Weatherboards have been a staple of Australian architecture for centuries, offering protection and aesthetic appeal. As exterior siding, they provide a sturdy barrier against the elements while contributing to a home’s overall design.
This guide will explain the key features, installation process, and maintenance of weatherboards and provide tips for repairing them when necessary.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Weatherboards are a traditional exterior siding used in Australian architecture. They are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Typically made from wood, cement, or synthetic materials, they are installed overlappingly to protect homes from the elements.
This guide covers the basics of weatherboard types, including wooden, synthetic, and treated varieties and how to install and repair them. The installation involves removing old boards, cutting new ones to size, sealing edges, and securing the new board with nails before painting.
Tools like timber filler and sandpaper can repair cracks, gaps, or rotting wood. Proper sealing, replacement, and maintenance can address common issues like resin leaks, cupping, and splitting.
For longevity, weatherboards should be cleaned every six months and repainted every 5-10 years. Alternatives like vinyl or PVC cladding offer low-maintenance, long-lasting options.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential for long-term protection and aesthetic value. If needed, professional services are available for repairs and replacements.
What Are Weatherboards?
Weatherboards are long, flat pieces of siding typically made from wood, cement, or synthetic materials. These boards are installed overlappingly, creating a tight barrier against weather conditions.
Historically, weatherboards were made from pine, spruce, and oak, but modern varieties offer enhanced durability through treatments like Light Organic Solvent Preservatives (LOSP) to prevent rot and pest damage.
Repairing Damaged Weatherboards
Weatherboards, essential for protecting homes from the elements, are subject to wear and tear over time due to weather exposure, aging, and occasional impacts. Learning how to repair damaged weatherboards extends their lifespan and preserves your property’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Below is a step-by-step guide to repairing damaged weatherboards effectively.
Tools For Repair
Having the right tools is essential to achieve a durable, professional finish. The following are key tools required:
- Exterior Polyfilla Timber Filler: Specially formulated to withstand outdoor conditions, this filler is ideal for patching cracks, gaps, and minor damages in weatherboards.
- Filling Blade: This blade applies filler to damaged areas, ensuring it spreads smoothly and evenly across cracks and holes.
- Scraper: This tool helps remove loose paint, dirt, and deteriorated wood, allowing for a clean and stable surface.
- Sandpaper: Smooths out the filled areas, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the surrounding wood for a polished finish.
Step By Step Repair Process
1. Surface Preparation:
- Begin by ensuring the weatherboards are clean and dry. Moisture can prevent fillers and paint from adhering properly, compromising the repair.
- Inspect the area closely for rot or decay. Rotting wood should be entirely removed. Use a chisel or scraper to remove any deteriorated sections.
- In cases where the timber has split, reinforce it by replacing or stabilising the wood using screws or clamps. This step is essential for ensuring the repaired area remains strong over time.
2. Filling Gaps:
- Using the filling blade, apply exterior timber filler to the damaged sections. Press the filler firmly into the cracks and gaps for maximum adherence.
- Spread the filler evenly, slightly overfilling the area to account for any shrinkage as it dries.
- With the blade, remove any excess filler before it fully dries. This minimises the amount of sanding required later, saving time and effort.
3. Sanding:
- Once the filler has dried completely (refer to manufacturer drying times), use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the area. Sand in line with the wood grain to avoid scratching.
- If necessary, apply a second thin layer of filler to areas that still show unevenness or minor imperfections and allow it to dry before sanding again.
- Finish sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, uniform surface that blends seamlessly with the undamaged weatherboards.
4. Painting:
- After sanding, apply a primer or undercoat to the repaired area. This step is crucial as it seals the filler, ensuring it remains durable and weather-resistant.
- Once the undercoat is dry, apply the final coat of paint to match the rest of the weatherboards. To ensure longevity and durability, opt for weather-resistant paint, either water- or oil-based.
- Applying two coats of the topcoat enhances protection and provides a high-quality finish if possible.
Common Issues With Weatherboards
- Resin Leaks: Sap from newly cut wood can leak for up to two years. If this happens, clean the area regularly, sand it down to bare wood, and prime it before painting.
