If you’ve ever thought about rendering your house or replacing the existing render, then you’re probably aware there are lots of different options to choose from. Each render type is made with different ingredients, giving each one slightly different qualities. All have their pros and cons, with some being better suited to certain locations and houses than others. But sometimes it can be tricky to know what’s what. So, let’s take a close look at wall rendering, to help you understand the key benefits and determine which type is best for your home.
The key benefits of render
Wall render brings a few key benefits to our homes. The first benefit is that it can improve the appearance. Homes that look particularly dated or drab can be modernised and smartened up with a new coat of render. It can also hide mis-matched brickwork and rough stonework.
Render also plays an important role in protecting walls. Homes that are built near the coast, on hills or in open landscapes, tend to be exposed to more harsh weather conditions than those in sheltered positions. So, rendering the exterior of houses in these locations, does offer protection from weathering and water ingress. It also helps to keep the inside warm.
That brings us onto the third benefit. Render does have insulating properties and it can be combined with exterior insulation panels to further improve the thermal efficiency of our homes. This can boost the EPC rating of our house and make it better suited to heat pump installation. Render also increases our home’s ability to stay cool in hot weather. So, it’s useful for future-proofing the home and reducing our carbon footprint.
What type of render should you choose?
Now we know the advantages of rendering, let’s take a look at the different types available. This will help you work out which is best for your house and help you avoid the common pitfalls of rendering.
There are two main types of render – sand and cement render and lime render. Sand and cement render is the cheaper option at around £10 per m². Lime render, in comparison, works out at around £20 per m². So effectively, rendering a house cost is twice as much with lime render.
Although sand and cement render is the most cost-effective option, it isn’t very breathable. However, lime render is. This means that lime render is really the best choice for solid brick and stone walls. It allows moisture to escape, preventing damp in older homes. If you have a period home that’s suffering with damp, then it could be due to having the wrong type of render. It’s worth noting that both types of render can be painted but if you’re keen to retain the breathability of your lime render, it’s important to use breathable paint.
Other types of renders and finishes
Of course, there are some other types of render. So, it’s worth taking a look at these too.
Monocouche Render is often seen as a step up from sand and cement render as pigment can be added to the mix, saving you the need to paint your exterior. It’s weather-resistant, has some breathability and good insulating properties. However, it can develop hairline cracks and can stain. So, it’s not always the best option for homes that need good weatherproofing.
This is where acrylic and silicone renders can be beneficial. They are applied thinly and give a consistent finish, so you’ll typically find them used as a topcoat. They’re very flexible and strong and are less prone to cracking, giving you a really durable exterior. This type of render is ideal for giving drab homes a makeover and boosting kerb appeal.
Acrylic render is resistant to both water and staining, making it handy for homes in wet areas and silicone render is hydrophobic, meaning it actually repels water. So, again, this is handy for homes that need to withstand heavy rainfall. Silicone render works best on newer homes with cavity walls and as it gives a smooth finish, it’s typically used for creating a sleek, modern exterior.
A smooth finish isn’t your only option when rendering your home though. If you’re after a more traditional look, then you might also want to consider a pebbledash or roughcast render. Roughcast uses aggregates in the mix to give you a rustic, textured finish that can be painted in any colour you choose. Pebbledash is similar in style but the pebbles are applied to the surface of the render rather than mixed in, for a low maintenance exterior.
In Conclusion
So, as you can see, there are a lot of options with render. And each has specific qualities that you need to consider before you make any decisions over which is best for your home.