Weatherboard has always been an important part of any Australian home. Aside from the aesthetic quality it adds to the exterior, weatherboard also protects the walls from the harsh climate conditions.
For this reason, it is crucial to find the right weatherboard for your home cladding. However, with all the options for cladding material avaliable today, finding the best option can be overwhelming. Below are several tips on how you can choose the perfect weatherboard to clad your home.
Two Major Types of Weatherboard
There are two types of weatherboard being used in Australia: the classic, and the shiplap. Let us learn more about them below:
Classic weatherboard
The classic weatherboard has a rectangular wedge shape. It is fixed to the walls by nailing the boards to the frame. Each board is overlapped to hide the nails used to fix th boards. As a result, it brings a classic vintage vibe to your house.
Classic weatherboard comes in boards ranging from 150 – 300mm wide. The larger the board the more cost affective it is to lay and paint, therefore making it a more afordable option.
Shiplap - Toungue and Groove Weatherboard
Tongue and groove or shiplap weatherboard is a traditional material that has become more popular in contemporary properties. Unlike the classic weatherboard that uses nails, the shiplap has a tongue and groove feature which makes cladding simpler, faster, and easier to instal.
What are the different materials used in weatherboards?
You'll be surprised by the many options avaliable on the market nowadays. Here we listed each cladding material and its pros and cons:
Timber
Timber has been a staple construction material in Australia for many years. It is manufactured for various purposes including claddings.
Pros:
- Widely available
- Inexpensive
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Requires maintenance (regular repainting)
- Prone to rotting and weathering
- Prone to Termites
- Needs expansion allowance
Composite timber
Composite timber is a popular decking material. Made of Compressed timber fibres. Weatherboards made of composite timber have recently been introduced in Australia.
Pros:
- Vibrant, non-fading colour
- Resistant to rotting and weathering
- UV resistant
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Can be expensive (probably the most expensive choice)
- Prone to termites and other pests
- Heat Prone
Metal weatherboard
Metal weatherboards have gained popularity in recent years. This is a more cost affective option for cladding materials and often comes in multiple colour ways to choose from.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Pest resistant
- Durable
Cons
- Prone to rusting
- Unauthentic feel
Vinyl Weatherboard
Vinyl weatherboard is among the newest cladding material introduced to the market today. This weatherboard is sold pre-painted and ready for installation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Comes in an array of colours
- Pest Resistant
Cons
- Prone to scratches
- Cannot be repainted
- Tearing is hard to cover-up
Fibre Cement Weatherboard
Fibre cement is another innovation of the building and construction industry. Fibre cement weatherboard is a combination of cement and wood grain, making it a sturdy and durable cladding material.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Weathering resistant
- Woodgrain appearance
Cons
- Need expansion allowance
- Can be difficult to install
- Heavier compared to other cladding materials
These weatherboard types are designed to protect your house from the harsh Australian climate. But knowing these qualities and disadvantages will help you choose which will best suit your home.
Do you need more advice from an expert local builder? Talk to us today.
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