Project1 final essay

Effectiveness of Fiber Cement Weatherboard used as sustainable building material to
reduce the consumption of resources from nature in Traditional Chalet.
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1
Effectiveness of Fiber Cement Weatherboard used as
sustainable building material to reduce the consumption of
resources from nature in Traditional Chalet, Belum Rainforest
Resort.
Table of Contents Page
Abstract ........................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................3
2.0 An overview of sustainable building material .......................................................4
3.0 Fiber Cement Weatherboard ...............................................................................4
3.1 Composition and characteristic of fiber cement weatherboard 8
4.0 Application of fiber cement weatherboard .........................................................10
4.1 Benefits of using fiber cement weatherboar 13
4.2 Disadvantage of fiber cement Weatherboard 15
5.0 Timber and Fiber Cement Weatherboard ..........................................................18
6.0 Conclusion.........................................................................................................19
7.0 References 20

Abstract
This paper investigated on effectiveness of fiber cement weatherboard used in
Traditional Chalet, Belum Rainforest Resort to conserve nature is to identify the types
of materials selected at the design stage of building and the impact on its longer-term
sustainability fundamentally, in the meantime to enhanced nature without harmful
effects. It is important to study and understand green materials which able to help in
conserving nature effectively because building material being one of important features
to the sustainable architecture, and also the consideration of its impacts to our nature
over the life of the product. Built environment can be enhanced without harmful effects
by considering the use of sustainable building material in building construction. In
assisting the validation of research, literature reviews based on various sources
regarding fiber cement weatherboard as sustainable building material were conducted
to enhance the process. In order to provide a wider variation of research, it is important
to deliberate on contexts that can showcase the effectiveness of fiber cement
weatherboard, in which Traditional Chalet (‘Kampung House’), Belum Rainforest
Resort, Perak are taken to represent it as the provinces. Fiber cement Weatherboard is
kind of green material used in Traditional Chalet. Fiber cement Weatherboard is an
autoclaved fiber cement plank manufactured from a mixture of cement, organic fillers
and water. Fiber cement weatherboard is a material that is attractive, low maintenance
and alternative to PVCu and wood. This material has the visual appeal of natural
timber, resistance to rot and easy to install. By using this kind of material, the built
environment can be promoted without negative effects on the natural environment.
1.0 Introduction
Sustainable building materials are more preferred in construct a building
nowadays as well as Belum Rainforest Resort. Green materials are environmentally
responsible because impacts are considered over the life of the product. Therefore,
sustainability is becoming a priority for developers in sustainable architecture, and with
many exciting innovations happening in the construction industry, sustainably
addressing global accommodation needs seems possible.
This paper will investigate on the effectiveness of Fiber Cement Weatherboard
used as sustainable building material to reduce the consumption of resources from

nature in Traditional Chalet, Belum Rainforest Resort.by responding to the following
question:
1. What is sustainable building material?
2. What is the significant of fiber cement weatherboard?
3. What is the benefit of using fiber cement weatherboard to construct Traditional
Chalet in Belum Rainforest Resort?
4. What is the disadvantage of fiber cement weatherboard?
5. Which sustainable building material is more effectively conserve nature? Tmber
or fiber cement weatherboard?
2.0 An overview of sustainable building material
Sustainable building materials are known as green materials. Green materials
shown in Figure 1.0 are composed of renewable, rather than non-renewable resources.
Green materials are environmentally responsible because impacts are considered over
the life of the product (Spiegel and Meadows, 1999). As global populations increase, so
too will the need for accommodation. During the design, construction and operation of
building projects, the concept of sustainable building incorporates and integrates a kind
of strategies. The use of green building materials and products represents one
important strategy in the design of a building. Sustainably addressing global
accommodation needs seems possible with a lot of rousing innovations happening in
the construction industry and sustainability is turning into a priority for developers.
Besides that, promotes preservation of reduce non-renewable resources internationally
by using sustainable building materials and products.
In addition, integrating green building materials into building projects can help
lessen the environmental impacts attached with the extraction, transport, processing,
fabrication, installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these building industry source
materials (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995). Green building materials provided distinctive
advantages to the building owner and building occupants like dwindled replacement or
maintenance costs over the life of the building, energy conservation, improved
occupant health and productivity, lower costs associated with changing space
configurations and superior design flexibility.

