Can You Clad Over Existing Weatherboards?

If the existing weatherboards on your home have given up after many years of service, it’s probably best to retire them. Damaged or weather-beaten weatherboards can lead to further damage of the home… not to mention make your façade look pretty heinous!

But the burning question on your mind remains: can you simply clad over these existing weatherboards? Or do they need to be painstakingly removed one at a time?

This is something we’ve been asked a lot and, hence, have the answer to. Let’s discuss whether or not you can clad over existing weatherboards… and, even if it is possible, whether or not you should do it.

Cladding over existing weatherboards: is it possible?

Yes, it’s possible to clad over existing weatherboards. Cladding is a highly flexible material which can be used on many existing structures, including weatherboard. But should you clad over existing weatherboards? This is a different question.

What to consider when cladding over weatherboard

While it’s certainly possible to apply cladding to existing weatherboard and, in many cases, it’s a suitable option, there are a range of things to consider before going ahead with it. These include:

• Limitations on structural assessment
  Say you want to assess the home for structural integrity before you reclad. Not removing the weatherboard before cladding makes this impossible, meaning there may be structural imperfections going unnoticed below the surface.
• Moisture trapping
  If your weatherboards are already showing signs of rot and mould, this can be exacerbated by cladding over weatherboard, as moisture is trapped between the old weatherboards and the new cladding. Proper insulation and moisture barriers are necessary to avoid this.
• Installation problems
  If your weatherboards are worn out or damaged, this could affect the installation of your cladding. Weatherboard flaws can result in gaps or uneven surfaces when applying your new cladding, which limits the effectiveness and appearance of the cladding.

Perks of cladding over weatherboard

However, if none of these issues are present, then cladding over existing weatherboard might be a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for your home. There are certain perks of cladding over weatherboard:

• Quick and easy result
  If you want to save time, cladding over weatherboard is an obvious choice.

• Cost-effective
  It costs less to clad over your existing weatherboard than to remove the weatherboard and apply the new cladding.

• Insulation benefits
  Cladding over weatherboards means an added layer of insulation to your home. This can create a more efficient insulator, leading to better energy efficiency in the home.

Still unsure of the best approach? Talk to the legends at Plaster Wholesalers. Our team is Melbourne’s most experienced, with 30 years of service in the plastering industry. We carry Victoria’s best range of plaster and cladding materials, and can guide you in the right direction for cladding processes. Pop in to our Hoppers Crossing and Somerton locations, or give us a call today.