Description
The 6mm Ramco Fibre Cement Board A1 Non-Combustible 2440 x 1220mm (8′ x 4′) is manufactured by Ramco Industries under the Hicem range. It is produced from Portland cement reinforced with cellulose fibres and selected mineral additives, pressed into a dense, dimensionally stable sheet. Supplied with a smooth, off-white surface and square-cut edges, ready for paint, tile, render or other finishes.
At 6mm, this is the slimmest panel in the Hicem range. It is designed for applications where weight, thickness and a low profile matter more than load-bearing strength. Typical uses include ceiling and soffit linings, eaves and verge protection, lightweight wall linings, and non-combustible overlay boarding on timber surfaces.
The headline feature is fire performance. The board is classified Euroclass A1 to EN 13501-1, the highest reaction-to-fire rating available, meaning the panel makes no contribution to a fire. This makes it suitable for projects where non-combustible external wall materials are required. As an A1 board, it is commonly specified for refurbishment and new-build cladding projects where strict fire performance standards apply.
Beyond fire, the board is fully moisture-resistant. It passes the complete BS EN 12467 durability suite, including warm water, freeze-thaw, soak-dry, heat-rain and water impermeability tests, so unlike plywood or OSB it will not rot, swell, delaminate or feed mould when exposed to damp. It is also termite-, borer- and fungus-resistant, contains no asbestos (verified by X-ray diffraction), and emits no detectable VOCs under ISO 16000-6, making it well suited to healthcare, education and residential refurbishment.
The board cuts cleanly with a fibre cement scoring knife, diamond blade or tungsten-tipped circular saw blade (dust extraction or an FFP3 mask is recommended). See all cement board cutting tools and blades category to choose right one. It is fixed with corrosion-resistant screws into timber or light-gauge steel framing, and the smooth surface is ready to receive paint, tile, render, wallpaper or decorative laminate without additional priming in most systems.
Technical specifications
- Density ≥1,200 kg/m³. Denser than plasterboard, it holds screws and fixings reliably without crumbling.
- Bending strength 14 MPa longitudinal / 8 MPa transverse. Stays flat between supports, allowing standard 400 to 600mm stud centres.
- Impact strength ≥2,100 J/m². Resists everyday knocks from furniture, doors and trolleys; suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Thermal conductivity ≤0.15 W/mK. Contributes modestly to wall and ceiling thermal performance.
- Acoustic insulation 32 to 34 dB (single 6mm board). Reduces airborne sound transfer in lining and ceiling applications.
- Sheet weight: approximately 26kg. Handleable by two operatives without lifting equipment.
Applications
The board is designed for non-load-bearing interior and protected exterior linings where fire safety, moisture resistance and a slim profile are required.
- Ceiling linings and suspended ceiling tiles
- Soffit boarding under eaves and overhangs
- Verge and fascia protection
- Lightweight internal wall linings on timber or metal studs
- Sacrificial non-combustible overlay on timber surfaces (e.g. garage ceilings, service cupboards, plant areas)
- Lining behind paint, wallpaper or thin decorative finishes in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms
- Wall tile backing in bathrooms, wetrooms and kitchens, provided the framing supports all four edges of each board plus a central support, with tiles up to standard ceramic and porcelain weights. This board is for wall tiling only and is not suitable as a floor tile backer.
Exterior faces should be sealed or coated before exposure to direct weather.
