Apply the render in thin, even coats, working it into the surface. Use a straight edge for leveling and air bubble removal. If your proposed rendering will cover more than 25% of the wall you may have to upgrade the wall to comply with current insulation requirements if this is possible. In a cavity wall for example, this may mean you need to insert cavity insulation. Spirit Level: A spirit level helps ensure that your render is applied evenly and that walls are plumb and level. If it is allowed to freeze it will expand and on thawing it will leave a void which will again fill with water when it rains. This will also freeze and so the process goes on. See our project on Freeze-Thaw action for more information. It became very popular during the 19th-century arts and crafts movement and was incorporated into many of the new style housing estates that sprung up over that period. It fell out of favour during the 20th century and pebbledash, in particular, started to gain a less-than-stellar reputation. It was used on a lot of the new homes that suddenly needed to be built and was chosen because there was a skills shortage at the time so other, more complicated forms, of finishing homes were harder to find.

Applying the Render The render is applied onto the wall using a trowel or a rendering machine. Application should start from the wall’s bottom and progress upwards. After the initial layer, it is advisable to let it set for a few hours before applying a second coat. Scratching comb used for keying first coat for better bond to second coat Step 8 – Test Dryness of First Coat If you are rendering over any existing render or a surface that’s a bit loose ensure that you remove any and all loose objects from the surface using a hammer and chisel. You can sand render down using a grinder or a sander. However, the best way to get smooth rendered walls is to do most of the smoothing while it is still damp using a sponge float. Pebbledash will give you all the same hard-wearing properties as wet dash render. It is essentially the same, except that with pebble dash the stones are applied afterwards. But if you want to be able to update how the exterior of your home looks by changing the colour, or if you want a more uniform colour look, then wet dash is the better option. If your walls are curved or unevenTo mitigate these issues, employ appropriate materials, adhere to application procedures, and consult a professional for guidance. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of damage are crucial for preserving the render’s integrity. Tips for Working with Sand and Cement Render

Poor Adhesion Improper surface preparation or mixing can lead to inadequate adhesion, resulting in peeling or flaking. There are 7 different types of render finish and depending on the type of surface or structure you’re working on will depend on what type is used. The types of render finish are cement render (most common), lime render, acrylic render, polymer render, clay, pebble dash and single coat render.

How Thick Should Render be on an External Wall?

Add the sand to the mixer in the correct proportions, making sure you measure them accurately and turn the mixer on. Mix the two sands for a few minutes and then add the cement, again using the correct proportion. The selection of the most suitable render type depends on factors such as wall type, desired finish, and environmental conditions. Consultation with a professional is advisable to make an informed choice. K Render or Sand and Cement