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