House rendering allows to create a smooth finish to the exterior walls of a building. What properties should a building’s external walls have to be durable and provide a high level of aesthetics for years to come?
Different types of rendering projects
There are different rendering systems available in the market. Traditionally, thick coat rendering materials have been used to protect brick exposed to harsh weather conditions in areas of high exposure. Thick-coat modern renders are applied in three stages: cement-lime mortar, decorative plaster, and smooth. It is less labor-intensive to finish of the building walls with thin-layer renders. They are available in the form of ready-made masses and are suitable for finishing walls of various types.
Thick-coat renders
Cement render
Conventional render is made from a cement and forms a waterproof layer that is also resistant to mechanical damage. Cement rendering sets quickly, which is an advantage, but also a disadvantage of cement based render. It is difficult to make a perfectly smooth wall surface with traditional cement renders.
Cement-lime render
Cement-lime render should be applied very efficiently and flawlessly (any shortcoming during rendering will quickly turn into a crack). Traditional render boasts resistance to fungi and algae and has a very efficient vapor permeability.
Thin-coat renders
Mineral render
Mineral coating is the cheapest option, which does not mean it is the least durable. It offers high vapor permeability and is flexible, making application easier. The disadvantages of mineral rendering system are the problem of keeping the walls clean and the relatively small choice of colors. It is a good idea to paint mineral renders with high-quality silicate or silicone paint to achieve protection from fungi and mold.
Acrylic render
The low price goes hand in hand with weather resistant. Acrylic rendering has elasticity, which ensures good adhesion to the substrate. It is available in a wide range of colors, which allows for an easy match with any decor. It is also easy to apply, so acrylic-based rendering is not very labor-intensive. Unfortunately, due to low vapor permeability, acrylic renders are not recommended for newly rendered walls. On the other hand, they are the answer to the question: which render is appropriate for use with polystyrene foam? Of course, acrylic house rendering is inexpensive and easy to apply.
Silicone render
This solution is currently the most expensive on the market. Silicone renders are hydrophobic – they spontaneously repel moisture from their surface. Moreover, silicone rendering boasts a high resistance to damage – mechanical and caused by natural factors. The thin layer of plaster is vapor-permeable and resistant to fungi, mold, and algae. Silicone renders can deform in high temperatures. They are available in a wide range of colors.
Silicate render
It fuses with the wall surface through chemical processes, not mechanical ones. That makes it very durable and forms a uniform coating for years. All silicate renders are resistant to frost, heat, and precipitation. They offer the highest level of vapor permeability and protection against algae and fungi. Unlike silicone coatings, they are not thermoplastic. The disadvantage of this solution is its limited color palette.
Polymer render
Polymer render is a mixture with high elasticity, based on silicone or acrylic resins. As a coating, it is very compact and does not let vapor through.
How to apply a render coating to a wall?
Choosing the right render is crucial, but our project does not end there. It is equally important to properly prepare the walls before applying a mineral or silicone render Manchester. In fact, this means leveling the substrate accordingly and improving its load capacity. If the manufacturer recommends the use of a primer, it is absolutely necessary to follow these guidelines – otherwise, our render will not perform its function properly.
What temperature is suitable for rendering? It is best to perform this type of work in the spring when the temperature remains at 15-20 degrees.