Cement boards are commonly used in construction due to their strength and durability, especially as a base for tiling in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. However, recognizing the drawbacks associated with cement boards, civil engineers and contractors have been exploring alternative materials in construction. It is crucial to understand the characteristics and advantages of these alternatives. For detailed information on the types of alternative options for cement boards, continue reading this article until the end.
8 Alternative Option for Cement Board in Construction
If you are looking for alternatives to cement boards in construction, you should first consider your construction needs and functional goals. Then choose the best option from the following alternatives:
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber cement board, composed of cement, cellulose fibers, and additives, is a popular alternative to traditional cement board. It offers durability, moisture resistance, and fire resistance. Widely used for exterior cladding, roofing, and interior wall panels in construction.
Drywall
Also known as gypsum board or gypsum panels, drywall is another alternative for interior wall construction. It features a gypsum core sandwiched between paper layers. Drywall is lightweight, easy to install, and offers good fire resistance. However, it is not suitable for wet areas or exterior applications.
Drywall can be an excellent option for priming walls in low-moisture areas. It can also serve as an underlayment in certain conditions where durability and waterproofing are not crucial. Consider drywall as an alternative to cement board when these specific requirements are not necessary.
Magnesium Oxide Panels
Magnesium oxide panels, also known as MgO panels, are an environmentally-friendly and versatile alternative to cement boards in building construction. These panels are composed of magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and other minerals. MgO panels offer several advantages and find diverse applications in the construction industry.
One key advantage of MgO panels is their fire resistance. They have excellent fire-resistant properties, making them a reliable choice for enhancing building safety. Additionally, MgO panels exhibit mold resistance, reducing the risk of mold growth and improving indoor air quality.
MgO panels also possess good strength properties, providing structural integrity and durability. This makes them suitable for various applications, including interior and exterior wall cladding, underlayment, and decorative panels. Their versatility allows them to be used in both residential and commercial construction projects.
Mortar
Another alternative to cement board in construction is mortar or dry-pack mortar. Mortar is a very suitable option for uneven floors, and it can be used to level different surfaces. In some cases, it can also be used as a backing for wall tiles such as showers and bathtubs, although it is most commonly used for floors. Another advantage of mortar is that once it dries, it is very strong and nearly 100% waterproof.
Self-Leveling Underlayment
If your main goal is to level and smooth out a highly uneven floor, using a type of self-leveling underlayment can be a good alternative to replacing cement boards in construction. Self-leveling underlayment, much like dry-pack mortar, allows for leveling an uneven floor, but it is actually much easier to use than mortar.
However, when using self-leveling underlayment, you need to ensure that all floor voids are sealed, or else it can be easily damaged. Self-leveling underlayment also dries very quickly, so it needs to be done for a fast job.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) offer an alternative to cement boards in construction. SIPs are composed of an insulated foam core that is sandwiched between two rigid sheets, typically oriented strand boards (OSB) or plywood. These panels possess outstanding insulation properties and boast high structural strength.
SIPs are commonly utilized in walls, ceilings, and floors, providing both thermal efficiency and structural integrity. Their excellent insulation capabilities contribute to energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs in buildings. Moreover, SIPs offer enhanced soundproofing qualities, resulting in improved acoustics within the structure.
Solid Wood Panels
Solid wood panels, such as plywood or oriented strand boards (OSB), can be an alternative to cement boards in certain cases. They have very high structural strength and can even be used for cladding, flooring, and ceilings. However, they may not have the same moisture or fire resistance as cement boards.
Plywood
If you’re looking for a wood subfloor as well as laminate flooring, good old plywood is the best alternative to cement board. There are certain types of plywood designed to withstand moisture. Additionally, plywood is one of the few materials on this list that is more durable than cement board. Plywood can withstand more impact and weight and is generally more durable and easier to install. However, regular plywood cannot be used for underlayment in shower or bathtub tile applications.
Should you use cement board or one of the alternatives?
The choice between cement board or one of its alternatives depends on the condition of the building and the flooring material. For example, if you’re looking for a suitable option for highly wet areas, you can use magnesium oxide panels and fiber panel options. In addition to moisture resistance, magnesium panels can also be highly mold-resistant.
If your floors are not very level or even, you can consider other options such as mortar or self-leveling underlayment. Drywall is suitable for low-moisture areas. However, for wood floors, using plywood can be a good alternative to cement boards.
Conclusion
When deciding between cement boards and their alternatives, it is essential to consider factors such as strength, durability, moisture and mold resistance, and the specific requirements of your project. Consulting with professionals or engineers can help determine the most suitable alternative for your building construction.
Now that you are familiar with the available alternatives to cement boards, you can make an informed decision based on important factors. Quality and resistance to moisture and fire are key considerations when selecting alternative materials. It is advisable to directly purchase these materials from reputable manufacturers to ensure their reliability.
For instance, Adrien Atlas Mandegar offers magnesium oxide panels as a reliable alternative to cement boards. Consider exploring such options from trusted manufacturers to enhance the quality and performance of your construction projects.
