Fiberboard
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 06 40 00
Traditional uses
- Fiberboard also known as “insulation board” can be traced back to the year 1914.
- It was manufactured in large quantities for housing and building applications.
- Due to its easy workability and other qualities, today fiberboard is widely used in various ways.
Emerging uses / Design trends
- Fiberboard is manufactured for an endless array of everyday products including home and office furniture, moldings,kitchen cabinets, store fixtures and so forth.
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Due to very smooth surface, it facilitates wood-grain printing, overlay with sheet materials and veneering.
- Fiber boards usually takes paint finishes well and some may be attractive enough for natural finishes.
Cost analysis
- Price / SqFt: 2$-5$(with installation)
Material properties
Applications
- Residential and office furniture, kitchen cabinets and countertops, storage and shelving.
- Also used in sub flooring system in wooden construction.
- Non-structural.
Material advantages
- Fiberboards are dense, hard, and durable and does not warp or bend easily.
- Fiberboard provides rigid reliability, high insulation value, and sound-deadening properties at a low cost.
- Fiberboard is very easy and economical to install with hardboard, wood, or any other siding material.
- It can be nailed, glued, screwed, stapled, or attached with dowels and can be made as versatile as plank wood.
- It is easy to handle and cut, and can be applied quickly using basic tools.
Standard Dimensions
- from 4’x8’x1/2” to 4’x16’x2”
Acoustic property
- varies from 24-28 s.t.c
Manufacturing process and composition
- Fiberboards are wood by-products made from sawdust, chips, and shavings, which are bound together with resins, under heat and pressure.
- Water absorption: 5-8%
- Thermal resistance value: 7.00-25.00 R (depends upon thickness of fiberboard)
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- Sustainability, Off-gassing issues Maintenance/Resilience/Durability:)
- Fiberboards are recycle product comprised of renewable materials.
- Fiberboards have a mild reaction with moisture, so it won’t warp or swell in high-humidity applications like a bathroom cabinet.
- Emission of formaldehyde and wood dust from fiberboards can cause watery eyes and burning sensations in throat and eyes.
Flammability rating
- 10-25 min.
Special installation issues
- Fiberboards should be fastened every 6” along the perimeter and 12” on intermediate studs.
- Horizontal joints should be backed with framing for proper fastening.
- Storage: Fiberboards should not be stored where exposure to water could occur or near a source of ignition.
- Adequate ventilation should be provided to reduce the possible build up of formaldehyde vapors.
References
Notes
Student contributions
- Alison Smith, Spring 2008
