What are the main ingredients of Weathertex?
Weathertex is 97% hardwood timber and 3% natural wax for water repellency. White acrylic primer is then applied to the surface. The accessory products are made from a range of materials including PVC (poly vinyl chloride), aluminium and galvanised steel.
What is the thickness of Weathertex?
All Weathertex Weatherboards and Architectural Panels are 9.5mm thick. Note: due to the manufacturing process Weathertex products cannot be made to measure.
What colour does Weathertex come in?
Weathertex products are mostly supplied primed. However, Weathertex is available in a natural (unprimed) surface which provides a unique appearance with the characteristics and look of raw, undressed timber. Weathertex’s natural finished products are covered by a 10 year warranty not to rot, split or crack. Please see the warranty section of this website. The Weathertex product range is subject to availability by your Country’s distributor. Please see your distributor for available Weathertex products.
Is Weathertex a safe product to use?
Weathertex has similar properties to most natural wood products. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available in accordance with Worksafe Australia Guidelines and the following statement is made in the MSDS. Weathertex is a reconstituted wood product made from wood, and wax. Exposure to wood dust may cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system and skin, and may cause sensitisation by inhalation resulting in asthma, and by skin contact resulting in dermatitis. In addition, inhalation of wood dust may cause cancer. Worksafe Australia has established Exposure Standards for wood dust, based on the known health effects. Levels of wood dust must be kept below these Exposure Standards.
I am building in a bush fire prone area, can I use Weathertex as the external cladding?
The Australian Standard AS3959-2009: Construction of Buildings in Bush fire Prone Areas, provides the framework for what is now acceptable in building throughout most of Australia. Weathertex is suitable for use in BAL-LOW, BAL-12.5 and BAL-19 construction levels. Consult your council for further information regarding what is acceptable for the region.
What is the difference between Classic, Primelok and Selflok weatherboards?
Weathertex Classic weatherboards are a traditional weatherboard without the imperfections of knots and grains; Primelok weatherboards are manufactured with a Primelok fixing system, a plastic spline on the back of each weatherboard, designed for easy installation; and Selflok weatherboards are manufactured with a self locking system, where each weatherboard is routed to give a unique ship lapped profile.
Is Weathertex termite ('White Ant') resistant?
Weathertex currently provides a warranty which protects against a variety of conditions including (but not exclusive of) the product supplied being fit for purpose, and will not rot, split or crack. In addition to this, Weathertex is warranted against termite attack provided the following conditions are adhered to. A termite mitigation plan must be in place and maintained from the time that the Weathertex is installed and for the life of the product. Provided that the plan and its maintenance can be demonstrated then the normal Weathertex 25 year warranty at the time of purchase will apply. Please Note: Weathertex should not be used in contact with the ground. Our fixing instructions state that there should be at least 150mm clearance between the bottom edge of Weathertex and paved surfaces which are exposed to the weather and at least 225mm clearance to unprotected ground. For Further information please refer to Weathertex and Termites Fact Sheet.
Could you please send a brochure and sample of Weathertex so I can see what it looks like?
Yes. The Weathertex Technical Support Centre is able to mail customers brochures and samples of Weathertex products. To assist the Support Centre it would be helpful for customers to browse Products to get an understanding of what product they may be interested in.
We are thinking about using Weathertex. Where can we go to look at these products?
To view the Weathertex product range you can browse Products or the Weathertex Gallery. Contact Weathertex Customer Service for your nearest store to view a Weathertex display board. If you require more information or a sample please contact our Technical Support Centre 1800 040 080.
Where can I see examples of homes finished in your external cladding products?
Due to privacy Weathertex is unable to provide locations as to where finished Weathertex homes are located. To view Weathertex homes you can browse our Gallery.
Can Weathertex shingles be used for roofing?
Weathertex Shingles are not recommended as a primary roofing material. Fire regulations in most regions limit the use of flammable roof materials on houses. Weathertex Shingles can, however provide pleasing decorative options such as a permanent awning over windows or as a roofing material for a garden gazebo or cabana.
