Concrete / Masonry
Document Version: 1.0 Date: November 2025
Fibre-Cement Products
Fibre-Cement
Fibre-cement combines Portland cement matrix with cellulose or synthetic fibres to create durable composite boards. These materials provide excellent weather resistance and durability in exterior applications. Typical applications include exterior cladding, facade panels, soffit boards, and roofing underlayment. Material is non-asbestos formulated to meet modern health standards. Fiber reinforcement provides impact resistance and dimensional stability. Colour fastness is excellent with minimal colour change over 15-20 years. Requires ventilation cavity and drainage plane for proper performance in building assemblies.
Basic Information
Type
Composite Cladding
Thickness (m)
0.006
Thickness (mm)
6.0
Thickness (inches)
0.236"
Colour
Grey/Natural
Primary Applications
Exterior cladding, facade panels, soffit boards, roofing underlayment
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.25 W/(m·K)
1.44 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
1000 J/(kg·K)
0.24 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1360 kg/m³
84.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.02 m²·K/W
0.14 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
990.9
sd-value
5.9454 m
Vapor Resistivity
4954.50 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
29.73 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.06 perms
Natural Stone & Masonry
Limestone
Limestone represents thin veneer or finish panel thickness used in architectural applications. Calcitic limestone composition determines acid-rain resistance and durability. Material is hygroscopic with 0.02-0.05% expansion potential requiring movement joints. Density ranges 2300-2700 kg/m³ depending on porosity. Excellent for interior applications; exterior requires protective sealants in acidic environments. Compatible with lime mortars and traditional construction methods. High thermal mass despite thin section provides thermal buffering in wall assemblies.
Basic Information
Type
Natural Stone Veneer
Thickness (m)
0.012
Thickness (mm)
12.0
Thickness (inches)
0.472"
Colour
Cream/White
Primary Applications
Interior finishes, stone cladding, architectural details, thin veneers
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.94 W/(m·K)
5.43 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
840 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2217 kg/m³
138.4 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.01 m²·K/W
0.07 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
74
sd-value
0.8880 m
Vapor Resistivity
370.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
4.44 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.80 perms
Plaster & Cementitious Finishes
Plaster
Plaster represents traditional lime-based or gypsum finish coat materials used for interior and exterior applications. Material typically installed 10mm thickness as finish coat. Hybrid binder system balances strength with breathability. Cure time varies 7-28 days depending on composition and environmental conditions. Lower vapour resistance compared to cement-only finishes makes plaster suitable for breathable construction. Compatible with breathable substrates and vapor-open insulation systems. Good adhesion to most surfaces and accepts various finishes. Moderate thermal mass contribution to building envelope.
Basic Information
Type
Finish Plaster
Thickness (m)
0.010
Thickness (mm)
10.0
Thickness (inches)
0.394"
Colour
Off-white/Cream
Primary Applications
Interior/exterior finish coat, surface coating, breathable finishes
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.8 W/(m·K)
4.62 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1900 kg/m³
118.7 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.01 m²·K/W
0.07 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
19
sd-value
0.1900 m
Vapor Resistivity
95.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
0.95 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
3.11 perms
Concrete & Cement Products
Concrete Block
Concrete block represents standard load-bearing masonry unit of 90mm nominal thickness. These units provide structural support and moderate thermal mass in wall assemblies. Typical applications include load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing partitions, and fire protection. Density varies with aggregate type and composition. µ-value of 248 provides moderate vapor resistance suitable for most climates. Requires proper mortar joints and finish coats for weather resistance. Excellent durability and fire resistance. Thermal conductivity varies with moisture content and aggregate density.
Basic Information
Type
Load-Bearing Masonry
Thickness (m)
0.090
Thickness (mm)
90.0
Thickness (inches)
3.543"
Colour
Grey
Primary Applications
Load-bearing walls, structural partitions, fire protection
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
1.1 W/(m·K)
6.35 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2220 kg/m³
138.6 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.08 m²·K/W
0.46 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
248
sd-value
22.3200 m
Vapor Resistivity
1240.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
111.60 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.24 perms
Cement
Cement mortar and paste represents structural cementitious material used in masonry construction and concrete applications. Typical thickness 150mm represents thick concrete or mortar bed layer. High µ-value of 248 provides substantial vapor resistance. Requires finishing with suitable surface treatments for water protection. Excellent durability and fire resistance in building assemblies. Thermal mass is significant at 150mm thickness. Typically used as structural element requiring breathable finishes and vapor management on outer face. Moisture sensitivity requires protection from prolonged saturation.
Basic Information
Type
Cementitious Material
Thickness (m)
0.150
Thickness (mm)
150.0
Thickness (inches)
5.906"
Colour
Grey
Primary Applications
Mortar beds, concrete layers, structural elements, load-bearing walls
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
2.1 W/(m·K)
12.12 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2400 kg/m³
149.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.07 m²·K/W
0.41 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
248
sd-value
37.2000 m
Vapor Resistivity
1240.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
186.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.24 perms
Concrete
Concrete represents rigid structural concrete material used in mass load-bearing applications. Typical thickness 150mm represents standard concrete slab or wall thickness. Provides excellent structural capacity, fire resistance, and thermal mass. High µ-value of 248 provides substantial vapor resistance requiring breathable finishes. Suitable for basement construction, structural floors, and load-bearing walls. Moisture content significantly affects thermal conductivity. Vapor permeability varies with aggregate type, mix design, and moisture content. Requires protection from prolonged water exposure.
Basic Information
Type
Structural Concrete
Thickness (m)
0.150
Thickness (mm)
150.0
Thickness (inches)
5.906"
Colour
Grey
Primary Applications
Structural slabs, load-bearing walls, basement construction, floor systems
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
2.1 W/(m·K)
12.12 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
2400 kg/m³
149.9 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.07 m²·K/W
0.41 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
248
sd-value
37.2000 m
Vapor Resistivity
1240.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
186.00 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
0.24 perms
Masonry Units
Clay Brick
Clay brick represents traditional fired clay masonry unit with 110mm nominal thickness. These units provide excellent durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic variety. Typical applications include load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing veneers, and decorative finishes. Low µ-value of 10 provides excellent vapor permeability suitable for breathable construction. Fired at high temperatures creating durable, stable product. Color and texture variety available through different clay sources and firing processes. Moisture absorption varies with porosity and clay composition. Excellent compatibility with lime mortars in traditional construction.
Basic Information
Type
Fired Clay Masonry
Thickness (m)
0.110
Thickness (mm)
110.0
Thickness (inches)
4.331"
Colour
Red/Orange/Brown
Primary Applications
Load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing veneers, decorative finishes, traditional construction
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity
0.65 W/(m·K)
3.75 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)
Specific Heat Capacity
850 J/(kg·K)
0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)
Density
1690 kg/m³
105.5 lb/ft³
Thermal Resistance (R-value)
0.17 m²·K/W
0.96 ft²·°F·h/BTU
Vapour Properties
Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)
10
sd-value
1.1000 m
Vapor Resistivity
50.00 MNs/gm
Vapor Resistance
5.50 MN.s/g
Perm Rating
5.90 perms
Last updated
Was this helpful?