Rendering a House: Everything You Need to Consider

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Introduction

Are you considering giving your home a fresh, modern look? Rendering a house is an excellent way to revamp its appearance while adding durability and value. This process involves applying various types of materials to the exterior of your property, creating a smooth, uniform finish that can withstand the elements and boost curb appeal.

But with so many options available, it’s essential to understand everything there is to know before diving into rendering. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through different types of renderings, factors you should consider when choosing one, as well as the pros and cons associated with this home improvement project.

Key Takeaways

• There are various types of render available, each with its advantages and characteristics. Cement render is durable but requires regular maintenance, while lime render is flexible and breathable. Silicone render offers water resistance and an extensive range of colors, monocouche (through-coloured) renders require one coat only, acrylic renders are versatile, while cork-based renders provide excellent insulation.
• Factors to consider when rendering a house include the type of material used for rendering, the type of house you have, cost implications like labor costs and preparation work required. It’s essential to select materials that complement your surroundings’ aesthetics while ensuring durability.
• The cost of rendering a house can be high; however, it adds value in terms of long – term benefits such as energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. Additionally, choosing appropriate materials can improve insulation properties or enhance the façade’s overall appearance.
• Proper maintenance & meticulous attention to detail when preparing surfaces before rendering helps prolong its longevity. Professional help & planning permission may be needed depending on the choice or application method. Remembering these details will ensure an informed decision before beginning any home improvement project that involves exterior finishings like Rendering a House

Types Of Render

There are various types of render available for homeowners, including cement render, lime render, silicone render, monocouche (through-coloured) render, acrylic render, and cork-based render.

Cement Render

Cement render is a popular and cost-effective option for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s exterior while providing added protection against the elements.

It consists of a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water that forms a durable coating when applied to the external walls of a house.

However, there are some considerations before opting for cement render as your choice. While it is known for its durability and longevity – often lasting up to 30 years – it’s essential to maintain proper sealing as lack of regular maintenance can make it susceptible to moisture infiltration, leading to cracks or damp issues over time.

Lime Render

Lime render is a traditional and eco-friendly option for homeowners seeking to enhance the appearance and protect the exterior of their homes. Made from a mixture of sand, water, and lime – specifically hydraulic or hydrated lime – this type of render is well-suited for older buildings with solid walls or those made from materials such as stone or cob.

One notable characteristic that sets lime render apart from other types is its flexibility. Unlike cement renders, which can be prone to cracking due to weather conditions or building movement, lime-based materials are known for their ability to adapt without compromising structural integrity.

This makes it an ideal choice for period properties that require added protection while preserving their historic charm. Additionally, these renders come in a wide range of colors and finishes so you can customize your home’s appearance according to your preferences.

Silicone Render

Silicone render has quickly become a popular choice among home owners due to its many advantages. As a modern, high-performing rendering option, it offers excellent benefits like water resistance and breathability.

One major advantage of silicone render is its extensive range of colors that can be incorporated into the mix without the need for painting over it later on.

Apart from providing a visually appealing finish, it also boasts impressive durability and low maintenance requirements as it’s less prone to cracking and algae growth compared to traditional cement renders.

For example, if you live in an area with frequent rainfall or high humidity levels, opting for silicone render can save you both time and money on external wall upkeep in the long run.

Monocouche (Through-Coloured) Render

Monocouche render is a popular rendering option for homeowners. It is a pre-mixed, one-coat rendering that is applied in a single layer to the exterior of your house.

Unlike other types of renders, this type comes in a range of colors and finishes, which means that it does not require painting or decorating after application.

This can save you time and money on maintenance costs in the long run.

One thing to consider before choosing monocouche render is that it can be more expensive than other types of renders due to its color options and durability. However, with proper maintenance, this type of rendering can last over 20 years without needing any repainting or touch-ups.

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is a popular choice among homeowners due to its versatility and flexibility. It is commonly used in modern homes as it can be tinted with a range of colors, giving the property a contemporary look.

Acrylic render has an excellent texture that can easily cover different surfaces, including brickwork and concrete.

One significant advantage of acrylic render is that it’s water-resistant and durable. This type of rendering material works well in areas prone to dampness, ensuring that moisture doesn’t penetrate through the walls into your home’s interior space.

