Exterior walls are like a home’s skin. Plastering is a common way these surfaces are transformed or revitalised. This is the method of spreading a cement-based render onto the outside of walls. It’s a style switch, but it also works as an extra layer of protection. The decision whether or not to render is one that homeowners frequently wrestle with. This article will take a look at the pros and cons, then you can decide if it’s for you and your project.

What is Rendering?

Rendering is the process of applying layers of material to brick, cement, stone, or similar surfaces. These are typically cement, lime, and acrylates or polymers. The substance is used wet, forms a solid surface with a smooth or textured coating. And rendering is more than skin deep. It can also provide protection from the weather and help a building maintain its shape.

Types of Rendering Materials

There are a number of different types of rendering materials, and these have different characteristics and applications.

• Cement Render: A classic made from cement, sand, and water. It is durable and economical, though not as flexible as newer options.
• Acrylic Render: This is infused with acrylic polymers to ensure that it is more flexible and less prone to cracking. It is commonly applied to homes that are expected to experience some movement.
• Lime Blends: A lime, sand, and water mixture, it is breathable and ecological. It is frequently applied on old buildings to allow for walls to breathe and to avoid moisture from seeping in.
• Polymer Render: This has polymers for better bonding and water resistance. It’s ideal in places where exposure to extreme weather is an issue.

Popular Rendering Uses

Rendering can be applied to a wide range of building types.

• New Builds: Rendering finishes are a great way to give a new build a fresh, contemporary appearance.
• Renovations: It can modernize dated homes by presenting a new face to the street, lending any new build project a contemporary or traditional look.
• Repairs: Application of render can disguise damaged or uneven walls, improving their look and preventing further decay. If you need to restore your walls to their former glory, Australian Rendering Company can assist with professional rendering services throughout Melbourne, including acrylic, cement, and cladding solutions.

The Pros of Rendering

Rendering has many attractive benefits that continue to make it a popular solution with homeowners. These advantages are both aesthetic and functional.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

According to at least one expert, one of the main reasons to consider rendering is how it enhances the look of a home. A new render finish has the power to give a tired-looking exterior a facelift and bring it straight into the 21st century!

• Contemporary Feel: Through rendering, you can give your home a sleek, modern look.
• Color Selections: Render can be pigmented to any color of your choice.
• Texturing: There are different ways of applying it, and it will do everything from a smooth to a very coarse texture.

Increased Weather Protection

Rendering adds a shield against the weather. It’s good in rough environments.

• Water Protection: Applied correctly, render provides a barrier for the wall against moisture, which can lower the chance of dampness and mold growth.
• Insulation: Some renders are designed to increase a building’s insulation, helping it stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Longevity: Render helps to shield the brick or stone beneath from damage due to the elements, providing a longer-lasting surface.

Boosted Property Value

There’s a real market value to rendering a good home. Curb appeal — Who doesn’t like the look of a vibrant exterior welcoming them before they even step foot into their new home?

• Attractive Exterior: With increased curb appeal, it makes your home more attractive to potential purchasers.
• Modernization: Upgrading the exterior can give an old property a competitive edge on the market.
• Long Term Investment: The protective nature of rendering can help decrease maintenance expenses and expand the life of the building and therefore the value in the long term.

Enhanced Structural Integrity

Rendering can strengthen walls and repair any damage so that the building is stronger and more stable.

• Crack Resistance: Flexible renders such as acrylic can prevent the development of cracks by allowing for movements in the structure of the building.
• Fixing Damage: Rendering can hide and strengthen damaged or uneven walls.
• Increased Longevity: Since the walls are shielded from exposure to the elements, rendering can prolong the life of a building.

Counting the Costs: Investigating the Cons

Though useful, however, rendering may also have its downsides. These are items to consider before forming an opinion.

Cost Considerations

Render can be a costly upfront expense depending on the size of your block, the product you use, and rates.

• Material Prices: Prices can differ massively between the different types of render. Acrylic and polymer cement renders are significantly more expensive than traditional cement renders.
• Cost of Labor: For a perfect finish, the homeowner should call a professional. The cost of labor will depend on the job’s complexity and on the experience of the contractor.
• Ongoing Costs: Apart from being tough and long-lasting, render is relatively low maintenance, although there will be the odd bit of repair here and there which will add up over time.

Maintenance Demands

Render may protect walls, but it is not without maintenance. To maintain it at optimal conditions, it needs to be checked or repaired occasionally.

• Cleaning: Over time, rendered surfaces can develop algae and dirt that necessitates cleaning.
• Cracking: Although flexible renders lower the propensity to cracking, it can still happen – for instance if the building changes position or is exposed to weather. Cracks should be fixed immediately to avoid water damage.
• Reapplication: The render may need to be reapplied at time intervals of several years, depending on the render type and also the elements.

Application Challenges

The quality of the render is very dependent on the skill and experience of the applicator. There may be issues if it is not applied correctly.

• Cracking: Render cracking can result from either mixing or applying it wrong.
• Lumpy Finish: Novice applicators are at risk of creating lumps in the concrete resin, leading to an unprofessional or patchy finish.
• Adhesion Problems: If the surface isn’t prepared properly or the render has moistened, then the product hasn’t properly attached itself to the wall.

Environmental Impact

The manufacture and use of some render materials may have an environmental impact. Cement, for example, is energy and carbon intensive to produce.