Figure 1.0 Example of sustainable building materials
(Source: green material, 2014)
3.0 Fiber Cement Weatherboard
Fiber cement weatherboard (Figure 2.1) represents an innovation in building
materials. Fiber cement weatherboard is a good choice to consider if the homeowner
searching for a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood siding that preserves
aesthetics and is also environmentally-friendly. (Figure 2.2) The advantages of fiber
cement siding become apparent when its composition and function are understood.
(Elise, 2013)
Figure 2.1: Sample of Fiber Cement Weatherboard
(Sources: Country Wide Builders Website, 2013)

Figure 2 .2: Weatherboard used as building material
(Sources: Marvin Hatcher, 2012)
3.1 Composition and characteristic of fiber cement
Weatherboard
Fiber cement weatherboard is a kind of green material composed of cement,
sand and cellulose fiber that has been subjected to a process called autoclaving.
‘’Autoclaving refers to curing the mixture with pressurized steam to increase its strength
and dimensional stability.’’ stated in Toolbase.org (2001).The manufacturing process is
said to create fiber-cement that is dimensionally stable and won't burn, rot, or cup. To
prevent cracking, the fiber is used in fiber cement as reinforcement. The fiber is also
added to make the cement stronger because cement tends to crack over time. The
product similar likes natural wood siding, but is manufactured from cement, sand and
fibrous material. This composition gives fiber cements board great durability, as well as
fire, and rot resistance.
Fiber cement weatherboard can adopt a range of different appearances. The
weatherboard can be smooth or imprinted with a wood grain texture. The key
advantage of fiber cements weatherboard is very versatile. The material can be
produce to look similar like wood, vinyl, stucco or cedar shingles during the producing
phase. Normally, this material will be produced pre-primed from the manufacturer and
received paint nicely to alter to our desired style and taste. Fiber cement siding can be
readily available in lap siding or panels with a choice of colors, styles and textures.
Dimensions include widths ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches, lengths up to 12 feet,

and a thickness of an approximate 5/16th of an inch. (Figure 3.1 & Figure 3.2) The
weatherboard is presented both primed and unprimed, with appearances of wood grain.
Fiber cement products can also be complimented by several weather resistant vinyl
trim and ventilation accessories. (Toolbase.org, 2001) To emulate the appearance of
wood siding, some fiber-cement weatherboard is pressed with wood grain finishes.
(Figure 3.3) If the homeowner desires, nevertheless, fiber-cement weatherboard can
also produce in the appearance of stucco or smooth siding. There are many styles,
colors, and sizes that currently exist to give the house timeless charm, according to
Siding Key.com, (2012).
Figure 3.1: Different dimension of fibre cement weatherboard
(Sources: Turnkey Installed Services Website, 2008)

Figure 3.2: Different dimension of fibre cement weatherboard
(Sources: James Hardie, 2014)
Figure 3.3: Appearance of wood siding
(Sources: Barbour Product Search Website, 2011)
Robert (1999) states that the form of fiber cement weatherboard available is
manifold, it has been categorized into few fonts: traditional lap siding boards, vertical
siding, shingle or shake siding and specialized pieces. (Figure 4.1 & Figure 4.2)
Traditional lap siding boards differ in width from just over 5 to 12 inches. Stick lap
siding fiber cement weatherboard to the house horizontally. To protect the structure of
the home, the base of each board intersects the top edge of the board below it and
nails the boards to the wall studs with corrosion-resistant nails driven through the part
of the board. Besides that, vertically oriented fiber cement weatherboard is also
available as panels. These products imitate the look of a traditional board and batten
type of siding with the gaps between wider boards shielded by narrow, raised pieces of
material.
Moreover, fiber cements weatherboard also available in the form of singular
shingles and shakes. The dissimilarity between shingles and shakes is the consistency
of the pieces. Shingles are equal in size and thickness, while shakes have more
variation. Shakes provide a house with a more rustic, hand-crafted look than shingles.
The installation method for shingles or shakes is the same. Each single piece is affixed

to sheathing or furring strips with two corrosion-resistant nails. Furthermore, trim to go
around doors and windows, and soffit pieces to install along the undersides of the roof
eaves are available in fiber cement weatherboard as well. These specified pieces offer
the house a finished appearance and protect defenceless areas from water damage.
Figure 4.1: Different kind of fiber cement weatherboard
(Sources: Lifetime Exterior Website, 2014)
Figure 4.2: Variant Kind of color available for fiber cement weatherboard
(Sources: Country Wide Builders Website, 2013)

