There are a number of reasons why you should consider rendering your property. It can suit many different styles of homes, from contemporary to more traditional-style properties, as well as extensions.
It is also a great way to makeover a tired façade, to give it a new fresh look.
Consider the options carefully to suit your home and style of finish. Remember to do your research, see the products, listen to advice and then make an informed decision. It is important not to base your decision solely on price, consider the long term financial commitment too and the final finish you want to achieve.
House rendering can work well for many house styles, from traditional oak framed homes to contemporary extensions. There are many benefits to rendering a house – is an easy way to cover up unattractive brickwork, give a sleek finish to modern house designs or completely transform a home as part of your home make over.
If you are looking for house rendering ideas, bear in mind that render need not be used all over the house — it can also be a partial option, used in combination with stone cladding, bricks and timber cladding.
Whatever your reasons for looking at house rendering as an option, it is important to know the different types of product out there and to be able to make an informed decision when it comes to the right one for your home.
Cement – Cement render tends to be cheap in terms of materials, but a more expensive on labour due to the amount of coats needed and time it takes as a result. It can also crack if the structure moves at all. You need to also factor in it will need regular repainting to ensure it continues to look good.
Polymers – Polymer render can be a good option as it is less likely to crack. It is usually sold pre-mixed in bags with either white cement or lime as a base. You can choose from many different colours and this can also mean there is less need for repainting
Acrylic – acrylic renders are most often applied as a thin finish coat to seal and enhance the appearance or the underlying coat. They also bring colour and texture. Fibres are added to prevent cracking and give a durable, lasting finish.
Silicone is also used, promising even longer life and the capacity to be self-cleaning — some claim that when it rains, the silicone will allow rainwater to wash away any dirt.
Monocouche – this is French for ‘single layer’ or ‘bed’ renders and they are a relatively new product in the world of rendering. These products originated in Europe, so many of the big names – Sto, Knauf, Marmorit and Weber – are European. It is supplied in bags, ready for mixing with water and can be applied by hand trowel or sprayed on. This type of render uses white cement and are pre-coloured (in any colour you want). They can be applied in one coat (typically around 15mm thick), so are quicker and therefore less labour intensive than traditional house rendering products.
The main disadvantage this method is the material cost, but its important to remember it doesn’t need repainting, plus it is more flexible so less likely to crack and can even be self-cleaning!
Lime Rendering – this is more flexible than cement, it is breathable so prevents problems with moisture getting trapped within the wall, it looks very attractive and enhances the exterior of period homes in particular — though it does require regular coating with lime wash.
Lime render is a little more expensive than standard cement renders, but don’t usually take any longer to apply and are a must for many period properties if problems with damp are to be avoided.
The choice is yours!