Have you ever considered house rendering as a way to improve your home’s appearance, insulation, and protection? In today’s world, there are numerous rendering options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll take you through the various types, benefits, and costs of house rendering. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to decide for your home. So, let’s dive into “what is rendering on a house” and explore the options available.
Key Takeaways
- House rendering is the application of a protective and decorative layer to exterior walls, providing insulation, protection and aesthetic appeal.
- Different types of house render offer various benefits such as flexibility, durability or weather resistance. Proper planning and regulations are also essential for a successful project.
- Careful consideration must be given when choosing the right render for your home in terms of building materials, surrounding properties and personal preferences.
Understanding House Rendering
House rendering, or house render, is the process of applying a protective and decorative layer of plaster or cement mortar to the exterior walls of a building. This not only insulates the building but also improves its appearance. Typically, exterior rendering involves applying several coats with a metal trowel, using screed battens to ensure an even layer.
The first coats, known as scratch coats, are scored while still wet to help the next layer adhere. The final top coat is applied more thinly. Once the render dries, it has a putty-like consistency, which can be smoothed out to remove any high points, ridges, or air bubbles.
House or garden wall rendering protects the building from the elements and enhances its visual appeal. There are many colour options available, from standard cement grey to more expensive, low-maintenance through-coloured renders. It’s important to understand the different types of rendering and their pros and cons to make an informed choice.
Key Reasons for Rendering a House
Rendering a house offers numerous benefits, including protection against the elements, improved aesthetics, and increased insulation, which can lead to reduced energy costs. Traditional lime render is one option that can be used for house rendering, providing a breathable and flexible alternative to cement render. Correctly preparing the surface set for rendering guarantees a successful application, thereby improving the house’s overall appearance and functionality.
In addition to its protective qualities, rendering a house can also:
- Conceal substandard brickwork or other imperfections in the existing structure
- Improve the external appearance of your home
- Contribute to its overall value.
When contemplating whether to render your entire house, it’s crucial to balance the numerous advantages with the potential costs and work involved.
Types of House Rendering
There are various types of house rendering, each with its own pros and cons. The main types include:
- Cement render
- Lime render
- Acrylic render
- Silicone render
Cement Render
Cement render is a cost-effective option that provides a smooth finish. While traditional and affordable, it is prone to cracking and water damage. Its lifespan ranges from 7 to 15 years, depending on material quality and maintenance. Without proper upkeep, moisture can penetrate the walls, causing internal and external issues. Despite these potential problems, cement render remains popular due to its affordability and the option to tint it with colour pigment for a decorative finish.
Lime Render
Lime render uses lime as a binder, offering breathability and flexibility compared to cement render. Though more expensive and time-consuming to apply, lime render provides increased durability and is suitable for older buildings. It’s easier to apply with a trowel and less prone to cracking. Lime render also allows moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of frost damage.
Acrylic and Silicone Renders
Acrylic and silicone renders are modern options with increased durability compared to cement and lime renders. They resist cracking, fading, and algae growth, require less maintenance, and come in various colours and textures. The main difference is breathability—acrylic is not breathable, while silicone is. Both are flexible and water-resistant. Although more expensive, their long-term benefits can outweigh the initial cost.
Modern Rendering Systems
Advanced rendering systems offer even more attractive finishes and better weather resistance. These include coloured, monocouche, and insulated render systems (EWI), as well as polymer render options.
Coloured Render
Coloured render, or through-coloured render, has colour integrated throughout the material, eliminating the need for painting. It comes in various colours and finishes, including smooth, textured, and patterned. While more expensive, it offers long-term savings in maintenance costs and aesthetic appeal.
Monocouche Render
Monocouche render is a pre-coloured render applied in one or two passes, eliminating the need for painting. It combines the texture and flexibility of lime renders with a durable, low-maintenance finish. Though more costly and not resistant to cracking, it provides a weather-resistant and attractive finish. It’s not suitable for buildings prone to movement, so consider your property’s specific needs.
Insulated Render System (EWI)
Exterior wall insulation (EWI) is a method of improving the external appearance and thermal performance of buildings by cladding the exterior walls with insulation boards, applying a layer of basecoat render, and then finishing it with a decorative render. This system helps to reduce heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the overall aesthetics of the building.
The insulated render system (EWI) offers a range of benefits, including:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Decreased heat loss
- Improved aesthetics
- Safeguarding the building from external elements
- Providing a layer of insulation that can help to muffle noise
Though the cost of an insulated render system is generally higher than other forms of rendering, the long-term savings in energy costs can make it a valuable investment.
Planning and Regulations for House Rendering
When considering house rendering—whether it’s for a general renovation or preparing a property, such as a house for sale in Toronto—it is essential to consider any necessary planning permissions and building regulations. Generally, you don’t need planning permission unless your home is in a conservation area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). However, building regulations might apply depending on the project scope, so it’s best to consult your local planning department.
