Is Fiber Cement Board the Ultimate Solution for Guyana's Exterior Walls?
Guyana’s heavy rainfall and scorching sun destroy traditional wooden siding and plywood within a few years. Homeowners are tired of constant painting, rotting planks, and termite infestations that threaten the structure of their homes.
Fiber Cement Board is the superior, weather-proof alternative to wood and plywood for Guyana's climate. It is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, making it impervious to termites, moisture, and fire, while offering a versatile solution for exterior siding, flooring, and wet area partitions that lasts for decades.
I have walked through many construction sites in the Caribbean, and the difference between a house built with wood and one built with cement board is night and day. Let me explain why this material is conquering the market.
Why Should You Replace Plywood with Cement Board?
Plywood delaminates and rots when exposed to the humidity of the rainforest, while termites view it as an all-you-can-eat buffet. This forces you to spend money on repairs and toxic chemical treatments year after year.
Fiber Cement Board (often searched as "Cement Board" or similar to brands like Plycem) is an inorganic material that termites cannot eat and water cannot soften. It meets ASTM C1186 standards, providing a high-density, impact-resistant surface that holds paint longer than wood and protects your family from the elements without degradation.
I started in this industry dealing with gypsum, but I quickly realized that for the outside of the house, or the floor of a bathroom, gypsum isn't enough. You need armor. That is what Fiber Cement Board is.
In Guyana, many people still use "Plyboard" (Plywood) for partitions or eaves. But think about the physics. Plywood is glued layers of wood. When humidity hits 90%, that glue fails. The layers peel apart.
Fiber Cement is autoclaved—cooked under high pressure and heat. It is basically "flexible stone."
| Feature | Plywood / Wood Siding | TRUSUS Cement Board | Why It Matters in Georgetown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termite Resistance | Zero (Needs poison) | 100% Immune | Save money on pest control |
| Water Reaction | Swells & Rots | Unaffected | Perfect for rainy seasons |
| Fire Safety | Fuel for fire | Non-Combustible | Protects your property |
| Maintenance | Frequent Painting | Long-lasting Finish | Less work for you |
| Lifespan | 5-10 Years | 50+ Years | Build it once |
When you use cement board, you are making a one-time investment. It feels solid like concrete, but you can cut and screw it like wood.
Where Can You Use Cement Board in Your Project?
Cement board is not just for outside walls; it is a versatile material used for flooring decks, bathroom shower backings, and decorative ceilings. However, installing it requires a stronger framing system than standard drywall.
You can use Fiber Cement Siding (planks) for a beautiful "ship-lap" exterior look, high-density Cement Flooring (18mm-20mm) for mezzanines, and thinner boards (6mm-9mm) for moisture-proof internal partitions. For a secure installation, you must pair these heavy boards with our heavy-duty Galvanized Steel Keels (0.6mm-1.0mm thickness) to carry the weight safely.
Versatility is the key selling point here. In Guyana, I see contractors using our cement board for three main applications:
- Exterior Siding (The "American Look"): Using our cement siding planks (wood grain texture) gives your house that modern American suburban look. But unlike American wood houses, yours won't rot. You screw these planks directly into our Galvanized Metal Studs. Do not use wood studs behind cement board! The wood will move, and the board will crack.
- Wet Area Backing: Before you tile your shower, do not use green gypsum board. Use 9mm or 12mm Cement Board. It is the best substrate for tile adhesive. Even if the grout leaks, the board behind it remains solid.
- Mezzanine Flooring: Space is money in Georgetown. Many shops build a second floor for storage. Instead of pouring heavy concrete, they lay down our 20mm High-Density Cement Board on steel beams. It is fast, dry, and strong.
Critical Tip: Cement board is heavier than Sheetrock. You cannot use the lightweight 0.40mm studs. You need to order our Structural Grade Steel Keels. We supply the full system so you don't have to guess.
Why Buy Your Entire Material List form One Supplier?
Sourcing cement board from one vendor, gypsum board from another, and steel framing from a third creates logistical nightmares and compatibility risks.
By ordering from TRUSUS, you can consolidate Cement Board, Sheetrock, PVC Ceiling Tiles, and Mineral Fiber Board into a single shipment. This ensures that your steel framing system is universally compatible with all your cladding materials and simplifies your customs clearance process at Port Georgetown.
Logistics is often the hidden killer of profit. Imagine your cement board arrives, but your steel studs are delayed for two weeks. Your crew sits idle. You lose money.
We are a comprehensive manufacturer. We don't just make one thing. We provide the "skin" (Boards) and the "bones" (Keels) for your entire building.
The "Project Pack" Advantage:
- For the Exterior: We load the Cement Siding and specialized Ceramic Coating screws.
- For the Interior: We load the Standard and Moisture Resistant Gypsum Boards.
- For the Ceiling: We load the PVC Laminated Tiles (for kitchens) and Mineral Fiber Boards (for offices), along with the T-Grid system.
- For the Frame: We calculate the exact amount of Studs, Tracks, and Main Channels to support all of the above.
We optimize the loading. Cement board is very dense and heavy. Gypsum board is lighter but bulky. Mineral fiber is very light. We mix these in the container to hit the perfect weight-to-volume ratio. This lowers your shipping cost per square meter effectively.
Conclusion
Fiber Cement Board is the termite-proof armor your house needs. Pair it with our Gypsum Board and Steel Keels for a complete, durable building system.
