FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about Geminite fiber cement board — composition, applications, performance, and buying from the only UAE-based manufacturer.

What is Geminite fiber cement board made of?

Geminite fiber cement board is made from Portland cement, virgin cellulose fiber, fine silica sand, water, and a small number of additives. The cellulose fiber used is non-asbestos, which makes the boards safe to manufacture, handle, and install. Geminite produces the boards using the Hatschek process, a method of forming thin layered sheets that are stacked to the desired thickness, combined with an in-house autoclave curing step that increases density and improves the board's flexibility and workability.

What densities does Geminite fiber cement board come in?

Geminite manufactures fiber cement board across low, medium, and high density grades, with different thicknesses, colours, and finishes depending on the application. At present, Medium Density boards are the company's available product line. High Density, Siding, and Pigmented boards are part of Geminite's product range and are listed on the website as upcoming additions. For current stock and availability, speak to our sales team directly.

Is fiber cement board a new material or has it been used for a long time?

Fiber cement board is not a new technology. It has been used in construction across Australia, the USA, Canada, and Europe for three to four decades, and its use is growing across many Asian markets as well. Geminite brought this established manufacturing process to the UAE as the first and only local Cellulose Fiber Cement Board manufacturer based in Abu Dhabi, combining the proven Hatschek process with in-house autoclave curing technology.

How is fiber cement board different from gypsum board or plywood?

Geminite fiber cement board is moisture resistant, termite and insect proof, and asbestos free — qualities that gypsum board and plywood do not share. Gypsum board absorbs moisture over time and is not suitable for exterior or consistently damp areas. Plywood is vulnerable to termite damage and moisture absorption, both common challenges in the UAE climate. For wall partitions specifically, Geminite boards allow construction that is three to four times faster than traditional brick wall construction, while also reducing wall footprint and freeing up extra living space compared to brick.

Can fiber cement board be used for wall partitions?

Yes. Wall partition and infill partition work is one of Geminite's primary applications, used for both internal and external walls. The boards offer fast installation, a clean and dry construction site, and a smooth finish suitable for painting and decorative finishes. They also provide strong sound insulation — a 9mm Geminite board can achieve around 30dB STC on its own, and different layered combinations can reach up to 60dB STC. This makes the boards suitable for residential partitions, hotel rooms, commercial partitions, fire-rated partitions, acoustic partitions, and theatres.

Can fiber cement board be used for false ceilings?

Yes. Geminite false ceiling solutions are lightweight, easy to install, moisture resistant, and suitable for both suspended T-grid systems and concealed false ceiling systems. They can be used in interior areas including kitchens and washrooms, as well as exterior applications such as eaves, soffits, and fascia, due to their moisture resistant properties. Due to its strength, Geminite's 12mm board can even be used in false ceilings of high-rise building balconies. The boards accept paint and can also be laminated with paper or PVC depending on the area of use.

Is fiber cement board used for facade and siding applications?

Yes. Siding and facade applications are one of Geminite's listed major applications. The boards are suitable for all weather conditions and building types, and their durability and termite resistance help maintain the building's appearance over time. Geminite offers value-added services such as additional edge cutting for precise installation and special surface finishes including sanding. High-density board specifically is suited to resisting high wind loads in high-rise buildings used as facade material — this product line is part of Geminite's range and is listed as upcoming on the Our Products page.

Can fiber cement board be used in bathrooms and wet areas?

Yes. Wet Area Applications are listed among Geminite's major use cases for fiber cement board. The boards are moisture resistant by composition, which makes them suitable for areas with regular water exposure such as bathrooms, where gypsum-based products are more likely to deteriorate over time. For exact installation guidance in wet areas, including sealing requirements at joints and edges, contact our technical team before installation.

Is fiber cement board suitable for prefab and roofing applications?

Yes, both. For prefab housing and offices, Geminite boards solve common problems associated with plywood, including fire and termite damage, and are used for mezzanine flooring, internal and external walls, and false ceilings within prefab buildings. The boards are lightweight, easy to handle during construction, and resist termite and pest entry when used as floor boards. For roofing, Geminite Medium or high-density boards serve as a roof underlay beneath shingles, offering fire resistance, moisture resistance, termite resistance, and impact resistance compared to traditional wood underlay materials.

Is fiber cement board moisture and water resistant?

Yes. Moisture resistance and water resistance are both listed as core benefits of Geminite cement boards. This property is part of why the boards are suitable for wet areas, exterior applications, and humid conditions without the swelling or deterioration that affects gypsum-based products over time. The boards' moisture resistant behaviour is also why they can be used in both interior and exterior false ceiling applications.

Is fiber cement board fire resistant?

Geminite fiber cement board is described as a passive fire rating material. Depending on a project's fire resistance requirements, different combinations of Geminite boards can be used to achieve the required fire rating for a wall or partition system. For roof underlay applications specifically, the fire resistant property means the roof structure is protected even in the event of a fire. For project-specific fire rating documentation, contact our team with your system specification.

Is fiber cement board resistant to termites and insects?

Yes. Termite and insect resistance is one of the core listed benefits of Geminite cement boards. This is particularly relevant for roof underlay and prefab flooring applications, where the boards resist termite and insect attack in conditions where traditional wood-based underlay or flooring materials would be vulnerable.

Does Geminite fiber cement board contain asbestos?

No. Asbestos-free is one of the headline benefits listed for Geminite cement boards. The boards use virgin cellulose fiber, a non-asbestos material, as the reinforcing fiber. This makes the manufacturing process and the finished product environmentally friendly and safe to handle without specialist protective equipment.

Where is Geminite located and is it really UAE-made?

Geminite Cement Industries LLC is based in Al Taweelah, KEZAD A5, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Geminite is the first and only Cellulose Fiber Cement Board manufacturer based in the UAE, and the products are proudly made in UAE rather than imported.

What makes Geminite different from imported fiber cement board suppliers?

Being the first and only UAE-based manufacturer means Geminite can offer continuous product availability, local after-sales support, and faster supply for UAE projects compared to imported alternatives. Geminite states that quality, technology, after-sales support, and product availability are central to their approach as pioneers in fiber cement board manufacturing in the UAE.

Are Geminite boards used internationally as well as in the UAE?

Fiber cement board as a material has been used internationally for three to four decades across Australia, the USA, Canada, and Europe, and usage is growing across several Asian markets. Geminite's own products are engineered to meet the demands of commercial and residential requirements in the UAE and beyond, reflecting both domestic and international market standards.

Is Geminite committed to sustainability and reducing waste?

Yes. Geminite states a clear commitment to reducing waste and sustainability as part of its manufacturing approach. The company's advanced production process is designed to achieve close to zero wastage of energy, gas, water, and finished goods. The cellulose fiber used in the boards is also a natural, non-asbestos material, supporting the company's environmentally friendly manufacturing claims.

How do I get in touch with Geminite for a quote, brochure, or technical question?

You can contact Geminite by phone at +971 2 492 0555 or by email at sales@geminite.ae. A product brochure and leaflet are also available to download directly from the Our Products page on the website. For technical or specification queries, the same contact details apply and our team can assist further.

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