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Rendering for your home: The beginner’s guide

30th June 2021 Print

If there’s one thing that has kept people sane and busy during the past year of lockdowns, it’s home DIY projects.

But while many people have gone all innovative with their interiors and green with their gardens, it’s likely they’ve forgotten those all important exterior walls. This is where rendering comes in – a super solution to enhancing tired brick walls. 

For those of you with little or no knowledge of this process, here’s a beginners guide to rendering your home. 

What is rendering?

Rendering is a process by which a coating is applied to the external walls of your home to create a smooth and pristine finish. It’s a big job to take on, however, it comes with some big benefits too. 

What are the benefits of rendering? 

Aesthetics: A smooth coat of render will transform your tired brickwork and provide your home with a facelift that’s immediately noticeable and can be enjoyed by all – passers-by and visitors alike. 

Damp proofing: With some brick walls liable to damp when exposed to the elements over a long time, rendering can provide robust protection from the effects of such harsh weather, preventing the unwanted water from finding its way into your home. 

Insulation: According to home specialists Ideal Home, around 30% of the energy used to heat a home is lost through its external walls. This is where rendering works well, the added coating helps keep in the heat, saving you from forking out on interior insulation. 

Types of render

So you’ve got an idea of the main benefits, but with so many options out there, which type of render do you choose? Let’s take a look at a few. 

Mineral: Perhaps the most popular option. This is cement based render comes as a dry powder and is mixed on site. It’s breathable and generally considered one of the cheapest options you’ll find. However, it’s quite absorbent, so you’ll probably need to paint it to protect against rain. 

Acrylic: Unlike mineral, it tends to be pre-made and can be coloured with near enough any pigment. This makes it a great choice for those of you looking a vibrant colour for your walls that really stands out. Just beware, its waterproofing qualities aren’t always great and it can attract algae. 

Silicone: This option offers similar flexibility and colour choice benefits to acrylics, but with an added level of waterproofing as it self-cleans through staying dry. However, it sits on the premium side in terms of cost, so won’t suit everyone’s budget. 

Is rendering for you? 

Rendering is a major undertaking but it’s one where you’ll certainly reap the benefits once it’s done. And with render suppliers like Yorkshire-based Direct Building Products at hand, you’ll be able to find the information and supplies you need to see your rendering project through to success. 

We hope this quick guide has got you thinking about how best to treat your neglected outside walls – good luck with whatever course of action you choose. 

What are your thoughts on rendering? Let us know in the comments section.