When considering investing in Australian homes, one question frequently arises: “Are weatherboard homes a great investment?” Weatherboard homes are a prevalent housing style in many Australian suburbs, especially in Queensland.
They are known for their unique aesthetic, affordability, and history. However, like any home, weatherboard houses have their pros and cons. In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of weatherboard homes to help you determine whether investing in them is the right decision for you.
Let’s Get Straight To The Point
Weatherboard homes are a popular choice in Australian suburbs, especially in Queensland, and are known for their charm, affordability, and historical appeal. However, they require more maintenance than brick homes due to potential issues like wood rot, cracking, and termite damage.
Weatherboard homes offer benefits such as flexibility in design, better cooling efficiency, and reduced susceptibility to ground movement. On the downside, they come with high maintenance costs, poor insulation, and a need for regular inspections to avoid costly repairs.
Despite these challenges, they are ideal for DIY renovators and can even be relocated. Before investing, it’s essential to inspect the property thoroughly and consider factors like location, structural integrity, and long-term upkeep.
Regular building and pest inspections are recommended to ensure the home remains in good condition.
What Are Weatherboard Homes?
Weatherboard homes are houses with exterior walls covered by long, horizontal boards made from wood, vinyl, or other synthetic materials. These boards overlap each other, giving the home its signature look.
Vinyl weatherboard is a common type used in contemporary designs, while traditional weatherboards were typically made of timber. The appearance of a weatherboard home is often seen as charming and reminiscent of older architectural styles, but there are some factors to consider before making a purchase.
1. Durability
The durability of weatherboard homes is one of the most critical factors to think about. Weatherboards are not as robust as brick or concrete, and over time, they can develop flaws like cracks, rot, or warping. Although weatherboard homes require more maintenance than brick homes, they are generally less expensive to repair than other types of housing, such as the iconic Queenslanders, which can be quite costly to maintain.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to buy a weatherboard house in Queensland, carefully check the condition of the boards to avoid unexpected maintenance costs in the future.
Weatherboard Homes in Australia
Weatherboard homes have been a popular building choice in Australia since the mid-19th century, particularly after the introduction of mechanized production in steam-powered mills. This innovation made it easier and more economical to produce weatherboard materials in large quantities. As a result, many different styles of weatherboard homes emerged, including workers’ cottages, Federation-style homes, Queenslanders, and California bungalows.
2. Widespread Use
If you visit Brisbane today, you’ll find weatherboard homes in many suburbs. Despite their popularity, some investors hesitate to purchase these homes due to concerns about their longevity and maintenance needs. For instance, regular painting is required to keep a weatherboard home looking fresh, which is an ongoing expense and effort that many homeowners prefer to avoid.
Pro Tip: Consider hiring professional services, such as Hitch Property Constructions, for weatherboard repairs and maintenance to help preserve the integrity of your home.
Key Factors to Check When Inspecting a Weatherboard Home
Before purchasing any property, conducting a thorough inspection is essential. If you’re thinking of buying a weatherboard home, certain aspects require particular attention. Below are five key factors to look for during your inspection:
1. Location and Accessibility
When buying a home, location is one of the most important factors. Consider how close the property is to amenities such as restaurants, supermarkets, and schools. Take a drive around the neighborhood and pay attention to the overall condition of the streets and houses. Research the area’s educational institutions as they can significantly impact your home’s long-term value.
2. Curb Appeal
The exterior appearance of a house matters. Look at the condition of the weatherboards, the roof, and the driveway. Is the house positioned lower than the street? This could affect drainage and water flow, which may lead to future problems. Inspect the fences and surrounding areas to see if any repairs are needed.
3. Materials and Structural Integrity
In Australia, weatherboard and brick are the two most common building materials. Weatherboard homes, particularly older ones, may have issues with wood rot, rusted corrugated iron roofs, or damaged window frames. Make sure the property is structurally sound, and be prepared for potential repairs.
4. Interior Condition
Once inside the home, inspect the flooring, walls, and ceilings for any signs of wear and tear. Check the condition of the kitchen and bathroom appliances, as these can be costly to replace. Proper lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation should also be evaluated.
5. Plumbing, Electrical, and Pest Control
Finally, check the home’s plumbing and electrical systems, as well as for any signs of pests. Termites and wood rot can cause significant damage to weatherboard homes, so it’s crucial to have a pest and building inspection before making an offer.
Advantages of Weatherboard Homes
Despite the potential maintenance issues, weatherboard homes have several advantages that make them appealing to buyers.
1. Flexibility and Aesthetic Appeal
Weatherboard homes offer a charming, flexible design that can easily adapt to different styles. The wooden boards can expand in warm weather and contract when it’s cooler, creating a natural breathing effect in the house. Many people love the nostalgic feel of living in a weatherboard home, as it harkens back to a simpler time.
