weighted Sound Reduction (Rw) Up to Rw 68 (system) dB
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) Not specified %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) Not specified
Fibre cement was invented by Ludwig Hatschek in Austria in 1901, originally using asbestos fibres (known as 'fibro' in Australia). Asbestos-cement products dominated Australian construction from the 1920s through the 1970s, with James Hardie Manufacturing commencing Australian production in 1917. Following recognition of asbestos health hazards, Australia progressively banned asbestos-containing products, with James Hardie transitioning to cellulose-fibre formulations in the 1980s (total asbestos ban enacted 2003). Modern fibre cement uses cellulose fibres with no asbestos content. The 2019 NCC amendments strengthened non-combustibility requirements for external walls, cementing fibre cement's position as a preferred cladding material. James Hardie introduced the Scyon formulation range in the 2000s, offering lower-density fibre cement with enhanced workability and deeper profile options. Australia remains one of the world's largest per-capita consumers of fibre cement products.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-CEM-FC-001
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0-5
Combustibility Class Non-combustible (deemed-to-comply)
Ignition Temperature Not applicable degC
Fire Resistance Rating 60-120 minutes
Heat Release Rate Near zero kW/m2
Toxicity of Combustion low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.5-0.8 kgCO2e/kg
Embodied Energy 6-10 MJ/kg
Water Footprint Not specified L/kg
EPD Available Yes
LEED Points 1-3 points
Circular Economy Score 3 /10
IARC Classification Crystalline silica dust: IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Intact fibre cement product: not classified.
VOC Emissions Negligible ug/m3
VOC Class Low VOC (uncoated: zero VOC)
Formaldehyde Class Not applicable — no formaldehyde in composition
Crystalline Silica Present (hazard during cutting only) %
Asbestos Content None — cellulose fibre reinforcement only. Australian asbestos ban enacted 2003.
Heavy Metals Free Yes
PPE Required
P2 respirator (mandatory for any cutting operations generating dust)Safety glasses/gogglesHearing protection (when using power tools)Gloves (recommended for handling)Long sleeves recommended to prevent skin irritation from dust
Skill Level Semi-skilled to Skilled
Crew Size 2-4 persons
Installation Time 0.08-0.25 hours/m2
Curing Time Not applicable hours
Setting Time Not applicable hours
Temperature Range 5-40 degC
Humidity Range No restriction %RH
Required Tools
Score-and-snap tungsten-tipped knife (preferred for minimal dust)Circular saw with dust extraction or water suppression (for curves and complex cuts)Hand guillotine (for straight perpendicular cuts)Electric fibreshear (for curves and archways)P2 respirator (mandatory for any saw cutting per SafeWork Australia)Safety glasses/goggles2.8 x 50mm fibre cement nails (timber framing) or self-drilling screws (steel framing)Pre-drill bit for edge fixingsSpirit level and straight edgeTape measure
Certifications Required
No specific licence required — general builder or carpenter competencySafeWork Australia silica awareness training recommended for cuttersWorking at heights certification if applicable
Weather Limitations
Can be installed during light rain — more tolerant than timber weatherboardsAvoid heavy rainfall during cutting operations (water penetration of cut edges)No frost limitations for installationNo specific wind speed limitations beyond general workplace safety
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-CEM-FC-001
Material Cost $15-45/m2 supply only, varying by thickness (4.5mm lowest, 18mm highest) and product type (HardieFlex lowest, Scyon/Villaboard mid-range) m2
Installation Cost $30-65/m2 installed including labour and materials. Simple applications lower, complex multi-storey higher. m2
Annual Maintenance 1-3 AUD/m2/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) Not specified AUD/m2
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time 1-4 weeks
Supply & Logistics
Country of Origin Australia (James Hardie, BGC, CSR Cemintel all manufacture locally)
Regional Availability
Australia (nationwide)New ZealandAsia-PacificGlobal (James Hardie operates internationally)
AU Distributors
James Hardie Australia (manufacturer — dominant market share)BGC Australia / CSR Limited (manufacturer)CSR Cemintel (manufacturer)EQUITONE (architectural market)Bunnings Warehouse (retail)All major trade building suppliers nationally
Design Life 50+ years
Warranty Period 30 years
Maintenance Interval 6-12 months
Service Temp Range -20 to 50+ degC
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Passes AS/NZS 2908.2 cycles
Dimensional Stability 0.3-0.4 mm/m
Certifications Held
CodeMark certification available for James Hardie productsAS/NZS 2908.2 compliance (manufacturing standard)JAS-ANZ accredited testingEPD Australasia — James Hardie EPD availableEPD-IES-0018187 — CSR Cemintel prefinished fibre cement (expires 2029-11-27)Green Building Council of Australia — eligible for Green Star materials creditsNot classified as hazardous per SafeWork Australia criteria (intact product)
Fire Code Compliance
NCC Clause C1.9(e) — deemed-to-comply non-combustibleAS 1530.3 — fire hazard properties (ignitability, flame spread, heat, smoke)AS 1530.4 — fire resistance of building elements (FRL testing)AS 5637.1 — fire hazard properties for wall/ceiling linings (group number)AS 3959:2018 — construction in bushfire-prone areas (all BAL levels)
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume One (Class 2-9 buildings)NCC 2022 Volume Two (Class 1 and 10 buildings)NCC Part C — Fire resistance and stabilityNCC Part J — Energy efficiency (as part of wall assembly)AS/NZS 2908.2 — Cellulose-cement products, Part 2: Flat sheetsASTM C1186 (Flat fibre-cement sheets)ASTM C518 (Thermal transmission — for thermal conductivity testing)ISO 8336 (Fibre-reinforced cement products — flat sheets)EN 12467 (Fibre-cement flat sheets)
Data Confidence MANUFACTURER
Source Primary: James Hardie HardieFlex Physical Properties TDS (Betaboard reference); James Hardie Fire Rated Application Guide; CSR Cemintel EPD-IES-0018187; BGC Fibre Cement Product Guide. Secondary: SafeWork Australia silica guidance v3.0; ABCB CodeMark; AS/NZS 2908.2; AS 3959:2018 bushfire construction.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.