Weatherboard

Weatherboard, also spelled weatherboard in some regions, is a type of exterior wooden siding formed from long, thin boards installed horizontally along a building’s exterior with a slight overlap. The overlapping course sheds rain and helps keep the wall dry. Traditionally made from timber, weatherboards are now also produced in vinyl, fiber cement, or other composites. In North America, the term clapboard is often used for a similar siding; in the UK and Australasia the term weatherboarding is common.

Weatherboards are typically milled with bevelled or rabbeted edges to create the weather-tight joint. They are fixed to the wall framing with nails or screws, and installed with small gaps to allow for expansion and drainage. Behind the boards, a weather-resistant barrier or moisture shield is usually installed, sometimes with furring strips to provide a vented cavity.

Maintenance is important for timber weatherboards. Untreated or poorly sealed wood can rot, warp, or suffer insect damage. Timber boards require regular painting or staining and periodic replacement of damaged boards. Modern vinyl or fiber-cement versions require less maintenance but may need cleaning and occasional repairs.

Weatherboard cladding is common on residential buildings in temperate climates and on heritage-style homes in many countries. Variants include shiplap and bevel-back siding, as well as non-wood alternatives such as vinyl and fiber cement that mimic the appearance of timber weatherboards.