Pro Tip: When restoring a weatherboard home, it’s relatively easy and affordable to make updates compared to brick homes. You won’t need as many materials to replace damaged boards as you would with a brick exterior.
2. Ground Movement
One distinct advantage of weatherboard homes is that they are less affected by ground movement or soil shrinkage. In areas prone to shifting soils or drought conditions, weatherboard homes are less likely to develop cracks compared to brick homes.
3. Cooling Efficiency
Another major benefit is the superior cooling ability of weatherboard homes. Unlike bricks, which retain heat during the day and release it at night, weatherboards allow a home to cool much faster. In hot climates like Brisbane, this can be a significant advantage.
Disadvantages of Weatherboard Homes
While weatherboard homes offer many benefits, they also come with some notable drawbacks.
1. High Maintenance Costs
One of the main disadvantages of weatherboard homes is the ongoing maintenance they require. Unlike brick homes, which need little upkeep, weatherboard homes must be repainted every 10 to 15 years. Wood can crack and chip due to changing weather conditions, and mold may accumulate, necessitating regular cleaning.
2. Poor Insulation
Weatherboard homes, especially older ones, tend to have poor insulation. This can result in higher heating and cooling costs, as warm or cool air can escape through the walls. While sealing gaps and adding insulation can help, it can be an expensive and time-consuming process.
Pro Tip: When purchasing a weatherboard home, ask the seller about any insulation updates they’ve made. If none have been done, factor this into your renovation budget.
3. Rot and Termites
Weatherboard homes, especially those made of wood, are vulnerable to rot and termites. Rot is more likely to occur in areas where water accumulates, such as near window frames, doorways, or the roof. Termites are also a concern in weatherboard homes, as they can easily be eaten through untreated wood.
To protect your investment, consider having regular inspections for termites and wood rot. Maintaining your weatherboard home and addressing these issues early can prevent expensive repairs down the line.
Relocating Weatherboard Homes
One unique feature of weatherboard homes is that they can be relocated. If you’re tired of your current location or looking for a fresh start, you can sell your home and move it to a new site. Older weatherboard homes are often sold for this purpose, and while reassembly and upgrades can be costly, the overall expense is usually manageable.
Considerations for Relocating
Before relocating a weatherboard home, keep in mind that new plumbing, wiring, and permits will likely be required. Additionally, the cost of transporting the home can vary depending on its size and distance travelled. However, this flexibility is one of the key advantages of owning a weatherboard home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weatherboard homes are a popular and affordable housing option in Australia, particularly in suburban areas. These homes offer several advantages, including flexibility in design, reduced susceptibility to ground movement, and quicker cooling times in warm climates. However, they also come with challenges such as higher maintenance costs, poor insulation, and vulnerability to rot and termites.
When deciding whether to invest in a weatherboard home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping these homes in good condition, and potential buyers should consider factors such as location, structural integrity, and the condition of the wood. For those who appreciate the aesthetic appeal and flexibility of weatherboard homes, they can be a rewarding investment.
Before making a final decision, always have a building and pest inspection completed to ensure the home is structurally sound. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a weatherboard home is the right investment for you.
FAQs About Weatherboard
Which Is Better Brick Or Weatherboard?
If your home is in a hot sunny region, weatherboards are more likely to split and require additional maintenance. Bricks need less maintenance, but will hold the heat longer and keep your house hot. But brick is a good choice for homes close to the beach.
Are Weatherboard Houses Good To Buy?
Weatherboard houses have maintained popularity due to their ability to be eco-friendly, withstand changing ground conditions, and prevent high costs during the initial construction or renovation. They do, however, fall short when it comes to long term maintenance, proper insulation, and wood damage.
What Type Of Wood Is Weatherboard?
What is Hardwood Weatherboard? Weatherboards are reconstituted timber and hardwood that are stained or painted to fit your preference. In Australia, hardwood weatherboard can be constructed from cypress pine, Tasmanian oak, gum, and mahogany tree.
How Can We Protect The Weatherboard?
increase weather protection by butting joints and covering mitred corners with galvanised steel, stainless steel or copper soakers or timber cover boards (the same level of priming and painting is still needed) apply white or a light colour paint to minimise movement in the timber due to temperature changes.
Is Weatherboard Cladding Safe?
Cedral sidings are weatherboards made of fibre cement with an excellent fire-resistance rating of A2-s1, d0. This means that in the event of a fire they will barely generate any smoke and will not spread fire. This makes Cedral sidings a reliable choice for any builder or renovator concerned with having a safe home.
