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Exploring the Top Interior & Exterior Applications of Cement Board in the UAE

In the UAE, where construction is a dynamic industry, it is essential to have the building materials that are most appropriate, depending on the long-term durability, safety, and functionality of the building materials. Cement board is a multifunctional construction material used in such a way that has gained popularity in the region due to its properties and its application scope. 

The blog is an in-depth discussion of cement board interior/exterior applications in the UAE, informed by industry knowledge and market trends, making the blog indispensable to builders, architects, and homeowners.

At a Glance

What Is a Cement Board?

A cement board is a composite sheet that has cement and reinforcement fibers as its major components. It has the capacity as a substrate and cladding material because of its high strength, water-resistance, and fire resistance capabilities in most construction works. It is also most appropriate in the harsh environmental conditions that may be encountered in the UAE because of the high level of humidity and the high temperatures recorded in the country.

Why Cement Board Is Popular in the UAE?

The climate in the UAE and the fast-growing urban development require not only strong materials, but also flexible building materials. Cement board is one of the construction materials that has become a favorite among many building works because it effectively fulfills these demanding needs.

  • Moisture Resistance: In the high-humidity Dubai, moisture cannot penetrate through the cement boards, providing fewer chances of mold and material decay.
  • Fire Resistance: Cement boards can resist fire and are incombustible, which provides safety during residential /commercial constructions
  • Durability: Cement boards perform well in extreme weather and impact endurance as well as durability.
  • Versatility: They are both interior and exterior, with the ability to fit within a particular project based on needs.
  • Low Maintenance: Pests, rot, and mould resistant cement boards have low maintenance, time, and cost in the high-paced urban and UAE urban environment.

In 2022, the UAE fiber cement board market earned revenues of USD 208.9 million and is likely to grow to USD 645.9 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 15.2% between 2023 and 2030.

Top Interior Applications of Cement Board in the UAE

Cement board is changing the face of interior construction in the UAE by its impeccable robustness and water resistance. Here is a look at the most common and best applications of it within buildings in the area.

  • Wall Backing for Tiles

Cement board is commonly used as a tile substrate in interior kitchens and bathrooms, as well as in wet environments. Its anti-moisture quality guarantees tiles will firmly adhere to the surface, unlike other substrates that are prone to cracking and falling off.

  • Partition Walls and Ceilings

Owing to its strength and resistance to fire, cement board is a popular building material in offices, hotels, and residential buildings as partition walls and as part of a ceiling.

  • Floor Underlayment

In places with tiles in the floors, cement board also functions as a rectifiable flooring to accommodate other floor finishing, and also avoids cracking and destruction.

  • Sound Insulation

The high density of the material gives it good insulation qualities, hence able to be used as a method of sound baffling in business premises.

Top Exterior Applications of Cement Board in the UAE

The strength of the cement board is also the reason why it is applicable in external uses where durability to weather patterns is a major factor. Its strength to resist extreme weathering factors guarantees the maintenance of structures that look strong and beautiful over the years.

  1. Exterior Cladding and Facades

Cement board has found its way to exterior wall cladding because of its capability to resist sun exposure, sand, and rain. It improves the aesthetics of buildings and offers protection as well.

  1. Roof Underlayment and Sheathing

Under roofing materials, cement board can be placed to add additional layers of moisture and fire resistance, which are important in the extreme climate that is witnessed in the UAE.

  1. Soffits and Eaves

Exterior soffits and eaves are well finished with cement board, which is quite weatherproof, not subject to warping, and does not die out.

  1. Outdoor Kitchens and Countertops

Cement board is moisture-resistant and ideal for outdoor kitchen backsplashes and countertops to give them extra longevity and easy upkeep. 

Leading Cement Board Suppliers in the UAE

Various companies excel in the supply and production of cement boards in the UAE that guarantee quality and on-time availability:

  • GEMINITE: Gemini Group owns GEMINITE, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and is the first and only producer of Cellulose Fiber Cement Boards in the country, whose focus lies in environmentally friendly products through a system of advanced machinery and equipment in a plant.
  • Mohd Al Qama Building Materials Trading LLC: Mohd Al Qama Building Materials Trading LLC has been incorporated in Dubai since 2004 with the trade in retailing, sale, and management of industrial, construction, and building products. They collaborate with leading brands in the industry to offer clients the best quality construction chemicals, paints, tiles, hardware, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and false ceiling & drywall systems.
  • Al Wadi Building Materials, Abu Dhabi: The company aims to add its piece of the cake in the building materials market in terms of excellent services and customer confidence. They also intend to share their new technologies and knowledge to create and enhance the prosperity of this field. They are aimed at enhancing the level of customer satisfaction and retaining our credibility in the market.
  • Impex Global Building Materials Trading LLC, Dubai: Impex Global Building Materials Trading LLC is on the frontline as a progressive distributor of construction materials in Dubai, with a combined experience of about 5 years, backed by the banking industry experience. The leadership is steadfast in ensuring to provide quality excellence to its customers.

Why Choose Cement Board for Your Project?

Using the correct materials for your building is an important factor that can even affect the duration of your building for years and its security. In this case, a cement board is a successful, well-thought-out option that satisfies not only the peculiarities of the climate in the UAE but also the construction norms.

  • High resistance to moisture and humidity, which consequently results in the lowering of repair needs.
  • Non-combustible properties that extend the fire safety of the building.
  • Buildings in fast-growing urban environments can benefit from the low-maintenance feature of this product.
  • In addition to walls, boards can also be used on the floors and ceilings due to their high versatility.
  • Green benefits are caused by energy savings due to the insulation properties of the material.

The Middle East & Africa fiber cement board market is forecast to have a revenue of $2,399.7 million by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 14.1%.

Isn’t it amazing how cement boards have taken over the building industry in the UAE? Its use merely in the decoration of the building, both inside and outside, has made it a must-have material for its properties that resist the local climate. 

Be it water-damaged areas in houses, soundproofing office partitions, or weather-resistant exterior cladding, cement board always serves as the guarantee of the three essentials: stability, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

Thinking of building with the use of a cement board, you are making a long-term decision that will be compatible with the particular construction needs of the UAE.

FAQ’s

  1. What is cement board, and why is it used in construction?

Made of cement, reinforced fibers, and extremely sturdy, the cement board is. It is applied in the construction sector with the property of being moisture resistant, fireproof, and strong, thus suitable to be drafted in both interior and exterior programs.

  1. Is cement board suitable for outdoor use in the UAE climate?

Indeed, since we can use cement board in extreme heat, extreme humidity, and even exposure to sand or locations in the UAE, we can consider the material highly applicable in the outdoor environment.

  1. Can cement board be used as a tile backing in wet areas?

Yes, indeed. In these wet areas, cement board is the perfect support for wall tiles because the board does not absorb the moisture, thus the bond or the tiled area will not be damaged by the moisture.

  1. What are the main benefits of choosing cement board for building projects in the UAE?

Cement board can be resistant to moisture and fire, strong in places of rough conditions, easy to maintain, and enduring because it has multiple applications and monitors the strength of buildings.

  1. Which companies supply high-quality cement boards in the UAE?

The top suppliers are Geminite, Planet Eco, SCG Cement Boards, and Geminite Cement Industries, which are well-recognized as having quality and tough solutions to cement boards.