Expert in fiber cement materials, including for the facade

What started as a small family business has grown into an international player in the production of fiber cement. We are talking about SVK from Sint-Niklaas (B). Not only the thickness of the material (8mm), but also the strength of the material and the versatility of application possibilities in combination with aesthetics, fire safety and durability, make this product extremely suitable as facade cladding.

"We have been around since 1905 and have been producing fiber cement building materials since 1923," says Anouk Crauwels, Marketing Coordinator at SVK. "That started with slates and corrugated sheets after which we focused more and more on facade products." 

High density

"The years of experience and continued development of our products ensure that we regularly release new products." Crauwels explains that SVK now excels in high density products. "All our materials are double-pressed, which means that the cladding sheets, slates and corrugated sheets have a very high density. This makes them very stable and much stronger."

Air-dried materials

"Moreover, our Ornimat, Puro Plus and Decoboard wall boards are all air-dried boards," Crauwels continued. "The boards are exposed to normal air conditions for at least four weeks, allowing them to harden naturally. After four weeks, there is still a moisture content of about 12 percent. We then apply an additional drying process that brings the moisture content to a maximum of 5 percent. In this way, the boards undergo initial settlement, which benefits the dimensional stability of the board. The risk of deformation after installation is therefore virtually zero compared to boards that were not additionally dried."

Durability and fire rating

"All of our products are subjected to durability tests where all influences of temperature, moisture and rain are tested. According to the standard, after such a test you are allowed to have up to 25 percent loss of strength, with us it is virtually zero." Earlier we also wrote about the fire class of the cladding panels, where SVK achieves Fire Class A2-s1,d0 for all cladding panels. "We contribute in this way to the sustainability and fire safety of a building," says Crauwels.

Own paint preparation

To ensure consistent top quality of the paints as well, SVK handles paint preparation entirely in-house and additional testing is performed by a lab. "All of our paints belong to class 0. Which means that our products adhere very well to fiber cement." The in-house paint preparation also makes customization in terms of color possible. However, this is subject to a minimum quantity in purchase.

Much longer beautiful

In addition to quality, durability and fire safety, aesthetics obviously play a big role. Not to mention the product's ease of maintenance. "The smooth surface makes it difficult for dirt to adhere. This makes cleaning with water or a neutral all-purpose cleaner very easy. Fungi, bacteria and insects cannot survive in the cement base, preventing a rotting process. Our coated slates and corrugated sheets also have a moss-repellent component in the paint that inhibits moss formation."

Eco-friendly production

SVK -in addition to improving its products- is also taking steps to improve the production process and reduce its ecological footprint as a manufacturer. "Surpluses and sanding dust are reused, as is surface water in the production process. Furthermore, we invest in energy-efficient equipment: from LED lighting to a new combustion plant. We have also purchased a new paint spray booth with a double filter system so that nothing can get into the environment."

Tip of the (cement) veil

SVK will show the familiar Ornimat, Decoboard, Puro Plus and Colormat facade boards in different variations at the GEVEL 2022 trade fair. "But of course we also have something new," says Crauwels, giving a sneak peek. "We have a new variant of the Puro Plus. Especially interesting for those who want to maintain a consistent look. So be sure to stop by and check that out."

SVK can be seen at GEVEL2022 in Hall 4 booth number C039.