Have you noticed cold air seeping into your house more frequently? Has the increase in rainy weather made your walls wetter than usual? It may be time to consider adding weatherboards to the external walls of your home.
It’s not uncommon for Australian homes to boast external weatherboards that keep harsh weather elements out. Weatherboards can also be used indoors as cladding to enhance a rustic aesthetic.
What Exactly are Weatherboards?
At its core, a weatherboard is a long, thin board with a thicker edge, designed to overlap. These boards are primarily used to protect the outside of your home against weather elements such as rain, wind, and snow. For the most part, weatherboards can be made from a range of different materials such as:
- Timber
- Vinyl
- Fibre cement
- Composite
When weatherboards are used on the exterior of a building for a functional purpose, it’s known as weatherboard cladding. Interior designers and homeowners are also using weatherboards inside their homes for decorative purposes.
In these instances, the boards are used to create or enhance rustic or traditional aesthetics. When weatherboards are used indoors, they are often added in the following ways:
- Decorate walls
- Create textured ceilings
- Used to create accent walls
- Can be used to enhance stairs
Many Advantages to Consider
Whether you’re planning to add weatherboards to the outside of your home for functional purposes or to the inside for decorative reasons, there are many advantages to consider. We’ve compiled a list of the most significant ones to consider.
Offers Long-Lasting Protection
One of the more significant features of weatherboard cladding is the durability it offers. The main reason for this is that weatherboards are constructed from high-quality materials that are resistant to common threats such as fire and termites.
Unlike conventional brick homes, weatherboards aren’t susceptible to cracking over time. Instead, weatherboards are designed to withstand natural wear and tear without compromising the overall structure of the house.
Provides Excellent Insulation Properties
Adding weatherboard cladding to the exterior of your home isn’t just about creating an aesthetically pleasing space. It also forms an excellent insulator, making it ideal for Australian homes that don’t retain heat well or tend to always feel cold.
Weatherboards, if installed correctly, can provide significant insulation without having to invest in costly insulation products. Warming your home without electrical or gas products ensures that your home is more energy-efficient.
Variety Of Materials on Offer
Modern weatherboard cladding materials exceed the traditional timber panels. These days, cladding can be made from composite wood, fibre cement, polycarbonate (PVC), and aluminium. This means you can choose the best option for your décor style.
In addition to different materials, you can also choose from a range of sizes, thicknesses, colours, and traditional or modern finishes. You will also be able to opt for eco-friendly options that will enable you to choose durable and eco-friendly materials that enhance your personal sustainability goals.
Easy to Restore and Repair
Many homeowners prefer weatherboards because these boards are easier to repair than brick homes. For instance, if a weatherboard is damaged, it can easily be removed and replaced without affecting the rest of the structure or design. (A slanting installation facilitates this) If you have a damaged brick, it can’t simply be removed and replaced. This feature makes weatherboards very appealing for DIY enthusiasts.
Ideal for All Climates
If you live in a hot climate, such as Brisbane, you may be more aware of the types of upgrades and renovations you do to your home. Fortunately, weatherboards can easily be installed in cooler and warmer climates without making your home uncomfortable. Unlike most brick types, weatherboards don’t retain heat, which means homes in warmer climates aren’t unbearably hot in the summer.
Simple Installation
Another huge plus point of weatherboard cladding is that it’s much easier to install than some other types of cladding. This is because the boards are lightweight and easy to use, which means installation is simpler and takes less time, effort, and labour. Since quality weatherboards are flexible, they can be shaped to suit your home’s exterior shape.
Easy Maintenance
Homeowners are also keen on opting for cladding options that are easy to maintain, no matter how old they get. Weatherboard cladding can easily be maintained by using a regular soap and water mixture to wash off any dust or dirt. This will also be an effective way to remove any mould and mildew caused by wet weather.
How often you need to repaint your boards will depend on the weather exposure in your area. In most cases, repainting is usually only required every few years. Older boards may need to be inspected for minor repairs.
Final Thought
When used as a cladding, weatherboard offers a durable and versatile solution for protecting the exterior of your home. With the different materials available, you will easily be able to find the best option and style to suit every home, budget, and décor style!