Cedral Fibre Cement Cladding FAQs
Can I fit Cedral Lap cladding myself?
Yes. Cedral Lap is designed to be fitted by a competent DIYer or any builder. The boards are fixed to treated timber battens over a breathable membrane, with a ventilated cavity behind. Each 3600 x 190 x 10mm board overlaps the one below, which gives the classic shadow line and covers about 0.58m² (1.74 boards per m²). Watch our step-by-step video below, then download the Cedral fixing guide (PDF) for batten spacing and fixing positions.
How is Cedral Click installed, and can it go on vertically?
Cedral Click boards (3600 x 186 x 12mm) have a tongue-and-groove edge and are secret fixed with hidden stainless steel clips, so there are no visible fixings, just a flat, contemporary finish. Use around 7 clips per board. Click can be fitted horizontally or vertically. Watch the full vertical installation here.
Q1: How long is Cedral cladding guaranteed?
A1: Cedral comes with a 10-year manufacturer guarantee, provided it is installed to Cedral's specification. Its expected lifespan is over 50 years.
Q2: Can Cedral cladding be repainted?
A2: Cedral doesn't need painting, because the colour is factory applied. If you want to change the colour later, you can repaint the boards with a good-quality acrylic exterior paint. Cover small chips and cut edges with Cedral touch-up paint.
Q3: What should I do if my Cedral board is damaged?
A3: Cover small scratches and chips with Cedral touch-up paint in the matching colour. A board with deeper damage can be taken out and replaced on its own.
Q4: What is Cedral’s fire resistance rating?
A4: Cedral is classified A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1. A2 means limited combustibility, s1 means very little smoke, and d0 means no flaming droplets. For specific projects, check fire requirements with your building control officer or architect.
Q5: Does Cedral provide insulation?
A5: No. Cedral is a cladding, not an insulator. If you need to meet insulation standards, fit insulation behind the boards as part of the wall build-up, keeping the ventilated cavity.
Q6: What are Cedral boards made of?
A6: Fibre cement: a blend of cement, cellulose fibres and water, with a factory-applied paint finish. It won't rot, warp or attract insects, and it stands up to harsh weather.
Q7: How long does Cedral last?
A7: Cedral has a minimum life expectancy of 50 years when installed to specification.
Q8: Is Cedral environmentally friendly?
A8: Cedral is made from natural raw materials, needs no chemical treatments or repainting, and lasts 50+ years, so it doesn't need replacing often. Etex is also working to cut emissions from manufacturing.
Q9: How does Cedral compare to sealant?
A9: Cedral is a ventilated rainscreen system. Air flows up the cavity behind the boards, which keeps the battens and wall dry and prevents damp and condensation. Fit perforated closures at the top and bottom of the cavity to keep insects and birds out.
Q10: What maintenance does Cedral require?
A10: Cedral is low maintenance—just clean with soapy water and rinse. No annual treatments or repainting required.
Q11: How is Cedral different from uPVC cladding?
A11: Cedral is far more stable, because it barely expands or contracts with temperature changes. It has a much better fire rating (A2-s1,d0 compared with typical uPVC ratings), and its painted woodgrain finish looks like real timber.
Q12: Why choose Cedral over other fibre cement cladding?
A12: Cedral Lap is 10mm thick, which gives good impact resistance. It comes in 21 colours across 4 collections, with colour-matched aluminium trims. One brand covers both traditional overlapping boards (Lap) and a flat, secret-fix finish (Click).
Q13: Are the trims colour matched?
A13: Yes. Cedral aluminium trims are made to match the Cedral colour range. Some trim colours can take longer to deliver, so check availability when you order.
Q14: Can I store Cedral outside?
A14: Yes, but only covered. Store boards flat on a level surface, off the ground, and keep them dry and covered until you fit them. Carry them on their edge.
Q15: Do I need insulation behind Cedral?
A15: Cedral itself doesn't insulate, so whether you need insulation depends on your project and Building Regulations. If you do, fit it behind the boards and keep the ventilated cavity clear.
Q16: What is the thickness of Cedral boards?
A16: Cedral Lap is 10mm thick, while Cedral Click is 12mm thick.
CLICK or LAP?
Cedral Lap (10mm) overlaps each board for a traditional shiplap look with a deep shadow line. It's quick to fit and great value per m².
Cedral Click (12mm) uses tongue-and-groove boards and hidden clips for a flat, contemporary finish, fitted horizontally or vertically. It also comes in a smooth finish.
Both come in 21 colours with colour-matched trims, an A2-s1,d0 fire rating and a 50+ year lifespan.