If your property is listed and included with multiple other properties, you must use paint that conforms to either a RAL or British Standard (BS) colour. This must be adhered to in order to preserve the integrity of the listed buildings. Review all relevant documents and consult with your local planning department before starting any rendering project. Proper planning and adherence to regulations ensure a successful and compliant project.
Costs and Return on Investment
Several factors, such as the type of render, geographic location, and the state of the property, can influence the cost of rendering a house. While rendering can be an investment, it can potentially add value to the property if done correctly. Weigh the initial costs against the potential benefits. The benefits include improved aesthetics, increased insulation, and protection from the elements.
Apart from the upfront cost of materials and labour, considering the long-term maintenance costs associated with rendering. Some types of render, such as through-coloured render, can be more expensive upfront but offer lower maintenance costs over time. It is important to weigh the prospective returns against the initial investment when determining whether to render your home.
Choosing the Right Render for Your Home
A variety of factors, including the building material, surrounding properties, and personal preferences, can influence the selection of the best rendering option for your home. Ensure that the selected render and its application method are compatible with your property and location. Consider the various types of render, such as cement, lime, acrylic, and silicone renders, as well as coloured, monocouche, and insulated render systems (EWI).
Seek expert assessment to confirm the suitability of the chosen render and compliance with any planning and building regulations.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Rendering
While you can render a house yourself, achieving a smooth, high-quality render surface requires expert knowledge and experience. Attempting a DIY rendering job without the necessary skills can result in poor quality work that may negatively impact the value of your property if you plan to sell it. Additionally, rendering typically requires multiple workers and specialised tools and equipment, such as scaffolding, which can be difficult and time-consuming for DIY enthusiasts to manage.
Hiring a professional to render your home offers several advantages. A professional has superior skill and proficiency, provides a professional finish and quality workmanship. It is also a more time-efficient process. While hiring a professional may be more expensive than DIY rendering, the benefits of expert assistance can outweigh the costs by ensuring a successful and long-lasting result.
To find a qualified tradesperson to complete your rendering project, you can use the Find a Builder tool on the FMB website. You can also verify the professional’s identity and experience by using a people search site. Just type their full name (e.g., Marc Daly), and you’ll be able to find information about their background and qualifications.
Maintenance and Longevity of Rendered Walls
Rendered walls, when properly maintained, can endure for decades, offering a durable and appealing finish for your home. The typical lifespan of house rendering is between 20-30 years, although this can vary depending on the type of render used and the level of maintenance provided. To ensure optimal performance, rendered walls should be regularly cleaned with a low-pressure jet wash and detergent to prevent the accumulation of algae, mould, and other environmental contaminants.
In addition to regular cleaning, timely repairs may be required for any hollow, loose, or cracked render. By keeping your rendered walls well-maintained, you can extend their lifespan and ensure that your home remains protected and visually appealing for years to come.
Alternative Wall Finishes
If rendering doesn’t suit your home, alternative wall finishes like cladding, pebbledash, and natural stone are worth considering. Cladding, for example, can be made from various materials, including timber, metal, and composite panels, and can be combined with render for a unique and diverse appearance.
Pebbledash render is another option, which involves applying a wet render coat and then adorning it with pebbles or small stones to create a decorative finish. Natural stone, on the other hand, offers a robust and aesthetically pleasing choice for external wall coverings, providing a distinct appearance to a home.
Each alternative wall finish has its own set of benefits and considerations. Carefully evaluate your options and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences, including solid walls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, house rendering offers a wide range of benefits, including improved aesthetics, increased insulation, and protection from the elements. With various types of rendering available, such as cement, lime, acrylic, and silicone renders, as well as modern rendering systems like coloured, monocouche, and insulated render systems, there is an option to suit every homeowner’s needs and preferences. Careful planning, adherence to regulations, and proper maintenance can ensure a successful and long-lasting rendering project that adds value and appeal to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rendering a house a good idea?
Rendering a house can be an attractive and cost-effective way to extend its lifespan and improve its overall appearance.
How much does it cost to render a house?
Rendering a house typically costs between £1500 and £4000 or from £25 to £40/m2, depending on the size and profile of the building.
What is the process of rendering a house?
Rendering a house is the process of applying a coat of cement to the exterior walls by hand and tools, to make them smooth or textured. This layer is then protected from erosion or cracks with paint or wall coatings. Rendering is distinct from plastering as it applies to the exterior walls of a property, while plastering refers to interior walls.
Why does a house need rendering?
House rendering acts as a protective layer against inclement weather and rainwater penetration, preventing damage to the underlying walls. It can be thought of as a type of cladding for the exterior of the house, much like plaster is applied to the interior walls.
How long does house rendering typically last?
House rendering can last up to 30 years, depending on the type of render and maintenance given.