Additionally, acrylic render requires very little maintenance as its color does not fade easily compared to other types of renders like traditional lime or cement-based render.

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Cork-Based Render

Cork-based render is an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to go green. It is made from natural cork mixed with a polymer binder, creating a breathable and waterproof surface that provides excellent insulation.

This type of render has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its insulating properties, low maintenance requirements, and durability. The texture of cork-based render gives it a unique look, which can add character to any home.

One important thing to note about cork-based render is that it requires a professional tradesperson who knows how to apply this type of finish correctly. You’ll also need planning permission before applying cork-based rendering if you live in a terraced or semi-detached house since neighboring houses may be affected by the work being done on your property.

Factors To Consider When Rendering A House

When considering rendering your home, there are several factors to keep in mind, such as the materials used, the type of house you have, and whether you want to go the DIY route or hire a professional.

Materials

Proper selection of materials is crucial when rendering your house. Here are the factors you should keep in mind:

• Type of Render: There are various types of render, such as cement render, lime render, silicone render, monocouche (through-coloured) render, acrylic render, and cork-based render. Each type has its unique properties and advantages.
• Insulation: Some renders come with insulation properties that provide thermal benefits to your home.
• Breathability: It is essential to choose breathable renders that prevent dampness and allow moisture to escape.
• Colour Range:Consider choosing a colour range that complements the surroundings and enhances your house’s appeal.
• Durability: Opt for durable renders resistant to cracking, peeling, or fading.
• Cost: The cost often varies depending on the type of render used. Some materials may also require additional labour costs or specific preparation methods.
• Compatibility with Existing Surfaces: Ensure the rendering material works well with existing surfaces and does not cause damage or structural issues.

Remember that choosing the best material for your house can add value and provide long-term benefits like energy efficiency and low maintenance costs.

Type Of House

Different types of houses require different approaches to rendering. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right render type for your house:

• Brick Houses: Brick houses tend to benefit from a lime render that is more breathable and flexible, allowing moisture to escape and possibly helping reduce dampness.
• Timber-Framed Houses: Timber-framed houses typically require a render system that is flexible enough to endure any movement in the building’s structure. A silicone or acrylic render might be suitable.
• Terraced Houses: Terraced homes might benefit from a textured finish such as monocouche (through-coloured) render. They can also benefit from a waterproofing agent incorporated into the mix.
• Pebble Dash Houses: Pebble dash houses usually have thick layers of mortar covered with pea-sized stones or gravel, making it hard for traditional renders like lime to adhere. Acrylic or silicone renders suit this type of house better.
• Period Properties: Traditional cement-based renders can harm historic buildings by trapping in moisture, potentially leading to structural damage. Lime renders breathe more efficiently and are therefore generally recommended.

Remember that the type of house you’re rendering should factor into your decision-making process.

Cost

Rendering a house can be costly, and homeowners need to consider the potential expenses before embarking on this project. Factors such as the size of the property, type of material used for rendering, labor costs and any additional work needed to prepare surfaces all add up.

However, while it may seem like an expensive undertaking initially, there are significant long-term benefits to rendering your home. By adding an extra layer of insulation to your house’s exterior walls, you’ll save money on energy bills in the long run.

Homeowners should carefully weigh their options based on individual needs and budget constraints when considering house rendering.

Added Value

By rendering your house, you can add significant value to your property. A well-executed rendering job drastically improves the curb appeal of a home and adds an extra layer of insulation that makes it more energy-efficient.

In fact, according to research by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), external wall insulation can increase the value of a home by up to 14 percent.

If you’re considering selling in the future, making this investment in your home could pay off greatly when it comes time to put it on the market. Plus, added insulation means lower heating bills and better soundproofing from outside noise, two factors that many potential buyers will appreciate.

DIY Vs. Professional Rendering

When deciding whether to render your house by yourself or hire a professional, there are several factors to consider. The table below compares the two options, helping you to make an informed decision.

