House Rendering - How To Render A Wall

Posted on 30/05/23

How To Render A Wall


Rendering a house is not only a good design choice - it can also help to protect your home from weather damage, as well as provide insulation by keeping the heat in during the winter months and cool air in during summer.

Rendering walls isn’t difficult if you have the right tools, materials and know-how. In this guide, we'll show you how to render a wall correctly.

What Type of Render Should I Use For a House Wall?

When choosing the type of render to use for a house wall, there are several factors to take into consideration. Acrylic renders are the most popular choice because they provide a durable and attractive finish, but there are other options available depending on the project’s needs. Lime-based renders are also popular for their breathable properties and flexibility when it comes to customising colours and textures.

Sand/cement-based renders may be best suited for walls with a high salt content or in areas subject to frequent freeze-thaw cycles as they provide excellent resistance against weathering. Synthetic polymer renders can offer superior waterproofing benefits while still providing an aesthetically pleasing finish. It is important to evaluate each option carefully before deciding which one will work best for your project.

Be sure to consult with a professional to determine which render will provide the best longevity and performance for your wall. Regardless of the type chosen, house renders need to be carefully applied and maintained to ensure long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.

Preparing to Render a Wall

  1. Before you begin, you'll need to ensure the wall is structurally sound. Any cracks, holes or uneven surfaces should be filled and levelled before you start applying the rendering mix.

  2. Once the wall is smooth you can begin pre-wetting it. This helps to keep the render mix from drying too quickly on the surface of the wall.

Applying Base Coat with Scratch Coat

Mix a base coat of your chosen render according to the instructions and apply it evenly onto your wall with a steel trowel. It's important that you feather out any ridges or bumps as much as possible for an even finish. You then need to add a scratch coat by running a whisk broom over the wall in order for it to adhere properly.

Adding Texture and Colour with Finish Coats

Add a second coat of render over the scratch coat in order to add texture and colour. You can use a steel trowel or sponge to create different effects on the wall, from swirls and ribbons to stripes and diamonds. Once you've added your desired texture, it's time to apply a third finish coat. This will give the wall a more polished look as well as provide extra weather protection.

Finishing Touches

Finally, you'll need to seal the rendered wall with a silicone-based sealant. This helps prevent moisture from seeping into any cracks or crevices so that your rendering remains intact and looks great! Once sealed, allow it to dry thoroughly before adding any decorations or trim. And that's it! You've now successfully rendered a wall and can enjoy the results of your efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Wall Take to Render?

The amount of time it takes to render a wall will depend on the complexity and size of the space. On average, a simple wall may take anywhere from one to two days to complete the rendering process. For more complex projects, such as detailed interior walls or large-scale exteriors, it could take anywhere from one week up to several months depending on the level of detail required.

The type of render and building materials used will also affect how long rendering will take; traditional plaster renders generally take longer than more modern acrylic renders.

What is the Best Type of Exterior Rendering for My Home?

There is no single best type of exterior rendering for all homes. The right solution will depend on a variety of factors such as the climate, local building codes and regulations, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Generally speaking, some popular types of exterior renderings include acrylic or polymer renders, cement renders, stone-based renders, and lime/clay/cement (LCC) based renders.

Acrylic or polymer renders tend to be more durable and low-maintenance than other options while cement renders offer greater flexibility in terms of design possibilities. Stone-based renders can provide a unique look to your home while LCC-based renders are great for damp climates due to their breathability and water resistance.

Does Weather Affect Rendering Jobs?

Yes, weather can have an impact on rendering jobs by affecting the temperature and humidity of a workspace. High temperatures can cause equipment to overheat or shut down, while high humidity can increase the risk of condensation forming on sensitive components. 

In addition, strong winds may cause airflow issues that affect the consistency of a render job. To ensure optimal performance and quality results, it is important to maintain a stable working environment with consistent temperatures and humidity levels.

Conclusion

Rendering a wall is an art form that requires patience, precision and skill. With the right tools and materials, you can create stunning effects with your render job no matter what type of exterior or interior walls you are working on.

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