Weathertex Cladding (Weatherboards | Panels)

Proud and determined to promote environmental and sustainable performance measures, we have worked hard to ensure our products are third party accredited. Weathertex has been rated through the Global GreenTag program which publishes environmental performance indices based on a comprehensive material life-cycle analysis. Weathertex also takes part in product health transparency programs such as Declare labelling and GreenTag Product Health Declaration which focuses on ensuring the safety of construction materials for installers and the end users. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management through independent third-party certification. The Weathertex timber supply chain is 100% PEFC Certified which ensures all harvested timber resources are procured from ethical and ecologically sustainable sources.

Primer: Weathertex factory primer is designed to be painted within 60 days of installation. Failure to do so can result in poor topcoat adhesion and will void warranty. Lightly sand any nibs or blemishes which have occurred during fixing. Sawn edges, holes and countersinks must be reprimed with high quality tanin blocking exterior primer (solvent based). A spray primer is the most efficient method. It is also good practice to prime any timber mouldings, including corner stops and trims.

Trimtec aluminium accessories are protected by an anodised coating and can be left unpainted if desired. Due to their smooth surface, aluminium accessories should be etch primed if a topcoat is to be applied.

Surface Preparation - Cleaning & Washing: Once boards are installed, clean all surfaces with a mild sugar soap solution using soft broom or lint free cloth to remove salt, dirt, dust, oils, grease and other airborne contaminates (as required by the paint manufacturer). Methylated spirit and a cloth may also be used to remove stubborn oil, grease or waxy contaminants.

Do not vigorously scrub the surface nor use corrosive cleaners as this may burnish the paint surface and mark the primer finish. Wash down with fresh water and allow to completely dry. Not allowing the board to dry before painting is a common cause of paint failure. Failure to properly prepare the surface may result in poor adhesion with topcoat and may void the paint manufacturer's warranty. Never use high pressure washers as this can cause coating or even board damage and water ingress into the wall cavity.

Painting: The primed surface of Weathertex Weatherboards and Panels are suitable for the application of exterior grade water or solvent based topcoat paint systems. It is recommended to apply selected coating to a test area to confirm suitability. If compatibility of the selected topcoat is an issue, the surface may be primed with a suitable tanin blocking exterior primer per the coating manufacturer's recommendation before painting.

In order to enhance the durability of Weathertex in the New Zealand climate, before installation and top coating, a liberal coat of solvent based undercoat must be applied to the bottom drip edges of Weathertex Weatherboard or Panel Systems. The undercoat must extend 100mm up the back of the board. When top coating, apply a minimum of two coats of paint in accordance with the paint manufacturer instructions for mixing, film build, coverage and drying between coats. Temperature and wet weather will affect curing of coatings and consideration of site conditions at the time of painting is essential to ensure proper curing and adhesion. Paint additives may adversely affect the coating adhesion and durability and should only be used with the endorsement of the coating manufacturer.

Paint Colour: Weathertex hardboard products have 50 years proven durability in the harshest of climate zones. While there is no restriction on the vast array of colours to paint your home, it is important to understand the effect paint colours can have on the performance of construction products.

As Weathertex is a timber product, its dimensions will expand and contract with changes in moisture content. Dark paint colours can allow surfaces in warmer climates to become very hot in direct sunlight leading to loss of moisture and subsequent shrinkage of the Weatherboard. Selection of light paint colours with high Light Reflectance Values (LRV) will lead to better thermal efficiency of the building, improve the maintenance cycles of paint coatings and sealants while minimising the thermal expansion and contraction of all construction components.

Maintenance: The extent and nature of maintenance will depend on the geographical location and exposure of the installation. Regularly wash the painted surface with mild soapy water to remove dirt and grime to improve the performance of the coating. Never use high pressure washers as this can cause coating damage and water ingress into the wall cavity.

Thoroughly inspect topcoat paint work at the end of year 1 and repair areas of damage/coating breakdown according to the original paint specification or approved equivalent. Repeat inspection process at year 5 and based on the results of this condition survey make a decision on future maintenance actions, which may include touch up/repair of areas or a full recoat.

Additional basic maintenance tasks include but are not limited to; controlling vegetation and garden beds close to the installation, keeping gutters and pipes clear, addressing potential moisture damage due to overflows and replacement of penetrations, flashings and sealants used in installation as required.

Generally, exterior surface coatings deteriorate by chalking rather than flaking. When repainting becomes necessary and the surface is unbroken, remove loose chalk by lightly sanding and follow the preparation steps above. Reapply new coatings in accordance with the paint manufacturer's instructions.