There are, of course, many ways to weatherproof your home. Bricks, for example, often need no weatherproofing, as their mortar stops any damp or residue from entering the building. Timber cladding is also an extremely popular option and again needs very little protection, as the treated wood acts as a perfect barrier between the house and the weather. There are some instances, however, where the construction material of the house needs a little extra protection from the outside world. This is where rendering comes in.
Rendering, in essence, is the process of covering an exterior wall with a sand, cement or lime-based solution that solidifies to create a protective barrier. The process finds its routes in ancient building methods that were created thousands of years ago and still follows the same basic principles today. A plasterer will create and mix the solution on-site and then apply the render to the building, ensuring every section is covered evenly.
Rendering is also extremely convenient. Most other construction methods take a considerable amount of labour and time to achieve a worthy finish for your home. With rendering, however, it is more than possible to have a house complete in a matter of days. So, you can get back to enjoying your home and worrying less about its chances of standing the test of time.
Types of render
There are three main types of exterior wall render. Pebble dash, cement, and lime. However, there are many other options besides. Nevertheless, all of these materials offer a slightly different finish and a multitude of different benefits and drawbacks. So, how do they all compare?
Cement
This is arguably the most straightforward form of exterior render. Plasterers create the solution by mixing cement and sand together with water to create a thick liquid. This render is then applied to the wall with relative ease and it dries fairly quickly. The main benefits of cement render are its cost-effective and fast installation as well as its adaptability to different tasks. However, cement isn’t the most aesthetic option available, nor is it particularly resistant to the weather.
Lime
Lime mortar is mixed using lime, sand, and water and can be applied using very similar techniques as cement mortar due to their similarities in consistency. The benefit of lime is its flexible nature, which makes the mixture extremely resistant to cracking. If you live in an eco-conscious household, this is probably the option for you as compared with cement mortar it’s far more eco-friendly. Unfortunately, though, lime mortar is a fair deal more expensive than cement and takes much longer to apply.
Pebble dash
This form of render is quite unique. The base of the mortar is made using either cement render or lime render. However, plasterers then add pebbles, stones, flint, or shells to the mixture. Naturally, this finish adds a quite a bit of protection to your home's walls, though the mortar doesn’t age particularly well and can look dated after a few years.
Acrylic render
This is one of the more modern forms of render material and uses acrylic resin. The resin is added to the mortar mixture, which in turn gives the render a flexible quality. This flexible nature means acrylic resin is extremely resistant to cracking.
Silicone render
Silicone render is much the same as acrylic. However, this mixture is far more breathable and is therefore much more expensive than the acrylic option. Unfortunately, however, much like acrylic, silicone is incredibly damaging to the environment.
Why choose render?
Rendering is popular for a reason, of course. Thousands of homeowners up and down the country choose to protect their exterior walls using the method every year. The industry is therefore booming and many rendering companies find themselves booked up with jobs all year round. Though, why would you choose render and why is it so popular?
Insulates your home
As we move into 2023, managing the cost of our energy bills will remain a constant theme. It seems energy prices may even rise higher than their current rate. So, it is now more important than ever to insulate your home and ensure any drafts or cracks are sealed correctly. If your home's drafts are left ignored, they could cost you hundreds of pounds in wasted heating bills. You need not worry though. By rendering your home, you can ensure the drafts are dealt with and you’d also be adding an extra layer of insulation which always helps!
Aesthetics
One of the really great things about rendering is it can easily transform the general appearance of your home. When applied by a professional team, most renders leave a sleek and modern finish, which is incredibly pleasing to the eye. What’s more, the render will really make the statement pieces of your home shine through. For example, a wooden porch or large window can turn into a true feature of the home.
Adds value
For most homeowners, maintaining and adding value to their property is a fundamental priority. Not only will it increase the chances of selling your home when the time comes, but it will also safeguard your investment. Many choose to add value to their home by adding an extension or changing the interior layout. However, these options can be incredibly costly and not least time-consuming.
This is why rendering is such a brilliant option if you’re interested in adding value to your home. The sleek new finish will create a new aesthetic dimension to your home while only taking a matter of days to achieve.
Cost-effective
Many home improvement options are incredibly expensive as labour time and materials continue to rise in price. Quality brickwork, for example, is an expensive premium in the current climate, so many are turning to alternative exterior protection options. Render is a low-cost option when it comes to its price per square metre. The average price ranges from as little as £35 to around £60 depending on the type of mortar and the finish you choose.
Breathability
Damp is a home's worst nightmare. It can strike when you’re least expecting it and go unnoticed for months. If damp is left untreated, it can cause mould, appliance failure, and even structural collapse. It goes without saying really that repairing damp can cost inordinate sums of money and should be avoided at all costs. One of the easiest ways to avoid damp occurring altogether is to create a breathable house. Letting your home breathe will mean the damp or moist air within your home can escape freely through your walls without letting any moisture in. Render is a brilliant choice if you want to create a breathable outer skin for your home.
Hides poor workmanship
Whether you live in a fairly old home or your house has a few areas of poorly finished brickwork, it can be difficult to decide how to improve the situation. Many choose to paint the walls to draw the attention of the eye away from areas that are lacking quality. However, paint is not a steadfast option, as the area in question would still be exposed and visible. This is why render is a brilliant choice. The mixture will easily and permanently hide any areas of your home you wish to cover, all while maintaining a relatively low cost.
Protection from the elements
Of course, one of the most obvious highlights of exterior render is the added protection from the weather your home will benefit from. However, many homeowners don’t quite realise just how effective render is at stopping wind and rain. The breathable but resistant mixture creates an almost impenetrable barrier between mother nature's wrath and your warm home. Put it this way your rendered home won’t have a dreaded wall leak or damp interior anytime soon!
Rendering, then, is a steadfast option for your home and will help to keep it up to date and protected for years to come. What’s more, in comparison to many other exterior waterproofing options, it's fairly cheap and extremely fast to apply. Our friendly staff are always on hand if you'd like some advice on your next steps. So, contact us today!
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