Can Weathertex weatherboards be installed diagonally?
Yes, but additional studs and / or nogging must be provided. Because the maximum permitted distance between fixings is 600mm, the stud spacing for weatherboards at 450mm to horizontal must not exceed 450mm, and the stud spacing for weatherboards at 600mm to horizontal must not exceed 300mm. The positioning and number of nails and screws should be as shown in the Installation Guide and breather type sarking must be used. Particular attention should be given to the detail of flashing at intersection with windows, doors etc. to prevent water ingress. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide.
Do I have to use plastic joiners?
Weathertex Joiners allow for expansion and contraction of weatherboards caused by changes in relative humidity, and therefore minimise the possibility of buckling between studs. Weathertex slowly absorbs moisture at high humidity and expands, and slowly loses moisture at low humidity and contracts. The typical movement of an unrestrained weatherboard is 0.25% of the face dimensions between 50% and 90% relative humidity. Weathertex Joiners also act as flashing to prevent water entry behind the weatherboards. Joiner must be used if the weatherboards are joined off-stud and when installing Weathertex Wall Shingles. Weatherboards may be butt jointed over studs on short lengths of wall (not longer than 5.5m) without the use of joiners. Cut ends should be primed. Nails or screws should not be closer than 12mm from the weatherboard ends, and therefore the stud needs to be of sufficient width to prevent splitting of the stud and subsequent poor fastening. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide.
Is sarking, reflective insulation or a vapour barrier recommended under Weathertex?
Sarking is used to prevent wind driven rain blowing under the weatherboard lap. It is essential that sarking be used where this is likely to be a problem, for example, in upper storey extensions. Sarking is recommended under Weathertex cladding, but it must be a vapour permeable (breather) grade. Vapour permeable sarking such as Bradford Enviroseal Wall Breather Foil may be used directly under Weathertex weatherboards. Foil laminated sarking will also act as a reflective insulation. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide. In cold climates, a vapour barrier should be used on the inside of the frame or on the internal wall to prevent transmission of water vapour to the wall cavity, for example, from clothes and dish washing, unflued gas heaters etc. Subsequent condensation can cause decay of the timber frame. Expert advice should be sought on this aspect of building design. Typical “R” values of wall systems are given in the Weathertex Installation Guide.
What sealants, fillers or caulking compounds can be used between weatherboards or at corner abutments
Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions. Gaps should be filled with a flexible sealant such as Sikaflex PRO or Fuller Super Seal HPR25. Please Note: Any cut ends must be primed with a solvent-based exterior wood primer or an acrylic tannin resistant wood primer. For filling nail and screw holes use a sandable, exterior filler suitable for timber. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide.
Can I install Weathertex onto a steel frame?
Installing Weathertex onto a steel frame is generally similar to installing Weathertex on a timber frame. Weathertex supports both frame types. Keep in mind both timber and steel frames shall comply with the Building Code of Australia. Steel frames should be erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide.
What is a Cavity Batten and Cavity Closer?
A cavity batten is a 1200mm x 45mm batten designed to provide separation between the breather membrane, a physical barrier between the studs and the external cladding, on the wall frame and the external cladding. A cavity closer is a steel strip that must be installed at the base of the wall, designed to stop vermin and other material entering the cavity.
Why is it important that I have a cavity wall system?
To provide the best protection for your wall against moisture and mould related problems Weathertex highly recommends the use of a cavity fixing system. A cavity system creates a space within the wall that allows airflow to remove any moisture that accumulates in this space wither from wind driven rain or condensation. Fixing your Weathertex cladding using the cavity system provides the best defence for your internal lining, frame, insulation and cladding against the damaging effects of moisture. If the cavity system is not the chosen method of construction, sufficient ventilation within the wall must be otherwise provided or warranty may be void. For further information please refer to the Weathertex Installation Guide.