4.0 Application of fiber cement weatherboard
The Belum Rainforest Resort provides the traveller a chance to get up close
and personal with the natural world and it is set within Banding Island. With so many
activities at Belum Rainforest Resort, it would be a disgrace not to step out and enjoy
as much as you can. Banding Island is a 243-hectare inland island encircled by the
Temengor Lake. The fact that it is a 130 million year old rainforest island speaks for
itself. The building within Belum Rainforest Resort such as villa and chalet are
constructed using locally sourced eco-friendly materials and traditional building
techniques to increase local social capital while reducing the impact on the
environment. Traditional Chalet (Kampung House) shown in Figure 5.1 is newly
developed and completed in July 2013, inspired by Malaysia's Traditional architecture,
suites were built with ecological design in mind, comes with a unique combination of
comptemporary and traditional furnishing. The Traditional Chalet (Kampung
House)shown in Figure 5.2 is one of the green building in Belum Rainforest Resort ,
whose interior is inspired by old world Malaysian architecture. This building used green
material, fiber cement weatherboard as building material to construct wall and roof of
the building. (Figure5.3 & 5.4)
Figure 5.1 : Show the interior construct by fiber cement weatherboard
(Sources: Belum Rainforest Resort Website, 2014)

Figure 5.2: Traditional Chalet, Belum Rainforest Resort
(Sources: Belum Rainforest Resort Websbite, 2014)
Figure 5.3: Roof construct using fiber cement wetherboard
Figure 5.4: Wall construct using fiber cement weatherboard

4.1 Benefits of using fiber cement weatherboard
Fiber cement weatherboard provided a lot of benefits such as very low
maintenance, can be used to replace materials such as timber planking, PVCu sidings
and similar materials, simplicity of installation, reusable or recyclable, immune to attack
by pests and insects and others. One of the key advantage of fiber cement siding is
that does not decay, rot or swell. It is a particularly stable product that can resist the
effects of cold winters and hot summers.
Fiber cement weatherboard has been developing in popularity over the past
few years as a great alternative to traditional wood siding and vinyl siding products. It
has the look and quality of natural wood siding. The beauty of fiber cement
weatherboard is that it looks like natural wood siding, but does not require the
maintenance of traditional wood siding. Fiber cement weatherboard manufacturers
offered a range of siding products like standard lap siding, as well as soffits, fascia,
panels, shingles and trim boards. (Mark J, 2005) Fiber cement weatherboard is a great
alternative to traditional wood; it reduces the consumption of resources from nature and
the negative impact toward our mother nature. Fiber-cement weatherboard may be a
suitable alternative for homeowners who want the appearance of wood but don’t want
the hassles and costs related with it. This product is offered from several
manufacturers in a range of textures that are said to provide the appearance of wood.
Besides that, fiber-cement weatherboard are more durable than wood. It is a very
durable product as it is water proof and resistant to termites (Figure 5.5), which are two
things that can rigorously affect the lifetime of siding. (Toolbase.org, 2001)
Figure 5.5: Resistance to Termites
(Tropex Export Website, 2012)

In addition, fiber cement weatherboard also provides safety and
environmental benefits. Fiber cement weatherboard has been used for a long time, but
cellulose fiber has replaced dangerous asbestos in the new fiber cement. Earlier
asbestos cement, first used in the United States in the early 1900s, proved hazardous
to miners and workers exposed to the asbestos fibers, as recounted in a National Park
Service.gov article. Cellulose fiber cement also uses a high percentage of recycled
post-consumer or post-industrial waste wood fiber (Joyce, 2008). Using recycled wood
fiber lessens the amount of wood waste entering landfills and reduces the
environmental impact of mining new material from forests.
Moreover, a percentage of cement substitution such as fly ash also used by
manufacturers to limit the environmental impact of cement production. To limit the
energy and environmental impact of the transportation of materials, fiber cements
products are produced locally from local resources. Sealants, paints, and primers used
for fiber cement weatherboard also contain low amounts of volatile organic compounds
(VOC) that reduce exposure to workers and limit the toxins that contribute to smog.
(Joyce, 2008) Besides that, it is very easy to maintaining the fiber cement siding, as the
material is not likely to warping, fading or buckling over time due to extreme
temperatures and also has high structural strength and resistance to high impact. It is
also fire resistant, which increases a level of safety as well as durability. Many
manufacturers provided a warranty, with some being as long as 50 years. (John, 2013)
Furthermore, fiber cement weatherboard eases to install as well. Installation of
fiber cement siding can be completed by ourselves. As a matter of fact, manufacturers
have specifically designed it so that homeowners can certainly install it themselves.
Moreover, the manufacturers offer important instructions for proper installation that the
homeowner should read first prior to installing the fiber cement siding.
Recommendations include taking precautions to reduce dust exposure, by wearing a
protective dust mask and cutting the siding outside with certain types of saw blades
and cutting equipment. Fiber cement weatherboard is installed with hammer and nails,
or a nail gun like natural wood siding. (Figure 5.7 & Figure 5.8) It can be blind-nailed,
where the piece above it hides the nails below it, or it can be face nailed for extra
strength. (Mark. J, 2005) Typically, an acrylic paint can be applied straight to it after
installing the fiber cement weatherboard to the house. Since the weatherboard comes
pre-primed so only one coat of paint is all that is required.

