There are many conversion types that you can make to your weatherboard house, and it is important to be aware of the whole process before making any decisions.

Weatherboards come in ranges of style and colour, so choosing what style you want will depend on both your budget and your preference. There are also different ways weatherboards can be installed – such as horizontal or vertical boards – which will affect how much time the conversion process takes. The option of insulation is also an important one depending on the weather at your location.

The weatherboard home conversion process begins by stripping the existing weatherboards and priming them. The weatherboard is then stained to your preferred color, and after drying properly, it can be sealed with a clear sealant. If you prefer not to stain the weatherboards, a primer will need to be applied before they are painted in order for them to be weather-proof.

A weatherboard conversion is a great way to tackle weatherboard problems that your house may have such as rot, water damage, or missing boards.

A weatherboard conversion typically involves the replacement of weatherboards on existing weatherboard homes. There are three types:

Replacement Weatherboards

This is where new weatherboards are fitted in place of old weatherboards, which can be tricky to achieve a seamless finish.

This weatherboard conversion is the most common type. It involves replacing weatherboards on existing weatherboard houses, starting with stripping the old ones and priming them before painting or staining as desired and sealing to make them weatherproof.

A weatherboard conversion usually takes about four days per 1000 square feet of exterior wall space – including preparation, weatherboard installation and clean up.

Why replace your weatherboards with new ones?

There are many reasons why you might want to replace your weatherboards. Weatherboards can easily be damaged by termites, the sun, or water damage and old paint on them will often start peeling off eventually leaving your home looking shabby.

You also risk mold growing in wet areas of an exterior wall if you have a leaky roof that has gone unrepaired for too long as well as dry rot which is when moisture causes wood to deteriorate more quickly than usual because it was not properly dried out after being exposed to rainwater at some point. Both these things could end up costing owners and families thousands of dollars worth over time especially with how common they are in older homes, so doing board replacements regularly before any major mishaps occur to the foundations, would save you a lot of money in the long run and allow you to retain the original charm of your vintage home.

How to choose the right kind of replacement weatherboard?

Different weatherboards are suited for different applications. For example, a weatherboard that you want to install on a roof should be made from a waterproof material like vinyl, polyurethane or PVC as opposed to a cedar weatherboard because it would not last long with water damage occurring.

There are also materials that can withstand termite attack better than others such as weatherboard made from an aluminum alloy, weatherboard with a steel-reinforced core or weatherboard that is impregnated with chemicals.

Older weatherboards tend to be more susceptible to termites so you might want to choose a material type based on this if you are not sure what your needs will entail as well as the overall size of weatherboard you need.

Weatherboard Addition

New weatherboard facades are a popular trend in home renovations. One way to add new cladding and keep your house feeling like it has been updated, but still retain the original character of the design, is by adding just one or two bays at either end of an exterior wall – instead of taking down all four walls (a typical reconstruction).

This weatherboard conversion involves adding weatherboards to the exterior of an existing home.

The new weatherboarding will be installed using a process called timber framing, which is faster and easier than conventional methods such as bricklaying or plastering. Instead of waiting for weeks to watch bricks dry, the timber framing process can produce results in a matter of days.

Why do people choose to construct buildings out of timber framing?

Timber framing is a popular option for building because it’s cheap, durable and easy to construct. It is a method of construction that has been used for centuries to build beautiful structures all around the world.

As timber frames are made from plentiful materials like wood or metal that don’t cost much money, they’re cheaper than other construction options as well as being easier to build in comparison.

Timber frame buildings are typically constructed using long pieces of lumber called “joists”. These beams work together with smaller boards known as “rafters” and braces, which form an intricate web-like structure in order to support heavy roofs or other building features. This kind of woodworking dates back many years ago when builders would have had access only to nearby trees from forests – but nowadays most timber frames come pre-built, making them much easier for people who aren’t carpenters by trade.

Retrofitting Weatherboards

Retrofitting can be achieved by adding cladding to weatherboard houses with another material such as brick veneer, rendering etc. on walls as a facade, leaving only the windows and doors exposed.

