What is Weatherboard Cladding?
Cladding is the practice of layering one material over another to provide thermal insulation, protection against weather, and often aesthetic appeal. Weatherboards are a type of externally-used cladding which can be found in many different materials such as timber, vinyl and fibre cement. There are many design possibilities with Weatherboards, as they vary in size/texture/style and most can even be painted to suit the individual’s wishes. Cladding Weatherboards is a cost-effective way to rejuvenate the exterior of a building and is readily available in Australia.
There are multiple high-quality weatherboard options available across the country, such as the popular James Hardie Linea weatherboard or for the DIYer, Bunnings’ extensive Weatherboard Range. Choosing the right type of cladding for your home will involve considering each of the options listed below with reference to your location’s temperature and weather conditions, your own ability to maintain upkeep, and the design and style of your house.
The amount that it will cost a contractor to install will vary depending on the type of weatherboard selected – timber is usually the easiest and therefore the cheapest, while fibre cement can cost up to three times more. On average, cladding installation will cost around $50-65 per hour. The cost of weatherboard materials alone will range from $3.5 – 8.5 per linear metre (timber) to $100 – 150 per linear metre (stone veneer).
DIY is possible, though it is highly recommended that you speak to a professional builder first as incorrect installation could potentially damage your house or leave it inadequately protected against the weather. It will also depend on the state of the house – if you are undertaking a replacement of pre-existing weatherboards, that will be more difficult than simply installing new ones.
Top 5 Weatherboard Cladding Ideas
5. Fibre Cement
Fibre Cement is among the most expensive styles of Weatherboard. However, this is because it is the most durable option and will outlast traditional materials like timber by decades. Fibre cement is usually manufactured in the form of planks, weatherboards or sheets, meaning that there is flexibility in choosing the best style for your home. It can also be painted darker colours. It is extremely fire resistant and waterproof after sealing. Fibre Cement weatherboards can be applied to most typical housing surfaces. They are readily available and can be purchased across the country through companies such as James Hardie and Big River.
The downsides to Fibre Cement weatherboards are that they are heavier, more difficult to install, and have a higher carbon footprint than many of the alternatives.
4. Aluminium
Aluminium weatherboards are cost efficient, light, and weather resistant. They are standard issue, meaning that there are a multitude of sizes to choose from and they are easily transportable. On top of this, they are produced in varying styles of finish, texture and colour. This makes them one of the most versatile options of weatherboards as they can be manufactured to look like timber or stone if desired. They are a durable, maintenance free alternative to timber or steel and have a simple installation process. Aluminium weatherboards are available for purchase here from the Trumark group.
A disadvantage to Aluminium weatherboards is that the are susceptible to denting. This will not matter for certain climates as they are sufficiently capable of protecting against most weather events such as rain or snow, but they are unlikely to withstand flying debris from storms or hurricane-level winds. While the installation process is simple, it still needs to be undertaken by experienced professionals as the joints must be sealed carefully in order to prevent water penetration.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl weatherboards are made from the world’s most versatile plastic, PVC. They also come in many different colours and vinyl weatherboard houses are characterised by a sleeker, more contemporary look. These plastic weatherboards can be installed onto almost any surface, including brick and Fibro, meaning that Vinyl is a safe bet for any home. They take approximately half the time of any other alternative to install as they do not require grouting, painting or treating. Vinyl weatherboards are the cheapest on the market from manufacturing to installation to maintenance. They can be purchased Australia-wide and are sold by trusted companies such as ProSide Select.
The biggest concerns for Vinyl weatherboards are chemical – PVC is manufactured with chlorine, which can leak from PVC panels over extended periods of time. There is no current evidence to suggest this poses a health risk, but it is an area of uncertainty. Another potential problem is that Vinyl weatherboards, like aluminium, is not as hard as some materials and will be more likely to dent or scratch under duress.
2. Rusticated
Rusticated weatherboards are characterised by their distinctive, water-channelling rebate shape. They can come in either cement or, more commonly, timber. Rusticated weatherboards are durable and robust due to their weather-efficient shape. Cement rusticated weatherboards can be purchased from James Hardie, and timber from Master Woodturning.
Disadvantages to rusticated weatherboards are dependent on the material from which they are made. Rusticated timber weatherboards are, as with all timber products, suspect to rot and early wear if not treated properly. Rusticated cement weatherboards can run into issues with weight and concerns of Silica dust, as well as generally higher costs.
1. Timber
Timber cladding is often comprised of both softwood and hardwood. Eucalyptus is a popular hardwood in Australia, and probably the most common style of timber cladding in application today. Timber cladding in general is an eco-friendly option, easy to repair, and flexibly priced as costs tend to vary.
A) Softwood
Softwood (lightweight – usually under 500kg/m3) is predominantly recommended for prefab buildings as it puts less strain on the supporting structure. Softwood cladding materials have better thermal conductivity than their hardwood counterparts, as well as an easier installation and more application possibilities for weight-contingent applications. Softwood materials are made from such popular trees as Cedar, Douglas fir and Pine. More purchase information about softwood weatherboards can be found at Wood Solutions.
However, softwood weatherboards are generally weaker and less resistant to fire. Like aluminium and vinyl weatherboards, they also tend to be easily damaged by high-impact forces.
B) Hardwood
Hardwood weatherboards (heavyweight – usually over 800kg/m3) are more durable and fire resistant. Maintenance is simple and they can easily be cleaned. Hardwood’s higher strength means an increased resistance to scratches/dents. They have aesthetic appeal as well as creative flexibility in colours and finishes. Common hardwood weatherboards are made from Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Spotted Gum and Balsa. Pricing information and quality hardwood weatherboards can be found online at Canterbury Timber.
A disadvantage to hardwood is that hardwood trees tend to grow more slowly. This means that hardwood products are more expensive, as they are harder to produce in large quantities. The weight of hardwood timber cladding can also place strain on a building’s structure.
See here for a comprehensive outline of which timber type is best suited for your home.
