Weatherside is one cladding you should understand before you buy — or before you sell.
Poorly maintained, it can cause serious issues.
Well maintained, it can still perform well.
Here’s how to spot it — and how to approach buying or selling a home with it.
Weatherside (also known as oil-tempered hardboard or Pinex) was widely used in the 1970s and 80s and is found throughout Auckland.
It’s a timber composite weatherboard. “Weatherside” is the brand name — but it’s the term most people use in the field.
Maintenance.
If paint systems fail or boards crack, moisture gets in. The boards swell and soften — often nicknamed “Weet-bix”.
The product was withdrawn in the late 1980s. Some homes were reclad. Many were not — which is why you still see it today.
Cladding issues frequently become focal points in builders reports — particularly in situations like those explored in The Imperfect Builders Report.
The image above is from a very pretty, well-located home I sold some years ago.
The owners had lived there for 11 years. When they purchased, the cladding had been misidentified as fibre cement by their builder, valuer and the selling agent — so they weren’t aware of the risks associated with failing to repaint.
Over time, the lower boards on the south side deteriorated significantly. Some areas began to crumble. Out of sight, out of mind.
Given favourable market conditions at the time, we chose a disclose-and-assess approach. Even so, we did lose some buyers — understandably put off by visible deterioration.
It wasn’t a long campaign. We ultimately sold to a buyer in the trades who understood both the risk and the maintenance required to manage it properly going forward.
As part of the agreement, the owners replaced the affected tiers of boards (approximately three tiers on two sides of the home). The property sold at a strong level, and the solution did not cost the earth.
It can look very similar to fibre cement (Hardiplank), so careful identification matters.
Base colour
Board edges
Joiners
Swelling or crumbling near the bottom of boards or around taps is a red flag.
Always inspect the entire exterior — sometimes only sections have been replaced.
When in doubt, ask an experienced agent or building inspector.
Yes — provided it has been well maintained.
Condition is everything.
Three damaged boards do not justify a full reclad discount. Buyers who keep expectations proportional usually achieve better negotiation outcomes.
Because the product was withdrawn, it must be disclosed when you resell. Some buyers will rule it out automatically. Others won’t.
It’s also worth being aware that in tighter lending environments, some banks may take a more cautious view of Weatherside — particularly where a buyer is highly leveraged.
This doesn’t automatically prevent finance, but it can result in additional conditions, reduced lending limits, or closer scrutiny of maintenance.
Value “stigma” is largely influenced by competition.
Less competition = more negotiating power.
No panic required.
If you’re selling:
Nervous buyers don’t pay premium prices.
Confident buyers do.
If maintenance has slipped, obtain a repair quote and include it in your information pack. Price realistically and allow for the cost.
Weatherside is not inherently disastrous.
Neglect is.
With a proper maintenance schedule, many of these homes perform well — and sell well.
Clear, informed disclosure can significantly shape buyer confidence in these scenarios, as we discuss in Disclosure Is a Strategy, Not a Threat
If you’d like guidance on a specific property, we’re always happy to talk it through.
— Maria
• The Imperfect Builders Report
• Disclosure Is a Strategy, Not a Threat
• When a Builders Report Disrupts a Sale