Fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard from Marley Eternit has been specified as an overclad solution on over 800 social housing properties in South Tyneside.

Built in the 1940's, the Myton concrete panel homes lacked insulation and the exterior concrete faces had begun to deteriorate.

The properties, which were spread across the district, were renovated as part of South Tyneside Home's Decent Homes programme, which aims to address the issue of fuel poverty in the area.

Fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard was specified because it offered a cost effective and durable solution which would improve the energy efficiency of the properties, as part of a rainscreen system, and provide an appealing decorative finish.

The client also chose fibre cement Cedral Weatherboard because, unlike timber, it does not warp or shrink nor does it need to be re-painted, making it an excellent long-term low maintenance solution.

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The Cedral Weatherboard was supplied in Grey Brown colour to contrast with the cement render used on other aspects of the refurbished properties.

Overcladding the properties in South Tyneside involved mechanically fixing 60mm of rigid foam insulation (0.29W/m²K) to exterior faces of the Myton panels to improve thermal performance.

The insulation was then rendered before a vapour check barrier was added. The Cedral Weatherboard was nailed to timber battens in a shiplap configuration over the insulation and vapour barrier to create a rear ventilated cavity, providing the properties with enhanced weather performance benefits.

"Cedral Weatherboard was a cost effective and durable method of refurbishing the properties," said Chris Jones Project Manager at South Tyneside Homes. "We are confident that it will provide us with a long-term solution. Overcladding with Cedral Weatherboard makes the properties more energy efficient for residents and fulfils our brief to modernise their appearance."

More housing providers are choosing an overclad solution using Marley Eternit fibre cement products because it is much more cost effective than demolishing and re-building. In addition, overcladding the properties at South Tyneside resulted in much less inconvenience for residents as they were able to remain in their home during the work.