Render
(6 Products)Render is a vital building material applied to exterior walls, acting as a protective and decorative coat. Comprised of a mix often containing sand, cement, and sometimes lime or polymers, render serves as a shield against adverse weather conditions while enhancing a building's aesthetic appeal.
Available in a variety of types and finishes, from traditional sand and cement to modern acrylic or monocouche options, render offers solutions for both period properties and contemporary homes. Its use not only boosts structural longevity but also elevates the visual charm and energy efficiency of buildings.
For those looking to revamp or protect their exterior walls, render is an indispensable choice.
What is Render and Why Use It?
Render is a mix, traditionally of sand and cement, applied to the external walls of a building.
It's not just about aesthetics, though it does add architectural interest. House rendering acts as a protective skin for your home, shielding external walls from adverse weather and damaged brickwork.
Besides boosting kerb appeal, it enhances energy efficiency and increases the lifespan of your walls.
Types of Render: From Lime to Acrylic
- Cement Render: A classic choice, conventional sand and cement renders involve mixing render with sharp sand. This method has been used for years offering a robust protective layer.
- Lime Render: Perfect for period properties and period houses that need to breathe, lime render helps prevent trapped moisture, ensuring solid walls remain dry.
- Polymer Render: This includes acrylic render and coloured render. Acrylic renders bring a vibrant, long-lasting colour. Through-coloured renders, on the other hand, save you from painting as the colour runs through the entire mix.
- Monocouche Render: A single coat solution, monocouche rendering offers a durable and smooth finish, ideal for homeowners seeking a quick, effective render solution.
The Rendering Process: Step by Step
Applying render might sound complicated, but here's a step by step guide to simplify it:
- Preparation: Ensure your external wall is clean. Remove any existing render, peeling external masonry paint, or mismatched materials.
- Mixing Render: Depending on your render type, you'll mix with coarse sand or sharp sand, room temperature water, and possibly an adhesive. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when preparing any render mix.
- Apply the First Coat of Render: Using a straight edge, apply render from the bottom up to a completely damp wall, ensuring the entire wall is covered. For sand and cement render, you might want two coats for added protection.
- Smooth Finish: Once the render applied has dried slightly, use a damp sponge to achieve a smooth finish. Then, allow the whole wall to dry.
- Top Coat (If Needed): Some renders, like thin coat or acrylic renders, require a top coat or finish.
- Paint (if not using through coloured or acrylic): Once the render is dry, you can paint using external masonry paint for added visual appeal.
The above step-by-step guide on how to render a house wall is provided as a general outline for informational purposes only. Before undertaking any rendering work, it is crucial to consult with a professional to ensure that the process meets your specific needs, building regulations, and safety standards.
Render and Building Regulations
Before you install render, it is essential to be aware of building regulations. Especially for external wall insulation and cavity wall insulation, you might need planning permission.
Always check local regulations before beginning any work on external walls or rendered walls.
Exterior Rendering Considerations
Considering the cost of house render? Factors include:
- Materials: From lime render to polymer render, the choice of render finish affects costs.
- Labour Costs: This depends on the complexity of your project and your location.
- Additional Features: External house rendering around intricate features like window sills, soil pipes, or timber cladding might add to labour costs.
- Finish and Paint: Using a through-coloured render or an external rendering paint affects the overall budget.
Caring for Your Rendered Walls
To maintain the integrity of your home, it's essential to properly care for the render on your exterior walls.
This ensures that you prevent cracking and avoid any dampness from seeping through the rendered wall into your residence.
You might wish to re-render walls or simply apply a new render coat if wear is evident. In periods of adverse weather, ensure that your render surface is protected and regularly inspect for any potential damage.
Frequently Asked Render Questions
What Is The Primary Purpose Of Wall Rendering?
The primary purpose of render is to provide a protective coating to exterior walls, safeguarding them from adverse weather conditions, preventing dampness, and enhancing the overall appearance of a building.
How Often Should I Replace Or Repair The Render On My Home?
Typically, a well-applied render can last between 20 to 40 years, depending on the type and external factors. However, regular inspections for cracks or wear are essential, and repairs or replacements should be done as needed.
Can I Paint Over A Rendered Wall?
Yes, rendered walls can be painted over. However, it's vital to ensure the render is fully cured and dry. Using an appropriate masonry paint will provide the best results.
What's The Difference Between Lime Render And Cement Render?
Lime render is more flexible and breathable, making it suitable for older, period properties or homes that need walls to "breathe." In contrast, cement render is harder and offers a more robust protective layer but is less flexible.
Does Render Improve Insulation?
Yes, certain types of render, especially when combined with external wall insulation, can improve a home's energy efficiency, offering both thermal and acoustic insulation.
How Can I Prevent Cracks In My Rendered Wall?
Ensuring a proper application is key. This includes proper surface preparation, using the right mix, and applying the render under suitable conditions. Additionally, using expansion or movement joints in large areas can help manage and reduce the risk of cracking.
Is There A Best Time Of Year To Apply Render?
It's best to apply render in mild weather conditions. Avoid extremely hot, cold, or wet days, as adverse weather can impact the curing process and the quality of the finish.
Can Render Be Applied To Any Exterior Surface?
While render can be applied to most exterior walls, the surface needs to be stable, clean, and free from dampness or contaminants. Some surfaces might need special treatments or primers for the render to adhere properly.
How Much Does House Rendering Cost?
The cost of rendering varies based on factors like the type of render, labour costs in the region, the size and complexity of the project, and any additional features or finishes such as exterior wall insulating. It's best to get quotes from multiple professionals for an accurate estimate.
Can I DIY House Rendering Or Should I Hire A Professional?
While DIY enthusiasts might take on small rendering projects, it's typically recommended to hire professionals for house rendering. Proper application is crucial for longevity and performance, and professionals have the expertise and equipment to ensure a successful result.
