Is the outside appearance of your home starting to look a bit tired? Would you like some helpful information on how to improve it? If so, please read on as this short piece describes an increasingly popular method of protecting the exterior of a property which is rendering. This is a process where the brickwork is coated with a durable mixture of cement, lime, or acrylic; this protects against erosion and cracking, reducing the possibility of future repairs. Normally, this task is completed by a professional tradesperson, but it is possible with some careful research and the right tools to complete it yourself. We will discuss the tools needed, briefly outline the process and the varied types of rendering available.
The Right Tools for The Job
To successfully render, the tools needed are quite specialised; the recommendation is that you secure quality examples which should include a rendering machine. Hiring them is an option, or you can purchase new ones. After completion, a healthy second-hand tools market exists to claim some funds back. Your list of tools should look something like this –
- Stainless Steel Trowel – a key tool that is used throughout the process.
- Square Notched Trowel – used to apply to render to the correct thickness.
- Bucket Trowel – used for moving wet render.
- Plastic Render Float – a tool for creating a textured finish.
- Sponge Float – this tool is used to smooth out the basecoat.
- Corner Trowel – this trowel enables you to render around corners.
- Speedskim is not essential, but a great timesaver that smooths a wide area.
To this list, remember to add all the appropriate protective equipment to keep you safe and deal with any accidents or minor injuries, boots, hard hats, eyewear, gloves and a first aid kit as a minimum requirement.
A Brief Description of The Process
Applying render to walls of any property is very similar to internal plastering; this short piece does not allow for a complete process breakdown, but further research will find a wealth of excellent online guides for budding amateurs. Rendering takes around two full good weather days and follows these procedural steps –
- Preparation – the surface will need cleaning to remove any loose particles that may impede the render from adhering.
- Mixing the render – always follow the instructions; a mixing machine is a recommendation.
- Applying the first coat – apply the first coat, scratch and leave to dry.
- The further coats – are dependent on what type of render is being used.
- Float and sponge – this finishes the topcoat.
What Is Render?
Render is a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate blend, and water mixed by hand or a rendering machine. Modern renders are moving away from using cement; the newer products use different materials to improve their protective abilities, guard against biological growth or even change the colour of the mixture. The different types of render fall into these categories –
- Mineral – this is a cement-based one-coat render with lime and polymers.
- Acrylic – this render uses acrylic and polymer ingredients.
- Silicon – a premium product that uses silicon to add an extra level of waterproofing.
Lime render is an older product applied in multiple coats; it is having something of a revival due to its flexibility and aesthetic qualities.
So, there we are an introduction to rendering. Find your local building supplier and see what they have to offer today.