Figure 5.6: Installation of fiber Cement Weatherboard
(Sources: John Wiley, 2006)
Figure 5.7: Installation of fiber cement weatherboard
(Sources: France Service Website, 2014)
4.2 Disadvantage of Fiber Cement Weatherboard
John (2013) stated that fiber cement weatherboard is not perfect, nevertheless,
and we should consider the disadvantages before making a large investment. First,
fiber cement siding contains of cement, sand, cellulose and silica particles, the product
can generate large amounts of dust when you cut it. Dust masks must be worn at all
times since fiber cement is dusty and contains silica when exposed to the dust, as
breathing in the silica can cause a noncancerous lung condition known as silicosis.
Normally, homeowners are not permitted to install fiber cement siding because of the

health concerns of the dust generated when cutting the material. (Figure 5.8) Proper
precautions need to be taken when installing because there are concerns that the dust
from this material can cause cancer.
Figure 5.8: Dust produced when cutting fiber cement weatherboard
(Sources: Dust control Website, 2014)
Second, cost issues are considered. Though fiber-cement weatherboard is
cheaper than brick, stone, stucco, wood and steel; it is more expensive than vinyl,
hardboard and aluminum. The cost of installing fiber-cement siding per square foot for
both materials and labour is between $2.31 and $2.75 on average. This can be a
obstacle for people requiring more inexpensive siding choices.(Elizabeth, 2002)
Additionally, vinyl and aluminum will never need to be repainted, but fiber cement will
need to be re-painted on a equally regular basis, which adds to the materials overall
cost.
Next, maintaining a home is a full-time job. Something always needs fixing or
attention. Fiber cement siding has no different. The siding is not one complete piece,
but in its place consists of many pieces. Seams occur between the sheets, and we
need to caulk those seams occasionally. (Figure 5.9) Caulk will quickly become dry and
brittle and fall out especially in regions in which there are large temperature extremes.
Figure 5.9: Seams occur on the fiber cement weatherboard wall
(Sources: City data Website, 2011)

In addition, installation of fiber cements weatherboard needs to be done
carefully because the boards can be scratched, chipped or broken fairly easily during
installation and transportation. Also, if the caulking between seams is not done
properly, water can easily penetrate the siding and lead to mold and mildew growth.
The boards are not flexible, so finishing around corners and vents is usually done with
vinyl. The installation should be done by a professional with experience working with
this material. Since it is very hard, and will quickly dull regular saw blades, special
blades are needed to cut this material. They require a circular saw with no less than a
carbide-tip blade for miter and straight cuts. The blade is then discarded at the end of
the job. Diamond-tipped blades last longer, but their cuts are not as clean and take
more time to complete. (Elizabeth, 2002)
Furthermore, fiber cement weatherboard is heavy. The one down side of fiber
cement siding is that it is quite heavy. As a result, special care needs to be made in
transporting and carrying it so that it won’t break or become damaged. (Mark J, 2005)
For example, lap siding comes in long strips that needs to be held on its side, and
supported in the middle, when carrying it to prevent sagging and breakage.
Moreover, the availability of fiber cement weatherboard is considered as well.
Elizabeth, (2002) stated that since the early 1900s, fiber-cement building products have
been manufactured in Australia and the Australian market includes fiber-cement
roofing, siding, trim and underlayment. There are only two companies in the United
States produce fiber-cement weatherboard. In addition, all panel sizes are not available
in all areas of the country. According to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst,
builders have complained about limited product choices because sometimes the only
size available to a builder is the 4-by-8-foot panel, which is more difficult to install than
other cuts.
5.0 Timber and Fiber Cement Weatherboard
Forest Learning, (2011) stated that wood (Figure 6.1) is considered a
sustainable building material because it is derived from a renewable source and has
low embodied energy. This reveals the minimal non-renewable energy used in the
production of timber and its application in construction. Timber structures depend on
less on carbon-emitting heating and cooling appliances than buildings constructed of
other materials due to the inherent sound thermal properties it had.

Besides, wood absorbing humidity in damp conditions and discharging
moisture in dry conditions which act as a natural humidity regulator. Wood is a naturally
aesthetic and adds character and warmth, but more than this it provides exceptional
value for money, especially compared with other high quality materials.
Figure 6.1: Timber as sustainable building materials
(Sources: Bethany Hanna, 2005)
Wood is durable. It has a service life of more than 50 years and always needs
little energy in care and maintenance, mostly the products like hardwoods. Many
Victorian houses still have their original wood windows and floors. This show that wood
is really a material that's simple to use, to maintain and to repair. Figure 6.2 also show
the flooring of Traditional Chalet which constructed using timber. Moreover, wood can
also be recycled and reused, which is important in terms of storing carbon through the
life of a product and its transformation.