• Carbon Footprint: Cement-based renders carry a high carbon footprint due to the energy consumption of Cement during its manufacture.
• Disposal of Waste: Dumping of waste leavings from rendering can be hazardous to the environment.
• Sourcing of Material: Environmental cost is contingent on where materials are sourced from.

Informed Inspection: The Advantages and Disadvantages of House Rendering

The pros and cons of rendering a house need to be closely and carefully looked at. Important factors include the local weather, the budget, and the structure of the building. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of house rendering.

Beauty vs. Upkeep

Protection vs. Cost

Benefits of Structure vs. Risks of Application

The Right Material for the Job – Cement vs Acrylic Render

There are different considerations when deciding about cement and acrylic rendering. These factors are related to cost, flexibility, and environment.

Cement Rendering

Cement render is a traditional option that is famed for its durability and value. It’s a combination of sand, water, and cement. But it is less pliable than modern substitutes and so prone to cracking.

Acrylic Rendering

Acrylic render holds the same root as the acrylic polymer. This gives it more flex and prevents it from cracking. It is generally used in places where the movement of the building is anticipated. Acrylic based render is relatively costly when compared to cement render, which is the common reason as to why it is not as preferred as its counterpart.

Perspective for You: Rendering Situations in Everyday Life

For a comprehensive understanding of the rendering speeds and strengths and weaknesses of each, it helps to examine some real-world cases. These cases indicate the effect the render can have on the various categories of property and circumstances.

Real Life Situation 1: Fixing up an Old Brick House

An old brick house is showing its age, and some of the walls are damaged. The householder opts for rendering to bring the outside of the house up to date and to make good the damage that has been done.

• Pros: A new rendering will greatly enhance the look of the house, hiding the previously spalled, ugly brick. It also offers extra protection from the weather, stopping additional destruction to the walls. It adds value to your property as it will give your house maximum curb appeal.
• Cons: Rendering is expensive in terms of materials and labor. Regular maintenance is needed for keeping the rendered surface clean and preventing any cracks. Incorrect application may cause the film to stick or an uneven surface.

Scenario 2: When you’re building a Brand New Modern Home

A homeowner is constructing a new modern house and is looking for a cool, contemporary facade. They opt for acrylic rendering because of its flexible and water-resistant nature.

• Pros: Render finish gives a streamlined, contemporary look in line with the required appearance. The acrylic render is also flexible to accommodate building movement and so it should not crack. The water-resistant feature also protects the walls from water damage.
• Cons: The price of acrylic render is more expensive than cement render. Trained applicators are required for a good finish to occur. One drawback to the production of acrylic polymer is its environmental impact.

Scenario 3: Repair of a Commercial Building

A commercial property with cracked and uneven walls caused by weathering and its foundation. The building owner opts for rendering to fix the damage and to make the building look better.

• Pros: Facade renders provide additional protection and strength to existing damaged walls, stabilizing the building. It boosts the appearance of the building — meaning that tenants and visitors would generally like it more. The extra defense increases the longevity of the building.
• Cons: A commercial building is an expensive thing to render. Any disruption to normal flow of the business during the execution process may result in loss of revenue. The rendered surface will need some occasional care to remain in a good state.

Tips and Techniques for a Successful Rendering

These tips for a successful project will help you to maximize the rewards and minimize the drawbacks of rendering:

• Choose the right material: Use a render that complements the building’s architecture, local climate, and design taste. Consider things like flexibility, water resistance, and impact on the environment.
• Appoint Trained Applicators: Make sure that the rendering is installed by experienced professionals. References should be checked and samples of the provider’s previous work should be seen.
• Surface Must Be Clean: Surface must be clean and dry for good adhesion. Walls must be cleaned well with any damage repaired prior to applying render.
• Adhering to Manufacturers Guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for blending and application of the render. This will help to guarantee a finish that is far more resilient.
• Maintenance: Inspect regularly and repair as needed. Occasionally cleaning the exposed surface will help minimize dirt and algae.

Is Rendering Right for You?

Whether or not to render is all about an individual property owner – their requirements, budget, and taste. It is important to consider the pros and cons of rendering. If style, weatherproofing, and value are concerns, rendering can be a sound investment. But maintenance requirements, cost, and possible application issues must also be considered to see if rendering is the right decision.

What are the best benefits of rendering a house?

Render increases aesthetic appeal, protects from weather, adds value, and strength. It provides a contemporary appearance, wide range of design options, and increased strength to exterior walls.

What are the main disadvantages of having a house rendered?

The primary disadvantages of such a render are the cost of materials and their application, maintenance issues (if any), possible difficulties in applying the render, resulting in cracks or unevenness, and any environmental consequences that use of a particular rendering product may cause.

What is the average cost of rendering a house?

It is incredibly variable, depending on the size of the house, the type of render that is used (Cement/Acrylic/Other), and, obviously, labor prices. Take multiple quotes from several contractors to have a proper estimate.

How long does it usually take to render?

If applied and maintained correctly, rendering can last for many years, often more than 20. The longevity does vary, depending on the type of render, the environment, and how it is looked after.

What’s the best render for my house?

The right render for a house will depend on the style of the home, climate, and personal tastes. Typically, the choice of acrylic render is one which is most popular, due to the flexibility and water resistance that it offers, although cement render is available as an alternative. Lime render is a breathable, eco-friendly option for old buildings.

Will rendering work on all walls?

Render can be used on a number of different wall materials such as brick, cement, and stone. Good adhesion is largely dependent on proper surface preparation. Certain wall types may need specialized treatments prior to being rendered.