Tips and Tricks for Rendering a Wall
Great for newbuilds or renovated properties, rendering a wall is one of the most popular ways to clad the exterior of a building. Just as plaster is applied to the interior walls of a building, render covers the exterior brickwork and surfaces, protecting them from rain, snow or wind. On top of this, a well applied render will leave a building looking more attractive, with the finished surface a versatile canvas for paintwork and other exterior decoration. However, rendering needs to be done right if the benefits are to be maximised. Here are some tips and tricks for successful external wall rendering.
Knowing the Materials
There are a variety of wall render products and materials to choose from, including cement, lime, polymer, and acrylic. A cement wall render is a popular, cheaper option and the standard choice for many properties. Two or three coats of this render are normally applied, with all but the last coat being scored ready for the next. The final coat will have a smooth finish ready for paintwork.
A traditional lime render is becoming increasingly popular for projects involving period properties. Lime render is more breathable than cement, counteracting problems with moisture that are an issue with some older buildings. Lime renders can be mixed on site from bags like cement, or purchased in tubs of lime putty. Recently, monocouche lime mixes are also becoming available.
Usually made from a cement or lime base, polymer renders get their name from plastic-based materials added into the mix. These materials reduce the risk of the render cracking, and come in pre-mixed colours, making them relatively easy to apply.
An acrylic render is applied as a finishing coat on top of other renders. Containing aggregates, an acrylic render provides a textured finish to a wall. The depth of this texture can vary with different products, and can be a useful way to cover small defects.
Knowing the Benefits
As well as giving a building a fresh new lease of life, renders can also have many other benefits. For larger buildings, a well-executed render can help blend new and older parts of the building together into a more attractive whole. This can be a great way to complement new extensions, as well as improve the look of older areas of properties.
Render can also effectively weatherproof buildings and keep them protected for years to come. On top of this, insulated render products are available to decrease the carbon footprints of buildings where other insulation techniques are not viable.
Finally, contemporary render products are often cost effective, and with a combination of layers and renders, they're very unlikely to crack too.
The wide range of wall render products, and the expertise required to mix them effectively, requires know-how and craft to create that perfect exterior surface. If you are looking for professional contractors and an external rendering company to work on your next project, please get in touch.
