THE FINAL LAYER

Once the home is built, the next step is to paint or coat the timber cladding. It is important that this is carried out correctly, to ensure long-term durability and a great appearance

Timber weatherboards have been used to clad New Zealand homes for generations. They are a proven cladding made from a durable natural resource that is flexible and lightweight and can be easily worked and finished to a high standard.

Similarly, we have painted our houses for generations. Whether this has been done by home handypeople or professional painters, painting and paint systems are a critical component in protecting what is probably our most valuable asset.

THINK ABOUT THE PAINT SYSTEM

Unfortunately, painting is frequently considered to be the final beautification process – after all the sweat, hard work and potentially tears of the construction project have taken place. This means its importance can sometimes be overlooked.

Often people will spend longer agonising over colours than paying additional attention to the details of the paint system and ensuring the paint actually does what it was designed to do – to protect an investment for many years.

FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS’ INSTRUCTIONS

Regardless of type, all cladding products made by reputable manufacturers have care, handling and finishing instruction details that are either supplied with the product or available online. Making sure these instructions are adhered to is paramount to ensuring products perform as they were designed to.

The most prevalent timber weatherboard in use today is a finger-jointed treated and preprimed product, manufactured from radiata pine. Some manufacturers use different factory priming and sealing systems before getting their product to market.

Some producers provide an extra factory-applied top coating service, which ensures surface uniformity and that a high-quality consistent film builds. Factory top-coating services save time and labour on site, provide additional board protection and cover the full face of the weatherboard.

GETTING THE BEST RESULTS

For best results, premium acrylic top coats of an appropriate colour – usually lighter – and suitable gloss level are recommended for use with timber weatherboards. The quality and thickness of the paint system – especially of top coats – have a significant impact on the long-term aesthetic performance of weatherboards.

Coating thickness or dry film thickness is relative to top coat application spread rates. These are clearly indicated on paint containers and paint company data sheets.

All premium paint brands offer relatively consistent application rate specifications, but note they typically state minimum levels. Not achieving at least the required minimum levels of top coat dry film thickness may result in premature weathering and breakdown of the overall paint system, causing early repaints and needless additional maintenance to properties.

For example, highly exposed homes adjacent to beaches with sand and salt spray may need additional coats and maintenance to ensure the optimal level of protection and desired aesthetic for longer-term periods.

KEEP UP THE MAINTENANCE

Basic maintenance of home exteriors is often overlooked. All claddings, including timber weatherboards, benefit from a gentle wash, especially under eaves and overhangs. Washing will remove marine salts and other contaminants and should be done at least annually.

TRADE PROFFESIONALS

Using an experienced painter to prepare and apply exterior paint to timber weatherboards is an advantage. Often, they will have extended relationships with professionals in paint companies and cladding providers to give additional advice, ensuring best results.

TREAT WELL FOR GOOD PERFORMANCE

Timber weatherboards are a timeless New Zealand cladding. Quality New Zealand-produced weatherboards – prepared, painted and maintained to specification – will perform well in our harsh environment, giving generations of performance and aesthetic appeal.

 

This article was first published in Issue 173 BRANZ’s Build magazine. www.buildmagazine.co.nz. Words supplied by BRANZ.