Figure 6.2 Timber used to construct flooring
(Sources: Belum Rainforest Resort Website, 2014)
Since the major sources that contribute to tree’s growth are sunlight (energy),
air, water, and nutrients from soils in which they grow, forests themselves are able to
be replenished. To avoid over-harvesting and that man’s intervention does not reduce
the sustainable, long term potential of the resource, it is therefore important that forests
are carefully managed. (Figure 6.3) ‘’If we ensure that forests are regenerated after
each harvest of wood products, they will be around for future generations to use and
enjoy.’’ stated in (Forest Learning, 2011).
Figure 6.3: Beautiful forest for our next generation
(Sources: Adhy Kunto, 2014)
Fiber cement weatherboard and wood are both sustainable building material
which are environmentally responsible because impacts are considered over the life of

the product. Both materials are used to construct Traditional Chalet. Each material
have their own ability to be integrated into building projects thus can help lessen the
environmental impacts attached with the extraction, transport, processing, fabrication,
installation, reuse, recycling, and disposal of these building industry source materials.
(Figure 6.4) Fiber cement weatherboards are developing in popularity over the past few
years as a great alternative to traditional wood siding and vinyl siding products. It has
the look and quality of natural wood siding. The beauty of fiber cement weatherboard is
that it looks like natural wood siding, but does not require the maintenance of traditional
wood siding. Due to this benefit, it reduces the consumption of nature resources such
as timber and minimizes the harmful impact toward our mother nature. Harvesting can
be prevented and forest can be conserved. Then, forest will be around for future
generations to use and enjoy.
Figure 6.4: Trees chopped down to produced building material
(Sources: Rodbot, 2011)
Besides, biotic factors can cause decay of wood by mold fungi; bacteria and
insects but fiber cement weatherboard are resistance to rot, termites and fungi. Due to
the fact, fiber cement weatherboard is more preferred for the construction due to low
maintenance cost required.

6.0 Conclusion:
Hence, it has come to a conclusion that fiber cement weatherboard is a
sustainable building material that provides a lot of advantages that able to conserve
nature effectively. It is really a good alternative of timber and vinyl that able to minimize
the negative effect to the natural environment. The environment can be enhanced and
conserved without cutting down trees thus reduces the consumption of resources from
nature. It is personal point of view that there are many effective aspect provided by
using sustainable building material to conserve nature can be discovered through
research on these case studies.

6.0 References
Benson. J. (2008) Fiber Cement Siding Stands Up to The Test of Time. Retrieved June
3, 2014, from http://www.greenstrides.com/2008/06/09/fiber-cement-siding-stands-up-
to-the-test-of-time/
D.M. Roodman and N. Lenssen, A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health
Concerns are Transforming Construction, Worldwatch Paper 124, Worldwatch Institute,
Washington, D.C., March 1995, p. 5.
Donovan. M.J. (2005) Fiber Cement Siding - A great alternative to Natural Wood Siding
and Vinyl Siding. Retrieved June 2, 2014, from
http://www.homeadditionplus.com/siding-info/Fiber-Cement-Siding.htm
Forest Learning (2011) Why is timber a renewable resource? Retrieved June 5, 2014,
from http://www.forestlearning.edu.au/forests-sustainability/wood-renewable/timber-as-
a-renewable-resource.
Hendricks. S. (2013) Advantages & Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding. Retrieved
May 27, 2014, from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5721290_advantages-disadvantages-
fiber-cement-siding.html
Howard. R. (2014) Types of Fiber Cement Siding. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from
http://www.ehow.com/about_6499486_types-fiber-cement-siding.html
Jennings. E. (2013) Fiber-Cement Siding Issues. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from
http://www.ehow.com/info_12011004_fibercement-siding-issues.html
Michael. J. (2012) Negatives of Fiber Cement Siding. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from
http://www.ehow.com/list_6026320_negatives-fiber-cement-siding.html
Miller. R. (2010) What Is Fiber Cement Board? Retrieved May 30, 2014, from
http://www.ehow.com/info_8322395_fiber-cement-board.html
Moore. E. (2011) About Fiber Cement. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from
http://www.ehow.com/about_6610913_fiber-cement.html
Ross Spiegel and Dru Meadows, Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product
Selection and Specification, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1999.

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