Splits or cracks in stained or clear-finished timber weatherboards

Cause

Boards have been double nailed preventing movement 

Repair

  • if splitting allows water entry into the wall cavity, replace the boards
  • if there is no water entry, the boards can remain. Scrape or sand back paint; prime; fill joints with putty or exterior grade flexible (polyester) filler; paint with at least two coats of semi-gloss or high gloss acrylic paint
  • before replacing boards, check that the wall underlay (building paper) and framing behind weatherboards are sound
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage behind the cladding, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building

Cause

Boards are single-fixed but nailed through the lap preventing movement 

Repair

  • if splitting allows water entry into the wall cavity, replace the boards
  • if there is no water entry, the boards can remain. Scrape or sand back paint; prime; fill joints with putty or exterior grade flexible (polyester) filler; paint with at least two coats of semi-gloss or high gloss acrylic paint
  • before replacing boards, check that the wall underlay (building paper) and framing behind weatherboards are sound
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage behind the cladding, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building

Cause

Timber has become too dry

Repair

  • if splitting allows water entry into the wall cavity, replace the boards
  • if there is no water entry, the boards can remain. Scrape or sand back paint; prime; fill joints with putty or exterior grade flexible (polyester) filler; paint with at least two coats of semi-gloss or high gloss acrylic paint
  • before replacing boards, check that the wall underlay (building paper) and framing behind weatherboards are sound
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage behind the cladding, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building

Cause

Splitting occurred during installation

Repair

  • if splitting allows water entry into the wall cavity, replace the boards
  • if there is no water entry, the boards can remain. Scrape or sand back paint; prime; fill joints with putty or exterior grade flexible (polyester) filler; paint with at least two coats of semi-gloss or high gloss acrylic paint
  • before replacing boards, check that the wall underlay (building paper) and framing behind weatherboards are sound
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage behind the cladding, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building

Cause

Insufficient gap was left between rusticated or rebated weatherboards during installation 

Repair

  • if there is no water entry, the boards can remain; scrape or sand back paint; prime; fill joints with putty or exterior grade flexible (polyester) filler; paint with at least two coats of semi-gloss or high gloss acrylic paint
  • if splitting allows water entry into the wall cavity, replace the boards; remove existing damaged board or sections of board and install new board
  • before replacing boards, check that the wall underlay (building paper) and framing behind weatherboards are sound
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage behind the cladding, engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building