CertainTeed WeatherBoards fiber cement siding was made for homeowners seeking the painted-wood appearance of traditional siding with a cement-based exterior material. Because the product is no longer commonly sold as new siding, owners may have questions about identification, upkeep, warranty coverage, and matching replacement boards. Knowing the siding’s basic characteristics—and how to assess its condition—can help guide maintenance and repair decisions.
What Is CertainTeed WeatherBoards Siding?
WeatherBoards was CertainTeed’s brand of fiber cement siding. Fiber cement is a manufactured material typically made from cement, sand, water, and reinforcing fibers. It is formed into siding products and finished for exterior use. Exact product composition and construction can vary, so homeowners should consult product documents for the specific WeatherBoards profile and production period installed on a home.
WeatherBoards was designed to provide a traditional siding look without relying on solid wood. Depending on the product and market, the line included profiles such as lap siding, shingles, and panels. Availability, dimensions, textures, and factory finishes could vary by product generation. A home’s original invoices, installation records, and product labels are useful for identifying the exact type.
CertainTeed no longer actively markets WeatherBoards as a current siding line. That means finding new, like-for-like boards may be difficult, and homeowners may need to consider compatible fiber cement products, custom fabrication, or broader replacement of a wall section. Before purchasing materials, confirm current availability with local siding suppliers and verify dimensions with a sample from the home.
Common WeatherBoards Profiles And Appearance
The visible profile can help narrow down which WeatherBoards product is installed, but appearance alone may not establish its precise specification. Lap siding has horizontal courses with exposed faces and overlapping edges. Shingle products create a staggered or straight-edge pattern, while panel siding covers larger areas with fewer joints. Trim pieces may have been supplied separately or sourced from another product line.
Original finish and color can change over time because of sunlight, weather, dirt, and repainting. Even if a supplier locates a board with the same product name, a new piece may not match an older wall. Paint color, sheen, texture, board exposure, and joint layout all affect the finished appearance.
- Lap siding: Check the board width, thickness, face texture, and visible exposure.
- Shingles: Record the unit size, edge pattern, and spacing between courses.
- Panels: Note panel dimensions, joint locations, and any batten strips.
- Trim: Measure corner boards, window surrounds, and other edge details separately.
How To Identify WeatherBoards On A House
Start with the home’s records. Closing documents, contractor estimates, building permits, warranty paperwork, or old receipts may name the siding product. If records are unavailable, inspect a discreet location where the siding’s edge or back may be visible, such as near a removed fixture or an unfinished wall transition. Do not cut into siding just to identify it; disturbing the cladding can create a water-entry point.
Photograph the profile and measure an undamaged board. Record the overall board height, thickness, exposure, texture, and the way the courses overlap. A siding contractor or building-products supplier may be able to compare those details with archived catalogs or samples. Product labels, if present, can be particularly useful, but exterior siding often has no accessible label after installation.
Material identification matters because fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl, and other siding products require different handling and repair methods. If the material remains uncertain, a qualified contractor can examine it. For older homes, testing may also be appropriate before cutting or sanding painted materials, since lead-based paint may be present.
Performance And Limitations
Fiber cement is valued for its ability to resist rot and insect damage better than untreated wood. It is also noncombustible as a material, though a complete wall’s fire performance depends on the entire assembly, installation, and local code requirements. Those characteristics do not make siding maintenance-free or eliminate the need for sound flashing and water management.
Like other cement-based products, fiber cement can be damaged by impact, improper fastening, poor clearance from grade or roofs, and water that is allowed to enter or remain behind the siding. Edges and cut ends may need protection according to the applicable installation instructions. Boards should not be installed in a way that traps water or blocks drainage and ventilation details.
Performance depends heavily on installation. Incorrect clearances, missing flashing, fasteners placed too close to an edge, or joints that do not follow the product instructions can contribute to cracking, swelling of adjacent materials, paint failure, or water damage to the wall assembly. A siding problem may therefore be caused by detailing or maintenance rather than the board material alone.
Inspection And Maintenance
Inspect the exterior at least once a year and after severe storms. Look for cracked or loose boards, damaged caulk, peeling paint, open joints, and signs of water staining. Pay special attention to lower wall edges, roof-to-wall intersections, windows, doors, decks, hose bibs, and locations where pipes or cables pass through the siding.
