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a popular choice and this remains so with many self-builders today. A recent example of where this was used to dramatic effect was a run-down 1960s home on the West Sussex coast. The owner transformed the exterior appearance with fibre cement weatherboard, to create a contem- porary Hamptons-style beach house. Fibre cement weatherboard was chosen because its subtle textured surface gives the visual appearance of timber yet requires no ongoing maintenance. Modern fibre cement weatherboard such as this can have an installed life expectancy of 50 years and unlike timber does not warp or shrink over time. Caroline, the owner of the property, said:


“We could see that timber weatherboard would have been an issue this close to the sea. It would have required more regular maintenance than is practical – and with the fibre cement product you don’t even need to paint it because it is sup- plied in a wide choice of great colours.” Fibre cement weatherboard is equally as pop- ular with self-builders who are refurbishing more


traditional properties, such as a historic 194- year-old, Grade II listed windmill in Kent. The visual appearance of the weatherboard helped create a sympathetic restoration of the building, which has once again become a picturesque landmark in the small town of Sheerness, located on the Isle of Sheppey. Caleb, the owner, said: “We used fibre cement weatherboard because it was a cost-effective alternative to timber, and is also insect proof, which increases its longevity and protects the structure from pest damage, such as woodworm. It looks great, too, and has recaptured the orig- inal look of the windmill beautifully.”


Fit ‘n’ forget


Fibre cement weatherboard can be cut, screwed, nailed or glued just like timber, so there is no need for specialist installation skills. This is an important consideration for self builders looking to take on certain aspects of the project them- selves to keep within budget. In terms of design there are many options


available with fibre cement, from the traditional shiplap configuration through to more contem- porary vertical boards. The boards can either be overlapped, fitted flush or left with a shadow gap – either way it provides the building with the benefits of a rear ventilated cavity, while cre- ating a design that is up to date. Fibre cement weatherboard protects buildings


against harsh weather conditions by allowing air to continually circulate up through the rear-





There are many options available with fibre cement, from the traditional shiplap configuration through to more contemporary vertical boards





ventilated cavity, keeping the main structure dry. Preventing rain or moisture reaching the exterior wall of the building protects it from the damaging effects of this continual wetting and drying action. As self-builders embrace the challenge of


creating visually pleasing homes that offer long term low maintenance, more are opting for fibre cement weatherboard. The fact that the material retains a link with historical buildings, which tended to be all self-build, yet provides modern performance and maintenance bene- fits, means that the material has taken the ordi- nary weatherboard and made it into something quite extraordinary.


Enq. 141 Heritage Roofline • Rainwater • Cladding


Long lasting, sustainable PVC systems for exposed and inaccessible locations.


Pre-painted black featheredge Thermowood pine claddings Pre-painted white featheredge


• Responsibly sourced and manufactured • Maximum CSH points for new build • Minimum lifetime costs for refurbishment


www.swishbp.co.uk BUILDING PRODUCTS Enq. 142 Treated pine claddings


www.timber-cladding.co.uk For a free sample, call 0800 849 6339


Buy online: Enq. 143 selfbuilder & homemaker www.sbhonline.co.uk 43


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