External rendering is the process of applying a coat of external render to the walls of a building to provide a protective decorative coating which further prevents rain penetration. A building can have an internal damp problem due to defective and poor rendering. The render typically acts as a wearing layer that protects the wall behind from elements, whilst allowing the wall to evaporate moisture.

Hence the render allows your wall to get wet and get dry without letting the dampness to percolate inside. With so many types of rendering products out there, it is quite overwhelming to choose the right rendering product for your house’s exterior.

What type of render should you choose, depends on the quality of finish you require and the reason why you’re considering rendering for your property.

Thanks to the new technologies and innovations in rendering systems; the days of peddle dash are gone, mercifully. Now you can choose the render from a wide range of finishes.

But before, jumping to a conclusion, it is important to know the different component parts that make up a render. The combination and proportion of these components determine the properties and characteristics of each type of render.

What is the render?

Here’s a summary of different components so that you can understand the nature of external rendering and be able to make an informed decision.

Binding Agents: Binding agent or cementitious content is an adhesive element that holds together the render and gives it strength. Typical external renders use cement, lime, clay or gypsum, as a base. 

Fillers: Fine sand is used to provide volume or bulk to the plaster and acts as a filler. 

Water: Water gives your render the required workability, and it binds the mixture together. 

Fibres: In order to give your render the extra strength, as well as strength, fibreglass, nylon (plastic) mesh or steel fibres, are added. 

Additives: For enhancing the durability, elasticity, and colour finishes; additives or admixtures are added in the render. 

The proportion and amount of these components define the properties and characteristics of render.  

5 Common types of render

Now if you’re confused that what type of render will be best for your surface; here’s is a brief guide on the five most common types.

Lime Render

If your walls are built of low-quality stone or rubble, lime render can do wonders for you. It creates a barrier for the moisture that acts like a sponge and absorbs water, stopping it to pass through the wall by sucking it up. Lime render is an eco-friendly product as it absorbs CO2 upon curing. You can choose from a wide variety of colours and shades.

Cement & Sand

If you’re in search of something stronger and harder for your exterior walls, cement and sand render is an ideal choice. It is amazingly affordable and is relatively easier to apply. Generally, in the case of cement renders, additives are added to make it flexible and increase its durability. As it is not waterproof so they are applied with a finish coat such as paint.

Acrylic Render Coating

Acrylic renders is the cheapest type of thin render and it comes in a variety of vibrant colours. It is not only flexible due to a thin layer but is also impact resistant. Unlike cement or lime render, that is applied in thicker coats; acrylic render is applied in an extremely thin layer over a specially engineered base-coat. The base coat can be of fibreglass mesh embedded within it. Fibreglass mesh is extremely flexible and it will prevent cracking of the thin coat render.

Monocouche

It’s a one-coat render system that provides low maintenance, weather-resistant, and hard-wearing coating to the exterior of your home. It not only gives your wall an attractive finish but it is also a flexible render. It doesn’t require additional painting and there is no need for sealing.

Silicon Render Coating

The popularity of silicone render is on the rise these days owing to its flexibility, thin coat finish, unsurpassed breathability, and vapour permeability. Silicon render is hydrophobic and it repels water. It is ideal for a home where there are a lot of trees and plant life. The thin coat of 6-8 mm makes it extremely flexible. So, there’s no chance of cracking or damage. Silicon render is a superior quality finish with longer life-span.  

If you’re considering giving your house’s exterior an amazing facelift, call us now and we’re ready to go that extra mile. We’re experts in updating your home’s curb appeal with a wide range of innovative render products.

Need a quote?

If based in West Yorkshire & surrounding area’s and are looking for a reliable and experienced external rendering team then YOUR External Rendering are the team to help you build your dreams come true we cover most areas in Huddersfield Leeds Wakefield and Bradford call 07736 754675 – email simon@yourexternalrendering.co.uk or fill out the contact form below.