Weatherboards refer to thin sheets used to cover the walls of a building. These sheets are usually made from different materials such as timber (cypress weatherboards, for example). This article discusses some tips that you should implement in order to get the best performance from your timber weatherboards.

Use Light Coloured Paint

Dark-coloured paint (such as black) absorbs a lot of heat during hot months. This heat makes the cypress weatherboards to lose a lot of moisture. That moisture loss results in varying degrees of contraction. Consequently, your weatherboards may split or distort in shape. You can prevent this premature aging/damage to your weatherboards by choosing light-coloured paint (such as cream). This paint will reflect a significant amount of heat so that moisture loss from your cypress weatherboards is minimal. Apply the appropriate number of paint coats as recommended by the manufacturer of that paint. This will limit the impact of the elements on those weatherboards.

Leave Expansion Gaps

Weatherboards are exposed to the elements. Consequently, they will inevitably absorb some moisture when it rains (despite the fact that they are painted). They will also lose some moisture when it is hot. These changes in the moisture content of the weatherboards will cause those boards to expand (when they absorb moisture) and to contract (when they lose some moisture). It is imperative that you leave some gaps between the individual boards to accommodate this expansion-contraction cycle. Talk to your supplier of cypress weatherboards so that you know the best size of the gaps that you should leave based on the weather conditions in your location. Otherwise, the weatherboards may expand so much that they may be distorted in shape if there is no room to allow for that expansion.

Create Opportunity for Moisture to Escape from Behind the Weatherboards

Some homeowners make the mistake of blocking the bottom of the gap between the weatherboards and the wall. This traps moisture within that gap. That trapped moisture can cause the cypress weatherboards to start rotting from the inside. Avoid this premature damage to your weatherboards by leaving a small gap at the bottom so that moisture can escape from behind the cypress weatherboards.

It is very important that you follow all the cypress weatherboard storage and installation guidelines provided when you buy those materials. This is important because many timber weatherboard failures originate from poor storage or poor installation techniques. You can also hire a professional to install the weatherboards in case you are unsure about your ability to follow all the best practices that result in a durable installation.