What exactly is calcium silicate board? Is it worth using? What are its benefits? When is it necessary to use it? How can you use it? If you are looking for answers, be sure to read this text! There are curiosities about calcium silicate insulation boards below.
What is a calcium silicate board?
Calcium silicate is a porous and chalky insulation that is suitable for temperatures up to 1200 °F (ca. 649 °C). In other words, calcium silicate board is a highly successful fireproofing material designed for thermal insulation of things such as fireplace casing. It has a smooth surface on the front face and textured on the reverse. Due to its properties it can be easily mounted at an early stage of construction programme. Calcium silicate board is lightweight. You can use simple carpentry tools for its processing – a wood saw is a great choice.
Calcium silicate boards are non-combustible – at least the majority of them are classified in this way, according to EN 13501-1. Not only that, this kind of board does not contain asbestos or free alkali which could be dissolved by condensation or moisture.
From the inside of the calcium silicate boards, they are subjected to high temperatures. When it comes to the outside of the boards, they remain at temperatures that are safe for people. Calcium silicate boards have high technical parameters and, at the same time, they are relatively inexpensive. What’s more, they provide great insulation parameters for fireplaces, tile stoves and open hearts. Thanks to them, you gain excellent dimensional stability, even if you have to use them in damp and humid conditions.
Why is it worth using calcium silicate boards?
Calcium silicate boards offer high levels of moisture resistance and fire performance. In case they are exposed to moisture, they will completely dry out. They even deal with penetrating damp from rain. They won’t lose their strength. Calcium silicate is a material that is used for backup insulation – if you use it, there is no need to use any fibres. This material is known for its low thermal conductivity.
It should be noted that calcium silicate boards won’t degrade with time. They have a long lifespan, and what we mean is that they will serve you as long as the materials used in the fastening and the supporting structure are durable.
Calcium silicate boards have many more advantages. You don’t have to be afraid that they will rot – they won’t. What’s more, they don’t support fungal growth. They aren’t affected by steam or sunlight. They provide a high level of comfort and indoor climate for the building’s residents.
What are the applications of calcium silicate board?
Generally speaking, calcium silicate boards, as one of the best available insulation materials, are used in many fire applications. They can be used for protection of mezzanine floors and steel structures. Not only that, they are perfect not only for applications, where fireproofing is required. They will also work great in situations where impact resistance, heat isolation, sound adsorption, and waterproofing are required.
Calcium silicate boards are good sound insulators. All you need to have except calcium silicate board is mineral wool infill and steel stands – together they form a perfect whole, and achieving a sound transmission class up to 60dB (STC 60) becomes possible.
Moreover, this versatile class 0 board has the required strength for projects such as ceilings, internal partitions, and semi-exposed applications. Feel free to use them for both internal walls and external walls. You can use them as a sub-roof board, or as the underlay board for wall or floor tiling, too. We cannot fail to mention that they can be used for decorative and industrial applications as well.
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