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What is a Weatherboard? The Ultimate Weatherboard Guide for Perth Homes

If you’re planning a home build or renovation, you’ve probably heard the term ‘weatherboard’ thrown around. But what is a weatherboard exactly? This classic exterior cladding option has been a favourite for Perth homes for its timeless look and durability. Read on to learn everything you need to know about weatherboards and why they might be the perfect choice for your home.

 

What are Weatherboards

Just as clothes protect you from the elements, weatherboards serve as a durable alternative to bricks or plaster sheets, shielding a home from the harsh outdoor conditions.

Weatherboards are a type of exterior cladding known for their distinctive overlapping panels, which can be made from wood, vinyl, fibre cement, or other materials. While they add charm to a home’s façade, they also serve a functional purpose—protecting the structure from the elements.

If your home already has weatherboards that were installed when it was built or purchased, now might be a good time to check their condition. Are they still holding up, or is it time for a replacement?

A black chair in front of white James Hardie Scyon Linea™ exterior weatherboards under the sunlight.

 

Checking and Maintaining Your Weatherboards

Maintaining your weatherboards is key to making them last longer and keeping them aesthetically appealing. Give your weatherboards a good cleaning annually to avoid discolouration from dirt by using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to scrub off any caked-up dust, followed by a thorough rinse. 

Along with your annual maintenance, it’s good practice to check for any of the following:

  • apparent damage
  • chipped or cracked finishing
  • rotted panels
  • over-accumulation of dirt

One would think that weatherboards, which are often made from wood or timber, would require a lot of maintenance, but in reality, it’s quite easy and hassle-free.

Of course, there’s less worry for weatherboards made with sturdier materials such as fibre cement or vinyl, which are more resistant to rot and insect damage, or the much more sinister problem of mould growing on them. 

 

Types of Weatherboards

Timber Wood Weatherboards

Plain, brown, unpainted, wooden exterior weatherboards with a lone window.

This is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of weatherboards. Classic and eco-friendly weatherboards made of natural wood have been around since people started making houses more resilient to the elements. Due to being made of wood, expect them to be heavy, so it’s best to prepare yourself when using timber for your next project.

 

Vinyl Weatherboards

Made with polyvinyl chloride or PVC, it’s a material you’ve probably already become quite familiar with. It’s become popular among those who love doing DIY projects, as it’s affordable, reliable, and light. On top of that, vinyl also needs less maintenance than wooden types and can be installed more easily, too. Vinyl weatherboards are a great start when you’re working with a tight budget but need new weatherboards as soon as possible.

 

Fibre Cement Weatherboards

Grey Hardie™ Plank Weatherboard, a fibre cement exterior weatherboard, with a woodgrain texture on a corner wall. A beige drain pipe runs down along the left wall.

A much more recent development in construction, fibre cement weatherboards have come into trend for being a sturdier alternative material that can withstand unexpected bushfires and harsh weather conditions—making it perfectly suitable for the heat or cold of Perth. Advancements in science have allowed manufacturers to fabricate fibre cement without using harmful asbestos fibres, and now they use safer and more natural cellulose fibres that can be found in plants to create fibre cement. Opting for fibre cement weatherboards will guarantee your house’s exterior will weather through heavy rains or harsh sunlight.

Now that you have an inkling when it comes to the common types of weatherboards available for your home, let’s dive into a quick guide on how to replace weatherboards.

 

How to Replace Weatherboards

So, you found some weatherboards that need replacing. Doing it yourself might seem like a daunting task, but replacing weatherboards isn’t as hard as you might think. Mark all the weatherboards you want to replace and follow these steps.

Old, white, exterior weatherboards with visible decay, lined horizontally by four windows of different sizes.

Loosening and removing

  1. Along the topside and underside of the weatherboard in question, cut horizontally into the paint and gap sealant. Doing this will prevent damaging the paint of the rest of the weatherboards not being replaced.
  2. Use a chisel to create a small opening for a prying bar. This will allow you to get underneath the board for replacement. Pry and work along the span of the board in question and the board above it to loosen it to safely remove the weatherboard.
  3. If possible, find where the nails are and insert your prying bar there to slowly lift the weatherboard that needs to be replaced. Mark your wall studs so you can install your new weatherboards securely later on.
  4. While on it, remove any remaining old nails, paint, and sealant residue to ensure a clean installation.

 

Installing

  1. Measure the length of your wall and find the closest panel size, and cut as necessary.
  2. If you’re using wood weatherboards, it’s good practice to seal the timber grains by painting the edges with an exterior undercoat before installing.
  3. To get the overlapping look right, place the new weatherboard over the one underneath it with a 20mm overlap, then nail it at least 25mm from the bottom of the board along the stud marks so the nail bites into the wall studs instead of the board underneath it.
  4. Tap down the lifted board above the replaced one to secure its position.

 

Finishing Touches

  1. If using timber weatherboards, you might want to punch in the nails slightly under the surface, fill them with timber putty, and sand them down so they’re smooth when painted over and any sharp edges are removed.
  2. Clean any remaining dust or residue to prepare for caulking and painting.
  3. Caulk the gaps with gap sealant.
  4. Apply an undercoat onto the new weatherboard and any areas that might need it.
  5. Finally, you should do two top coats of exterior paint to make everything uniform again.

 

Getting Your Project Started

Two faces of a house with white James Hardie Primeline™ exterior weatherboards. A window is present on each wall, paired with a modern lamp fixture and accented by two potted plants.

Now, you’ve learned all about weatherboards, their types, maintenance, and how to replace them, the next step is finally choosing weatherboards to fortify your home. If you’re looking for weatherboards made with hardier materials, we at Westgyp have a selection of James Hardie weatherboards that can stand the test of time.

Made with fibre cement that’s thick, durable, and fire-resistant, our James Hardie weatherboards can ensure that your home is beautiful and protected for decades to come. All set to start your weatherboard replacement plans? Contact us today to learn more about our reliable weatherboards for your Perth home.