How to safely cut fibre cement weatherboards

Fibre cement weatherboards are an increasingly popular building material due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. 

Whilst these boards are totally safe when fully intact, once you start cutting them to size, the dust generated will contain quartz (crystalline silica) particles and alkaline calcium compounds. Inhaling high concentrations of this dust may irritate the airways. That's not good.

We designed the Sitebuddyz CladBlades range of tools with this kind of board in mind. Because our blades are specifically designed for cutting the hard wearing fibre cement, they create less dust. Using a regular wood saw blade can generate more dust and cause excessive wear and tear on the blade.

When cutting cement weatherboards, it is important to take precautions to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful dust. Here are other some steps you can take:

1. Wear protective gear: Wear a dust mask or respirator, safety glasses, and gloves to protect your lungs, eyes, and skin from the dust.
2. Wet cutting: Wet cutting can reduce the amount of dust produced. Wet the surface of the cement weatherboards and use a saw with a water-cooling system to keep the blade and the material cool.
3. Cutting outdoors: Cutting outdoors can minimize the amount of dust that accumulates in enclosed spaces. If you have to cut indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
4. Clean up: Clean up the work area and dispose of the dust and debris properly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a wet mop to clean the area thoroughly.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of dust you inhale while cutting cement weatherboards.

Cladding: Better. Faster. Cheaper. Job done!