The best time for this type of work is during winter because you will need less heating inside your home.

Types of Cladding Available

Brick Veneer

Brick veneer is a popular option for people who want their weatherboards to look authentic – it offers detailed detailing that’s not possible with other materials, and will last about 20 to 25 years with minimal maintenance.

The brick weatherboard looks like the original weatherboard when it’s been painted but you can also choose to leave brick veneer unpainted for a more rustic look. It can be quicker, easier and less expensive to just add cladding to your home than it would be to have a builder repair the weatherboards on a weatherboard cottage.

Rendering

Rendering is a weatherboard made from small particles mixed together and rendered on the exterior walls of a building like a federation style weatherboard cottage, for example. It can also be combined with brick cladding.

It’s an affordable weatherboard option for renovation, as a builder can make it from a variety of materials like cement, lime, and sand.

While rendering is not the most aesthetically pleasing weatherboarding type available for use in Australia, there are some styles that come close to weatherboards but don’t get destroyed by termites or weathering as easily.

Concrete

Concrete weatherboards are a way of securing your home’s exterior walls during renovation, combining the durability and versatility that concrete provides with the classic look of wood. Concrete is difficult to work on in comparison to other materials, but it can be removed or replaced if needed without any major damage.

Concrete weatherboards as walls are less common than traditional wooden ones because they’re difficult to remove or update. Still, many houses with old-fashioned looks have used these boards as an inexpensive way of updating their appearance.

Corrugated Iron

Corrugated iron weatherboards, not to be confused with corrugated metal sheets used for roofing and other purposes are a type of exterior cladding that is often seen as an addition or extension of existing traditional weatherboarding.

The distinguishing feature in these boards from the others mentioned before is their single-layer construction which does not allow them to stand up well against wear and tear caused by exposure over time but has its uses nevertheless such as providing additional protection on low-cost structures like those found in some developing countries where buildings cannot withstand harsher climates without reinforcement and insulation.

Hardiplank

Hardiplank weatherboards are a great way to extend the life of your property and keep it looking modern. They provide protection from moisture, insects, mildew, rot, and decay which can be caused by natural elements or human activity such as cooking over an open flame on stovetops that can create high levels of humidity in kitchens.

Hardiplank panels offer you more than just aesthetic appeal; they will protect your home for years to come against all kinds of perils like water damage.

Fibre Cement Siding

Fiber cement cladding is one example of a weatherboard that may be used for retrofit. It’s popular in Queensland and New South Wales Australia due to its weather-resistant qualities.

Fiber cement siding is a revolutionary and durable material that has been used for some time now in the construction of homes. It doesn’t rot or sag, so you can rest assured that during an intense storm it will hold strong.

This type of cladding is the perfect choice for homeowners living in areas with a high risk of flood. It can withstand water damage without rotting or sagging and will last up to 50 years if properly maintained.

It also comes in many different colors so it won’t clash or stand out too much against your home, which is a nice bonus.

Stucco Cladding

Stucco cladding is a popular exterior design choice for homes because it provides many benefits. It gives the outside of your house an old-world feel, with all its character and charm.

Stucco also offers durability as well as fireproofing properties, so when you’re building in areas prone to wildfires or other disasters, stuccos can be used instead of cinder blocks which are more likely to shatter on impact against debris thrown by high winds during storms like hurricanes.

Stucco has been around since ancient Rome and still proves useful today.

It may seem like adding onto your current home would be expensive at first glance, but when considering all these other options for increasing property value, it might be worth looking into investing in some renovations. See our post on the pros and cons of weatherboard renovations for more information.

Whatever type of renovation you choose, make sure you talk to an architect beforehand to ensure that your design will meet council regulations for building permits. Also consider the weather conditions your house will be in as you may need to install insulation.

If you’re not sure what type of weatherboard conversion will work best for your house needs, budget or design preference etc., contact us today to explore the perfect match for your home! Aspect Renovations can help you discover which option will work best for you.