DIY Rendering	Professional Rendering
Cost-effective, as you save on labor costs.	More expensive due to labor costs, but can save time and effort.
Requires learning and mastering the techniques yourself, which can be time-consuming.	Professionals have the experience and expertise to provide a high-quality finish.
Potential for mistakes and low-quality finish, especially for first-timers.	Better guarantee of a smooth and uniform surface, improving the appearance of the exterior of your house (Fact 8).
Less assurance that the surface is properly prepared for rendering, potentially leading to issues like cracking, mold, algae, and flaking paint (Fact 4).	Professionals ensure proper surface preparation, including cleaning, repairing, and priming, which is crucial for a successful rendering project (Fact 10).
May not be aware of local planning permission requirements, potentially leading to legal issues.	Experienced professionals are knowledgeable about planning permission and can guide you through the process.
Requires investment in tools and materials, which may not be used again.	Professional renderers already have the necessary tools and can source materials at a better rate, saving you money in the long run.

In conclusion, DIY rendering can be a cost-effective option for homeowners with the time and patience to learn the process. However, hiring a professional renderer ensures a higher quality finish, proper surface preparation, and adherence to planning permission requirements. The choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

Planning Permission

Before rendering your house, it’s important to check if you need planning permission. Generally, if the exterior of your home is going to look significantly different from the neighboring houses, or if you are adding insulation that changes the appearance of the building, then planning permission may be required.

In some cases, however, planning permission might not be necessary. For example, if you’re using a similar finish and color as what was already on the house or just repairing existing render without changing its type or color.

How To Render Different Types Of Houses

To render different types of houses, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and any damaged areas repaired before applying the chosen type of render. The application techniques can vary depending on the type of house, with timber-framed homes requiring a breathable system while brick houses may require specialized primers to ensure adhesion.

Brick Houses

Brick houses are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and classic look. Here are some factors to consider when rendering a brick house:

1. Surface Preparation – Before rendering, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any mould or algae. Repair any cracks or damage before beginning.
2. The Type of Brick – The type of brick used in your home will affect the type of render you choose. Traditional cement render may not be suitable for older soft bricks as it can cause dampness and cracking.
3. Breathability – Brick houses need breathability to prevent moisture build-up that could lead to dampness and potential structural issues. Consider using a lime render or silicone render that allows the wall to breathe.
4. Insulation – External wall insulation can be added during the rendering process to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
5. Cost – Rendering a brick house can be more expensive than other types of homes due to additional preparation needed for the surface and the type of render required.

Remember, proper preparation of the surface is crucial for a successful rendering project on a brick house. Taking into account the cost, type of brick used, breathability, insulation needs, and surface preparation will help ensure a durable and visually appealing finish that adds value to your property.

Timber-Framed Houses

Timber-framed houses are a popular type of house that can benefit from rendering. Here are some key factors to consider when rendering a timber-framed house:

1. Type of render: Choose a flexible render system that can move with the wood and won’t crack over time.
2. Insulation: Timber-framed houses need proper insulation, so consider a render system with an added insulation layer or plan for separate insulation installation.
3. Breathable: Make sure the chosen render system is breathable to allow moisture to escape and prevent damage to the wood.
4. Planning permission: Depending on the area and regulations, you may need planning permission before starting any rendering work on your house.
5. DIY vs Professional Rendering: While it may be tempting to save costs by doing it yourself, professional tradespeople can ensure proper preparation, application, and finishing for a long-lasting result.
6. Materials used: Different types of renders require different materials, so make sure you choose the right materials for your timber-framed house.

Remember that properly preparing your house’s surface is crucial before applying any render coat. And while rendering can add value and improve curb appeal, homeowners should factor in the cost of labour and maintenance required in maintaining the rendered finish over time.

Terraced Houses

Terraced houses are a popular option for homeowners, but they can present unique challenges when it comes to rendering. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Neighbouring houses: If you live in a terraced house, consider how your rendering project may impact your neighbours. You’ll want to choose a finish that complements the other homes on the street and doesn’t create an eyesore.
2. Planning permission: Depending on where you live, you may need planning permission before rendering the exterior of your home. Check with your local council to see if there are any restrictions or guidelines you need to follow.
3. Type of render: Consider which type of render will work best for your terraced house. A cement-based render may be more suitable for older properties, while silicone render is known for its flexibility and resistance to cracking.
4. Labour costs: Terraced houses tend to be smaller than detached homes, which means lower labour costs for rendering projects.
5. Maintenance requirements: Terraced houses with rendered exteriors will require regular maintenance to prevent issues like cracking and flaking paint from occurring.

