A thoroughly extraordinary weatherboard
Self-builders strive to create homes that are distinct and appealing, while not ending up with a structure that looks out of place in its surroundings. Marley Eternit looks at why fibre cement weatherboarding is able to retain a timeless appeal, while adding a modern twist to create a contemporary home
F
ibre cement has for some time been recog- nised as a durable, low maintenance and rot free facade solution. Indeed, self-
builders are reluctant to use anything else because of the ongoing maintenance issues associated with some other materials. One of the most effective uses of fibre cement
has been weatherboard cladding, a facade solution that has retained an enduring appeal with homebuilders for centuries. Fibre cements’ ability to replicate the attractive, decorative qualities of timber, while avoiding the ongoing maintenance issues, has lead to its popularity.
Historical weatherboard
In terms of historical buildings, oak and elm were the predominant timbers used for weath- erboard until the mid 1800s. The advent of less durable, imported softwood in the 19th century resulted in a need to protect the timber from the element. At around the same time, widespread use of town-gas meant that black-coloured coal tar, a natural protector of timber, became the obvious solution. As a result many buildings fitted with weather-
board adopted a distinctive black appearance. Even now, planning departments often require that new buildings should have black weather- board to retain the vernacular architecture. The reality, of course, is that the use of black coal tar was a relatively recent development – only with the advent of the town-gas in the 19th cen- tury – prior to this the boards were either left untreated or limed washed. Where lime was used, the addition of pig-
ments allowed the creation of a range of appealing red ochre and bluish hues, which means that pre-19th century weatherboard was much more brightly coloured. Manufacturers of modern fibre cement weatherboard products have responded to this by offering a range of soft colours that reflect what these ‘traditional’ weatherboard buildings would have looked like. Black was not the only colour. With lime washed buildings, white was also
42 selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk
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