Weatherboard houses are a staple in Australian architecture, popular for their charming, classic aesthetics. However, to keep its pristine appearance and ensure its longevity, a weatherboard house requires proper maintenance. Neglecting the exterior of your weatherboard house can lead to structural damage, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. In this post, we will provide you with tips on how to maintain your weatherboard house and keep it looking brand new.
Inspect the weatherboards regularly
The first step in maintaining your weatherboard house is by conducting regular inspections. This involves checking the weatherboards for any signs of damage, rot, cracks, or wear and tear. Inspect the bottom of the boards where moisture can penetrate and cause damage. If you notice any issues with the weatherboards, ensure you address them immediately to avoid further damage.
Clean the exterior
Cleaning the exterior is crucial in maintaining your weatherboard house. Over time, the exterior can become dirty and discolored due to dirt, grime, and pollution. Cleaning the exterior involves pressure washing the weatherboards, gutters, and windows. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the weatherboards and a mild detergent to remove any stains or debris.
Seal the gaps
Weatherboard houses have gaps between the boards, which are necessary for ventilation and expansion. However, these gaps can allow moisture to penetrate the walls, leading to rot, decay, and even infestations. To avoid this, ensure the gaps are sealed with caulking or weatherstripping to reduce the amount of moisture that enters the house.
Repaint
One of the most effective ways to keep your weatherboard house looking brand new is by repainting it. A fresh coat of paint can improve the aesthetics of your home and provide a protective layer to the weatherboards. Ensure you choose high-quality paint and apply it carefully, ensuring all surfaces are covered. It’s recommended to repaint your weatherboard house every 10-15 years, or when the paint begins to fade or chip.
Treat the weatherboards for pests
Weatherboard houses are attractive to pests such as termites, ants, and other insects. These pests can cause significant damage to the weatherboards, cornices, and eaves, leading to costly repairs. To avoid this, ensure you treat the weatherboards with appropriate pesticides and insecticides. It’s recommended to hire a professional pest control company to ensure the treatment is done safely and effectively.
Maintain the gutters
Gutters play an essential role in diverting water away from the house’s foundation, preventing flooding and water damage. However, gutters can become clogged with leaves, debris, and other materials, leading to water overflow and damage to the exterior. To avoid this, ensure you clean the gutters regularly and install leaf guards to prevent the accumulation of debris.
Repair and replace damaged weatherboards
Damage to the weatherboards can compromise the structural integrity of your weatherboard house. Ignoring damaged boards can lead to further damage, requiring costly repairs. It’s recommended to repair or replace damaged weatherboards immediately. This involves removing the damaged boards and replacing them with new ones, ensuring the gap between the boards is sealed correctly.
Maintain the landscape
The landscape surrounding your weatherboard house can also affect its appearance and condition. Trees, bushes, and other vegetation can grow close to the exterior, causing moisture to accumulate on the weatherboards, leading to damage. Ensure the vegetation is trimmed, and there is proper airflow between the exterior and the landscape.
In conclusion, maintaining a weatherboard house requires proper care and attention. Inspect the weatherboards regularly, clean the exterior, seal the gaps, repaint, treat for pests, maintain the gutters, repair and replace damaged weatherboards, and maintain the landscape. With these tips, you can keep your weatherboard house looking brand new for years to come, ensuring its longevity and value.
