When choosing construction materials, price often feels like the safest decision factor. Fiber cement boards are no exception. At first glance, cheaper boards seem to offer the same thickness, similar appearance, and comparable specifications.
However, many contractors, distributors, and project owners later discover that cheap fiber cement board problems appear only after installation begins — or worse, after the building is completed.
This article explains why low-cost fiber cement boards frequently result in higher long-term costs, project risks, and reputational damage.
The Illusion of Short-Term Savings
Cheap fiber cement boards usually enter projects with one promise: lower upfront cost. But price reductions rarely happen without compromises.
These compromises often include:
- Lower material density
- Reduced cement content
- Poor fiber distribution
- Inconsistent curing processes
While these issues may not be visible during delivery, they reveal themselves quickly on site.
Common Problems Caused by Cheap Fiber Cement Boards
1. Higher Breakage Rates
Low-cost boards are more likely to crack during handling, loading, or installation. This leads to:
- Increased material waste
- Re-ordering delays
- Higher labor costs
What initially looked like savings quickly turns into additional expenses.
2. Installation Failures and Rework
Cheap boards often perform poorly when fixed to steel frames or façades:
- Screws pull out or loosen
- Edges crumble around fixings
- Boards deform under stress
Reinstallation costs almost always exceed the original price difference.
3. Increased Claims and Disputes
Low-quality boards are one of the most common sources of:
- Site disputes
- Warranty claims
- Insurance discussions
When problems arise, responsibility is often unclear, leaving contractors or distributors exposed.
4. Shortened Service Life
Cheap fiber cement boards tend to age faster due to:
- Poor moisture resistance
- Surface deterioration
- Reduced impact strength
This leads to premature replacement, especially in exterior or high-traffic applications.
The Hidden Cost: Reputation and Trust
Beyond material and labor costs, the most expensive consequence is often reputational damage.
Project stakeholders remember:
- Delays caused by material failure
- Visual defects after completion
- Maintenance issues shortly after handover
A single failed project can affect future tenders and long-term client relationships.
Why Cheap Boards Appear Similar on Paper
Many low-cost fiber cement boards list:
- Acceptable thickness
- Basic fire classification
- Standard dimensions
What is often missing or unclear:
- Actual board density
- Impact resistance values
- Long-term performance data
This makes cheap boards difficult to evaluate without real-world experience.
How to Avoid Cheap Fiber Cement Board Problems
To reduce long-term risk:
- Compare technical data, not just price
- Ask about density and strength, not only thickness
- Request handling and installation guidelines
- Work with suppliers who provide full transparency
Reliable boards may cost more per square meter, but they protect the entire project lifecycle.
Final Thoughts: Price Is a Number, Cost Is a Consequence
Cheap fiber cement boards rarely remain cheap once installed. Breakage, delays, rework, claims, and reputational damage often outweigh any initial savings. Choosing the right board is not about paying more — it is about avoiding unnecessary risk. In construction, the cheapest option is often the most expensive decision.
👉 Visit the Smartfiber Fiber Cement Board page to explore specs, sizes, and delivery options.
Authored by Smartcon Int’l. Trade & Marketing Ltd. on 11.01.2026. All rights reserved.