Remember that proper preparation of the surface is crucial for a successful rendering project – cleaning, repairing, and priming the walls should all be done prior to applying any render coating.

Pebble Dash Houses

Pebble dash houses are one of the most challenging houses to render. Here are some factors to consider when rendering a pebble dash house:

1. Preparation is vital: Properly prepare the surface by removing any loose material, cleaning it with a pressure washer, and repairing any cracks or damage.
2. Choose the right render: The best rendering system for pebble dash houses is a cement-based render. This type of render provides excellent adhesion to rough surfaces like pebble dash and offers excellent durability.
3. Consider insulation: Pebble dash homes tend to be older properties with solid walls that require insulation. External wall insulation is an option that can reduce heating costs and increase energy efficiency in your home.
4. Color options matter: Pebble dash houses come in different colors, so it’s essential to choose a render finish that matches your home’s existing color scheme or opt for a fresh new look.
5. Hire experienced tradespeople: Rendering a pebble dash house needs skilled labor, so make sure you choose professionals who have experience working with this type of surface.
6. Think about kerb appeal: With the right finish, pebble dashed homes can look great from a distance as well as up close, improving overall kerb appeal and adding value to your property.

Remember that proper maintenance is vital for maintaining the longevity of your rendered pebble dashed home. Regular cleaning will prevent mould growth and flaking paint while extending its lifespan.

Pros And Cons Of House Rendering

Pros of house rendering include improving the appearance of your home, protecting the exterior walls from weather damage, and adding value to your property. However, cons such as high cost, potential need for planning permission, and maintenance requirements must also be considered.

Advantages

There are many benefits to consider when deciding whether to render your house. Here are some advantages to keep in mind:

1. Improved Appearance: Rendering creates a smooth and uniform surface that can greatly improve the look of the exterior of your home.
2. Protection from the Elements: A fresh coat of render can protect your home from weather damage, including wind, rain, and UV rays.
3. Increased Durability: Properly applied render can significantly increase the strength and durability of external walls.
4. Low Maintenance: Rendered walls require little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, making them ideal for busy homeowners.
5. Energy Efficiency: Adding insulation to the rendered walls can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
6. Increased Property Value: A well-maintained rendered house can add value to your property and improve its curb appeal.
7. More Design Options: With a wide range of colors and textures available, you have more design options than ever before with rendered homes.

Overall, rendering provides a cost-effective way to improve both the appearance and functionality of your home while adding long-term value to your property.

Disadvantages

Despite the numerous benefits of house rendering, there are also some disadvantages that homeowners should consider before making a decision. Here are some of the drawbacks to keep in mind:

1. Cost: Rendering can be an expensive project, depending on the type of material used and the size of your house. Homeowners should factor in labour costs, materials used, and any need for planning permission when considering their budget.
2. Maintenance: While rendering can add value to your property and improve its appearance, it requires proper maintenance to prevent issues like cracking, mould, algae growth and flaking paint. Regular cleaning is essential to avoid build-up that may cause damage.
3. Planning permission: Depending on where you live or the type of house you have, you may need planning permission before rendering. Failure to follow local planning regulations can lead to legal problems down the line.
4. Limited flexibility: Some types of rendering materials offer more flexibility than others. For example, traditional lime render offers better breathability and flexibility than cement-based renders which can crack quicker due to temperature fluctuations.
5. Neighbouring houses: If you live in a terraced or semi-detached home, rendering may affect neighbouring houses’ aesthetic appeal if not done correctly.
6. Time-consuming: Applying render can take weeks between preparation and drying time, making it quite a lengthy process.

Despite these disadvantages, when done right by choosing the appropriate material suited for your home’s specific needs with proper preparation and regular maintenance scheduling ,the advantages outweigh them all by adding significant value to your property and making it more attractive while improving energy efficiency by adding insulation through external wall insulation during installation

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to add a modern touch to your home or rejuvenate a tired-looking exterior, rendering can be an excellent option. However, before taking on such a project, it’s crucial to consider the various factors involved carefully.

From the cost and type of render to planning permission and DIY vs. professional work, every aspect must be taken into account.

Proper preparation and maintenance are also key for preserving the render’s quality over time.