The secret’s out: rendering is one of the most popular ways to transform the aesthetics of a tired, outdated brick home.
It’s not rocket science: the concept of house rendering dates to Roman times. However, it remains a popular home renovation project in the UK in 2021.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and stylish way to improve your home’s insulation and lift its street appeal to a whole new level, you’re on the right track.
At Combit Constructions, specialist builders in North London, we love render. And that’s why we’ve taken a few moments to explain a few things about this process and how it could transform your home:
WHAT IS HOUSE RENDERING?
In the context of home improvements, rendering is the process whereby surfaces are covered in a thin layer of cement, silicone, lime (or other similar product).
The render protects the construction material (often bricks or cement blocks) from the elements and provides a clean, contemporary-looking external surface.
WHY RENDER A HOUSE?
There are several reasons why you might choose to render your home:
1. Aesthetics
Wanting to improve the curb-side appeal of your property? Or improving the aesthetics before you list your property on the real estate market? When first impressions count, render is a great way to go!
Whether your home is new or old, render can be used to create those beautiful clean lines, or to blend an extension with the original part of the home.
2. Insulation/Protection
Rendering your brickwork can extend your wall’s lifespan by up to 20 years. The render acts as an extra layer of insulation, preventing dampness from seeping in and damaging the internal structure of the wall.
Applying render to the external walls of your home can also help to maintain an even temperature inside the home, all year round.
3. Fire Resistance
Rendering improves a home’s fire resistance. And although this isn’t something we like to think about, as a responsible homeowner, it’s something you need to consider.
4. Create a Feature!
Does your home lack that ‘wow’ factor you so badly need? When used in contrast to brick or timber, wall rendering can be used to create a trendy design feature.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RENDERING
There are several types of render which are commonly used for homes. If you are wondering which is the best render for the house, read below:
1. Cement
Cement is probably the cheapest form of render in terms of materials, but it can be a little more expensive to apply. To keep it looking good, cement render needs to be painted regularly.
2. Polymer
Polymer renders are generally sold as a premix, using cement or lime as a base mixed with other plastic-based product for increased strength and durability.
Polymer renders are more flexible than cement ones, and therefore less prone to cracking. They are often coloured, which saves the hassle and expense of painting.
3. Lime
Lime render has been used on all building types for many years. It is extremely breathable and has the ability to expand and contract with the surface of the building, making it a great choice for wooden or older homes.
4. Silicone
Long-lasting, water repellent, flexible, self-cleaning… silicone render is another type of render which is popular in the UK.
Although it can take longer to apply, silicone render doesn’t need painting and it will generally last longer than any other form of render.
HOW IS RENDER APPLIED?
Render is applied either by spraying or by using a hand trowel. The type of render you choose will determine how many coats are required and the thickness of the finished product.
DOES RENDERING REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION?
You don’t usually have to obtain Planning Permission to render your house if the materials used in the rendering process are the same as (or similar to) those used in the construction of the original home.
However, if yours is a listed property or if your home is in a Conservation area, planning permission may be required.
For more information about rendering your home or your extension, talk to the team at Combit Constructions. We have the expertise, the experience, and the practical know-how to create homes that are beautiful, functional and built to last.