Check that soil, mulch, and paving do not hold moisture against the siding. Confirm that gutters and downspouts direct water away from the wall and that roof runoff is not repeatedly striking siding or trim. The correct clearance from grade, roofing, decks, and other surfaces depends on the product’s installation instructions and local conditions; do not assume a single measurement applies to every detail.
Clean siding gently with water and a soft brush when needed. Avoid aggressive pressure washing, which can drive water behind boards or damage the finish. Before using a cleaner, check product guidance and test the method in an inconspicuous area. Keep shrubs and vines from rubbing against the exterior, and promptly correct drainage problems.
Painted siding may need repainting when the coating becomes chalky, cracked, or visibly worn. Use a coating suitable for fiber cement and follow the paint and siding manufacturers’ instructions. Preparation should avoid damaging the siding or creating hazardous dust. On older homes, test suspect paint for lead before sanding, scraping, or other disturbing work; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance for lead-safe renovation.
Repairing Damaged WeatherBoards
Small surface issues and a damaged board are different problems. A qualified professional can determine whether a defect is limited to paint or whether the board is cracked, loose, or allowing water behind the wall. Painting over a split, open joint, or soft surrounding material may hide the symptom without correcting the cause.
Replacing an individual board can be challenging because the product may be discontinued and overlapping courses can make removal difficult. Work may require careful removal of adjacent siding, replacement of flashing or housewrap, and installation of a matching board with compatible fasteners. The repair should preserve the original drainage path and follow the applicable product instructions or current code requirements.
Fiber cement cutting and drilling can create respirable dust. Anyone performing the work should follow the product manufacturer’s safety guidance and applicable occupational rules, including appropriate dust controls and protective equipment. A contractor experienced with fiber cement is generally better positioned to manage the work safely and avoid damage to neighboring boards.
Replacement Options When Matching Boards Are Unavailable
If a close match cannot be found, options include replacing a larger, visually continuous section, using a compatible fiber cement profile, or changing the design with trim or a contrasting material. A small patch on a prominent wall may be more noticeable than a larger replacement area. Color matching should account for weathering and existing paint, not just the original product color.
Before choosing a replacement, compare the new product’s thickness, exposure, texture, edge details, and installation requirements. Confirm that it can integrate with existing flashing, corner trim, windows, and roof transitions. A different profile may require adjustments to trim or wall details, and any changes should maintain proper water management.
When widespread deterioration is present, a siding contractor should inspect the sheathing and water-resistive barrier before covering the wall. Re-siding over damaged materials can conceal moisture problems and make future repairs more costly. Obtain a written scope that states what will be removed, how the wall will be inspected, how flashing will be handled, and what materials will be installed.
Warranty And Documentation
Warranty coverage depends on the terms in effect for the specific product and the date it was purchased and installed. A warranty may distinguish between manufacturing defects, finish performance, installation errors, and damage from maintenance or environmental conditions. The original warranty document—not a general product description—controls the terms of a particular claim.
Gather installation dates, receipts, contractor information, photographs, and any product labels before contacting CertainTeed or a warranty administrator. Ask whether the warranty remains applicable, what documentation is required, and whether an inspection is needed before repairs begin. Avoid assuming that a product’s original warranty period guarantees coverage for every visible problem.
Questions To Ask A Siding Contractor
When evaluating a WeatherBoards repair or replacement, ask the contractor to explain how the siding was identified and whether the proposed material is dimensionally compatible. Request details about flashing, water-resistive barriers, clearances, fasteners, dust controls, and paint preparation. A clear written estimate should distinguish repair work from concealed conditions that may be discovered after removal.
- Can the existing WeatherBoards profile and dimensions be documented?
- Is the proposed replacement material intended for the same application?
- How will the contractor protect adjacent siding and manage cutting dust?
- Will damaged sheathing or flashing be inspected and repaired if found?
- How will the repair address color and texture differences?
Reliable Sources And Further Guidance
For product-specific requirements, consult available CertainTeed installation documents and warranty paperwork for the installed product. For safe renovation practices, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lead information explains lead-safe work in older homes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s silica resources provide information about respirable crystalline silica hazards and workplace controls.
Because WeatherBoards is not a widely available current product, online listings and old brochures may describe discontinued specifications or conditions that do not apply to every installation. Homeowners can make better decisions by combining product records, a careful on-site inspection, and guidance from a contractor familiar with fiber cement siding.