Rendering & painting specialists — Adelaide & regional South Australia
What it is
Blue board is fibre cement sheeting made specifically to be rendered over. Unlike standard fibre cement, its face is formulated for render to bond to, which makes it the usual substrate when a framed wall needs to end up looking like solid rendered masonry.
It is common on extensions, upper storeys, lightweight infill and any wall where masonry is impractical. The sheet itself is straightforward — the work that determines whether the finished wall cracks is in the fixing pattern, the joint treatment and the control joints.
Why it's worth it
The sheet face is designed for render adhesion rather than being a general-purpose cladding pressed into service.
Far lighter than masonry, which suits upper storeys, additions and framed construction generally.
Large sheets cover ground quickly, so the wall is closed in and weathertight sooner.
Fibre cement doesn't rot, swell or provide a food source for termites.
The sheeting itself is non-combustible, which matters on boundary and bushfire-affected walls.
Correctly jointed and meshed, the finished wall is indistinguishable from rendered masonry.
Our process
We confirm stud spacing suits the sheet, then install wall wrap and flashings before any sheeting goes up.
Sheets are set out to minimise joints and fixed at the manufacturer's specified spacings and edge distances.
All sheet joints are treated and reinforced with mesh bedded in base coat, with extra reinforcement at window and door corners where stress concentrates.
Control joints are installed where the wall requires them, then the base coat goes on to receive the finish system.
Who it's for
Good to know
Blue board is manufactured with a face specifically formulated for render to key into. Standard fibre cement sheet is made to be painted or clad over. Rendering over the wrong sheet is a bond failure waiting to happen.
Related
Tell us about your project and we'll come out, take a proper look, and give you a clear written quote — no pressure, no obligation.