- Rot: Rot occurs when the wood is exposed to excessive moisture. If you notice rot, replace the damaged boards and address the underlying moisture issue.
- Cupping: This is caused by improper nailing or failure to prime the back of the boards. Replace affected boards and ensure they are properly sealed before painting.
- Splitting: Caused by timber movement, splitting can be repaired using wood glue and nails to hold the pieces together. After the glue has dried, sand the area smooth and repaint.
Types Of Weatherboards
1. Wooden Weatherboards:
These are often pre-primed with a single coat of primer for weather protection. The edges are typically squared or bull-nosed, and some feature decorative designs like V-notches for a more refined appearance.
2. Synthetic Weatherboards:
These modern boards are made from composites or cement sheets, which provide better durability and require less maintenance than natural wood.
3. Treated Weatherboards:
A recent innovation is that these are treated with LOSP to protect them from termites, rot, and other wood-eating organisms.
Benefits Of Weatherboards
- Aesthetic Appeal: Weatherboards can enhance a home’s appearance, adding a timeless quality that complements modern and traditional architectural styles.
- Easy to Repair: Weatherboards are relatively simple to replace if they become damaged over time, making them a practical choice for long-term use.
- Durability: Treated weatherboards offer enhanced protection against the elements, ensuring they last for years.
Maintaining Weatherboards
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your weatherboards. The maintenance routine depends on the type of weatherboard material you have, but here are some general tips:
Cleaning
- Frequency: Clean your weatherboards every six months using a soft brush and fresh water.
- Method: Avoid harsh chemicals, as they may damage the material. A simple mixture of water and soap works well for most weatherboards.
Painting
- Frequency: Repaint your weatherboards every 5–10 years to keep them in good condition.
- Preparation: Sand and prime the surface before applying new paint to ensure proper adhesion and long-lasting results.
Fixing Minor Issues
- Joints Opening: The joints between weatherboards may open due to timber movement or moisture absorption. Scrape off the old paint, prime the surface, and seal the joints before repainting.
- Resealing: Use silicone caulk to seal any gaps or cracks that appear, preventing water from penetrating and causing damage.
Alternatives To Wooden Weatherboards
If you’re looking for a more durable option, you may want to consider replacing your wooden weatherboards with vinyl or PVC cladding. These materials offer several advantages:
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, vinyl and PVC require very little upkeep. A simple wash with water is usually enough to keep them looking new.
- Durability: Vinyl cladding can last up to 30 years and is resistant to warping, cracking, and other weather-related damage.
- Energy Efficiency: Vinyl provides an extra layer of insulation, helping to regulate your home’s temperature and reduce energy costs.
Conclusion
Weatherboards are a popular and practical choice for Australian homes, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Whether you choose natural wood or synthetic materials, proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to keeping them in good condition.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can install, repair, and maintain your weatherboards, ensuring they protect your home for years. If you need professional assistance with weatherboard repairs, companies like Hitch Property Constructions offer expert services to keep your home in shape.
FAQs About Weatherboard
When Should You Replace Weatherboards?
At some point in the life cycle of your weatherboard home, you will need to replace a weatherboard that exhibits timber rot. Weatherboards fail for many reasons, including poor installation, incorrect undercoat and topcoat paint, and the milling of young timber.
What Is Weatherboard Material?
Weatherboards are made from timber or reconstituted hardwood that can be painted or stained to your choice, or they can be made from vinyl. Timber weatherboards or weatherboards that contain timber use timber from sustainable sources.
Are Weatherboards Durable?
Weatherboard is generally considered “pretty tough,” but it is not as tough as bricks and is prone to some issues that must be considered when buying a weatherboard house.
What Wood Is Used For Weatherboard?
What is a Hardwood Weatherboard? Weatherboards are reconstituted timber and hardwood stained or painted to fit your preference. In Australia, hardwood weatherboard can be constructed from cypress pine, Tasmanian oak, gum, and mahogany trees.
Can You Replace The Weatherboard With Brick?
Bricking a weatherboard house can be costly, but brick has many advantages as a cladding material. To convert a weatherboard home, a contractor will develop a plan that might involve properly redoing plumbing and windows to brick the house.
