The weatherboard house is a popular and affordable Australian staple, so it should come as no surprise that renovations are happening more often. This has been going on for a long time now because homes need to be updated every once in a while to keep up with modern-day standards.
There are factors that make a weatherboard house appealing compared to a brick house, such as their affordability, when they were first built as worker’s cottages. However, a weatherboard house is not immune to weathering and deterioration which can affect the exterior of a home.
There are both pros and cons of weatherboard home renovation so we will go over the main ones here:
Pros Of Renovating A Weatherboard Home
1. Weatherboard homes are character-filled, easy to maintain and cost less than other types of home construction
A weatherboard house is an iconic Australian architectural type that is a great option for those looking to build a home on the cheap. The durable weatherboards themselves, as well as other materials like corrugated iron and timber boards, make up much of the exterior walls and cladding and can be easily replaced or repaired when needed without having to replace entire pieces of expensive brickwork wall and construction on your property.
For those looking for environmentally friendly building methods too, these types of houses provide natural thermal insulation from hot summers or cold winters with its external walls being able to breathe in heat during summer while releasing heat back outside through cracks around windows etc., meaning you’ll never have trouble keeping your house at just the right temperature. On the other hand, you may require insulation or heating depending on your location as a property like this is not suited for extreme weather conditions and experiences cooling fast in winter.
Weatherboard homes are also easy when it comes to maintenance and durability as they can be coated with a simple wash of paint every now and then. This is the most effective combination to keep them looking good for years, without having to do any major renovations or extra construction.
2. They’re cheaper to build because you don’t need a lot of materials like bricks and mortar
It is less costly to build and renovate weatherboard homes because you don’t need a lot of materials like bricks and mortar. This is due to the fact that weatherboards can be nailed together rather than having additional labor in laying brick or other construction material, which means it’s less expensive for developers who want an inexpensive way to construct different types of houses as well.
This means weatherboards can be more easily repaired or replaced and painted when needed, which is an added bonus as it doesn’t take much time and money to get your house looking brand new again.
3. Weatherboarding is environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require much paint or sealant
As a sustainable option, weatherboards don’t require much paint or sealant. Unlike other materials like clapboard which requires additional caulking over time, this material and its foundations will last for generations on your property without the use of any adhesives at all. You will however need to repaint timber weatherboards every few years. Regular painting and factoring in regular maintenance costs is key in order to avoid costly repairs from neglect.
Weatherboarding is environmentally friendly because it won’t rot as fast compared to lumber due in part from its natural resistance against rainwater penetration.
As an added benefit for homeowners living near the seashore who want their house decked out with wood but fear saltwater damage, timber weatherboards as building material are great since they don’t corrode easily and can resist moisture better than fresh cut ones if sealed properly first before installation.
4. If you want an affordable house that will stand the test of time, then this might be for you
Forget your cookie-cutter houses like cinderblocks and brick. A weatherboard house is a true testament to the test of time, as they have been around since before colonial times! See our article on the history of weatherboard homes for a look at their rich history.
This type of house is both affordable and versatile – you can use it for anything from an industrial space to a private residence with tons of bedrooms. So if long-lasting construction at its finest sounds appealing then look no further than this tried-and-tested material that has stood the test of time itself!
Cons Of Renovation Of Weatherboard Houses
1. The timber frame is not as strong as brick or concrete, so they can be damaged more easily by storms and high winds
Timber frames are often built with exposed beams and unfinished surfaces, making them more vulnerable to damage from weather conditions such as storms that may cause the boards to crack in extreme weather environments.
Weatherboards and other materials like corrugated iron and timber battens make up much of the exterior wall surface, meaning a weatherboard house is not as structurally sound and lacks durability when compared to brick or stone houses. This is because weatherboards are more susceptible to cracking in extreme weather conditions such as storms that can damage their surface and weatherboards can’t be used for load-bearing walls to support roofs or other buildings. However, they are able to withstand ground movement better than brick buildings.
When it comes to developing a home from scratch, there is no one way that’s right for everyone. Some people lean towards the traditional brick or concrete structures while others prefer timber frame homes because of their rustic charm. Timber frames may be beautiful in appearance but they come at a cost: timbers can break easily during storms and high winds due to lack of structural support as compared with other common building materials like bricks or concrete.
2. Weatherboard houses are prone to termite damage due to their softwood timbers
A lot of wooden houses are prone to termite damage due to their naturally softwood timbers. This is a common problem for a weatherboard house that was built in the South and other humid climates, as these buildings tend to have more ventilation needed because they’re typically not insulated with modern materials like fiberglass insulation or polyurethane foam board products.
Left untreated, termites will sneak into small spaces in order to make contact with softwood timber like those found on weatherboard homes which is why these types of buildings are more susceptible to infestation than other building materials such as brick constructions.
More than likely, your house has been invaded by those pesky little bugs at some point if it’s made out of wood – especially vulnerable varieties such as pine and cedar which are both lower on the strength scale when compared against oak-based woods.
3. Old weatherboards can have cracks from shrinkage which should be fixed before painting
Old weatherboards can form cracks from shrinkage, which is caused by changes in temperature and humidity over time. Before painting the boards it’s important to repair any existing damage to an old weatherboard home as these will be more visible after completion.
The first thing you should do before painting your house is to inspect it for potential problems. Old weatherboard houses are prone to shrinking and expanding over time, which can cause cracks in the paint if not addressed beforehand.
The best way of assessing damage on an old home is by meticulously inspecting every square inch with a keen eye – that includes taking note of any cracking or peeling paint from around windowsills as well.
4. If you’re looking for style or modern living then this probably isn’t what you’re after
Brick houses are aesthetically pleasing and have been popular for centuries. But, in modern living, these days of open floor plans with kitchens that flow into the dining room which is adjacent to a great outdoor space such as a deck or patio area brick homes don’t make it onto many people’s list of “must-haves.”
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned home to capture your own sense of style or desire in regards to modern aesthetics, then maybe this isn’t what you are wanting at all because weatherboard homes have been around since time immemorial.
The weatherboard style of home is often the most affordable and maintenance-free option for a buyer. They have some downsides that, with careful consideration can be easily overlooked as they are relatively minor in comparison to other options on the market today.
Weatherboards offer an attractive look at an appealing price point—but what does this mean exactly? Essentially, these homes provide buyers with a great deal when it comes to both affordability and upkeep expenses. This type of building will never need more than occasional sanding or repainting (at worst). The exterior wood surface may not last forever if exposed too frequently without any kind of protection from wear-and-tear; but homeowners only pay once, rather than every year like many others do. One option for those who are interested in a weatherboard-inspired look is to consider fibre cement weatherboard cladding on the facade of your home – a relatively inexpensive method of achieving a weatherboard look and feel without the additional maintenance and cons of a weatherboard exterior for your new home. On the other hand, installing a brick veneer or brick cladding is also possible for those who are looking for a brick exterior for a weatherboard building.
