In the construction industry, rendering is the process by which you apply a coat of material to a wall to create a smooth, even surface. Aside from giving your construction project a professional finish, rendering can protect the underlying structure from weather damage and pests. In other words, it offers both aesthetic and functional purposes.
There are various types of rendering to choose from, whether a home renovation or a new build. To give you a better understanding of the different types of rendering, here are the most common types used today:
1. Cement
Cement is the most basic and popular type of rendering. It’s made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Cement render is ideal for interior and exterior surfaces such as brick walls, concrete blocks, and stone. It’s also perfect for filling in any gaps and irregularities on the surface.
You can find pre-mixed and dry mixed cement in the market, which contains all the necessary ingredients in one package. Pre-mixes are best for DIY or small projects, while dry mixes are more suited for larger projects. While these two products have a mixture difference in ingredients, they both offer the same result.
In addition, cement rendering has several advantages, such as the following characteristics:
- Durable
- Versatile
- Cost-effective
- Easy to apply
2. Lime
Lime rendering is made from hydrated lime, sand, and water. It’s a popular choice for older buildings or those made from natural materials like stone or brick because it allows the building to breathe. Lime render is softer and more flexible than cement, meaning it can expand and contract without cracking. Above all, its unique finish is excellent for rustic or country-style homes.
Take a look at some of the great features of lime rendering:
- Breathable
- Flexible
- Soft natural finish
- Forgiving material
3. Gypsum
Gypsum rendering uses gypsum plaster, a plaster type made from calcined gypsum. It’s a good option for indoor and outdoor projects because it doesn’t require any reinforcement like metal lath or wire mesh. Gypsum render is also fire-resistant and has excellent acoustic properties, making it ideal for use in commercial building projects.
Some of the benefits of using gypsum rendering include:
- No shrinkage
- Non-combustible
- Soundproofing
- Eco-friendly
4. Acrylic
If you’re looking for a modern and sleek type, acrylic render is a great choice. It’s typically made from a mixture of acrylic resins, Portland cement, and fine sand, which gives it a smooth texture. Acrylic render is also resistant to cracking, chalking, fading, and peeling. Plus, it has excellent adhesion properties, which allow it to bond well with different types of surfaces.
It’s also worth noting that acrylic render can be tinted to any color, giving you more freedom in design.
This rendering type has the following valuable features:
- Tintable material
- Weather-resistant
- Waterproof
- Fast drying
5. Polymer
Polymer rendering is a type of modified cement render that uses polymer resins. It’s designed to improve the performance of cement render, making it more flexible and robust. Polymer render is also resistant to mold and mildew, meaning it’s an ideal option for damp or humid areas such as laundry and bathrooms.
Furthermore, polymer rendering is designed for fiber cement sheeting, covering any underlying imperfections of industrial, commercial, or residential buildings. It’s also a perfect choice for architectural facades.
Here are the pros you can expect from polymer rendering:
- Highly waterproof
- Thermal efficiency
- Easy maintenance
- Quick surface application
6. Pebble Dash
Pebble dash or roughcast render is a coarse plaster surface that uses pebbles, gravel, shells, or flint chips as its primary mix. Its textured finish is a popular choice for both commercial and residential buildings. Pebble dash is also known for its hard-wearing and durable properties, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as driveways and pathways.
This type of render can provide various benefits, such as:
- Little upkeep required
- Long-lasting
- Attractive finish
- Enhanced water-shedding properties
7. Silicone
It’s one of the primary rendering types made by mixing silicone resin, Portland cement, and sand. Its water-repellent properties make it unique and an excellent selection for use in areas with high humidity or rainfall. Thus, it can protect your walls from dirt, mold, and mildew.
Applying silicone render to your walls comes with the following valuable features:
- Dirt-repellent
- Add UV properties
- Fade-resistant
- More reliable
The Bottom Line
As you’re planning to render any structures on your property, it’d be best to identify first the different types of rendering and their specific advantages. In that way, you can decide which one would be the most ideal for your home or building project.
Use this guide as your starting point to choose the best render type that’ll suit your needs and preferences.
