You’re in your living room, sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. Heating’s on full blast. Yet you still feel a chill creeping through the walls. The next day, you discover that your energy bills have skyrocketed. This leaves you wondering if your house leaks heat faster than your wallet can keep up. Sadly, this is a reality among many.
The energy regulator in the UK has approved a 10% increase in the maximum electricity rate suppliers can charge, effective October 2024. This means numerous households in Great Britian can expect to pay around GBP£149 more for their annual energy bill. What’s the result of this? (1)
Because of this price hike, a study by the Resolution Foundation found that 7.7 million British households will face difficulties affording heating costs during the upcoming winter season. But this isn’t just in the UK. High electricity bills have always been a bane for homeowners. That’s why many are improving their homes with energy-efficient solutions. One of them is external wall insulation or EWI. (2)
Why Is It a Smart Choice?
By creating an insulating barrier between your home’s interior and the outside elements, EWI helps maintain a more stable temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. For homes with HVAC systems, the added insulation leads to lower energy bills and a longer lifespan. Plus, it provides weather protection, safeguarding your insulation and the underlying structure from the elements. These combined benefits can significantly increase your home’s market value, making it a worthwhile investment.
Partnering with reputable house rendering services is the best way to go if you really want to experience all these perks. This is especially helpful for countries and areas experiencing variable climates. For example, since the UK has four seasons, hiring a house rendering expert helps in reducing energy bills in Manchester or other regions.
On that note, here’s a step-by-step process on how to achieve this home improvement.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before applying anything, the surface must be prepared; otherwise, it becomes impossible to complete the work properly.
First, look closely at your existing external wall insulation. Mark any loose, damaged, or worn-out parts that need repair. If you do find something, get it fixed immediately. You never want to topcoat over problems—that’s like sweeping dirt under the rug!
Then scrub the entire surface. You can do this with either a pressure washer or soapy water and a stiff brush. Just make sure you get rid of all dirt, dust, and debris that will otherwise prevent the render from sticking well.
Once the surface is clean, it must be allowed to dry. Patience is required here. Rushing on to the next stage when the surface is still damp can lead to hassles down the line.
However, different kinds of rendering may also require different preparation approaches. There are cement, insulated, and silicone rendering. If you choose the last one, you can hire silicone rendering services near you. They’ll prepare the surface properly and do all of the required steps without missing a beat. On the other hand, if you choose to go DIY, feel free to ask the experts on the best way to prepare the surface.
Step 2: Apply the Base Coat
Now, it’s time to apply the base coat to a clean and dry surface. It bridges the gap between the insulation and final renders. It’s crucial that everything sticks together.
Choose a base coat formulated for use with external wall insulation. Such products are usually cement-based but in powder form. You mix them with water, again using the manufacturer’s guide. It’s a bit like making a very thick pancake batter!
Use a notched trowel to spread the base coat nicely over the insulation. Work in sections to ensure that you cover the whole surface area. This layer is between 3-6mm—not too thin, not too thick, and not too many points in a small space.
While you’re applying your base coat, watch for any lumps or uneven areas. Smooth those out as you go. Remember that how well the base coat looks will dictate how great your final render will look.
Step 3: Embed Reinforcement Mesh
While the base coat is still wet, it’s time to add some extra strength to your render. This is where the reinforcement mesh comes in. Think of it as the backbone of your rendering job—it helps prevent cracks and gives the whole system added durability.
Start at the top of your wall and unroll the mesh downwards. Press it gently into the wet base coat using a trowel or a special mesh-embedding tool. Make sure the mesh is fully lodged in the base coat but still visible on the surface.
When you reach the end of a strip of mesh, overlap the next piece by about 10cm. This ensures there are no weak spots in your reinforcement. Continue this process until you’ve covered the entire wall.
Once the mesh is in place, apply a thin layer of base coat over the top to fully encapsulate it. This sandwich-like structure creates a super strong foundation for your topcoat render.
Step 4: Apply Topcoat Render
After allowing the base coat to dry completely (usually 24-48 hours, but check the product instructions), it’s time for the grand finale — the topcoat render. This is the layer that everyone will see, so take your time to get it right.
There are various types of topcoat renders available, from traditional sand and cement mixes to modern, ready-to-use acrylic renders. Choose one that suits your climate and personal preferences. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for advice at your local building supply store.
Before you start, light sand the base coat to remove any small imperfections. Then, apply your chosen render using a steel trowel. Work from the top of the wall downwards, applying the render in smooth, even strokes. The thickness of this layer will depend on the product you’re using, but it’s typically around 1-2mm.
As you apply the render, keep stepping back to check your work. Look for any uneven areas or missed spots. It’s much easier to fix these issues while the render is still wet!
Step 5: Finish and Protect
The final step is all about adding those finishing touches and making sure that your effort lasts long.
If you want, you can get different textures by allowing the render to set while still wet. Popular finishes include smooth, scraped, and even patterned. These can be achieved using sponges, brushes, or textured rollers. Allow your creativity to shine through to give your home a unique look!
Once you’re satisfied with the texture’s appearance, let your render dry completely. This should take you at least 24 hours but up to 48 hours, depending on weather conditions.
When the render has completely cured, apply a protective layer for its longevity. Apply an appropriate exterior paint or clear sealer over the render. This not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also protects the render from moisture and UV rays.
Lastly, don’t forget about ongoing maintenance. While a well-applied render is durable, it’s not indestructible. Plan to inspect your walls annually and address any small issues promptly to keep your home looking great for years to come.
Remember that the combination of improved energy efficiency and enhanced aesthetics can boost your home’s market value, making it a smart long-term investment. This was proven by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, which saw a 3% uplift in property value in 19 homes upon installation of EWI. (3)
In Conclusion
Rendering over external wall insulation can be done with proper preparation and patience. It’s a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and appearance. Whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, the results will be worth it.
References
- “What is the energy price cap and can I cut my bill?”, Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/aug/23/what-are-the-energy-price-cap-and-standing-charges-and-will-they-keep-rising
- “Fuel and electricity bills set to rise for most people by £149 today”, Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/a62465867/energy-bills-increase/
- “The impact of solid wall insulation on property value”, Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f4e14f6d3bf7f0a35d2fe99/impact-solid-wall-insulation-property-value.pdf