How to finish weatherboard at the bottom?

Question

Hi! We've just finished weatherboarding the front of our place (it was previously brick), and I'm told that a gap needs to remain at the bottom - to allow water out and prevent the lowest board from sitting in water.

This makes sense, however, it looks awful.

Also, behind there this photo is taken is a lower level - so this issue of the 'gap' is at eye level when you're in that lower section of the garden.

What can I do/add?

Should the bottom weatherboard have finished a bit lower?

Thanks for your help!

DIY4Knuckleheds · Answer

Hi lisyloo725, l have to agree with Nailbag. It does looks excessive and in my opinion unnecessary. The only option in my opinion at this point is to have a flashing bent up to cover the gap and paint it the same colour as the wall. Good luck 👍

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @lisyloo725

Though I agreed with the reasoning, the gap is very excessive and definitely not required. And as you noted it's not cosmetically pleasing.

Two possible solutions would be to either have custom made right-angled flashing in a matching colour and use adhesive to fix it in place. Or run quad around the base. I would get the builder back to install the later.

Nailbag

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @lisyloo725,

You might like to check out this post which discusses much the same topic.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/283342/how-to-finish-external-cladding

My understanding is that weatherboard is generally started with a plinth, starter strip or some kind of trim, which is designed to allow water to drain out of the cavity while maintaining a gap to the surface below. However, I can't see how any of those things could be retrofitted at this point without removing and reinstalling the weatherboard.

Did you have a carpenter or builder install the weatherboard?

At this point, you'd likely be best speaking with a licenced builder for assistance as whatever solution is installed needs to comply with the relevant building codes and unfortunately, I am not aware of a solution in this situation.

Allow me to tag @DIY4Knuckleheds and @Nailbag to see if they are aware of a solution to your issue.

Jacob