Things You Need to Know Before You Render a Brick House
An architectural rendering of a three storey brick house.Things You Need to Know Before You Render a Brick House

Rendering involves coating pre-existing surfaces on home exteriors with a thick material layer, resulting in a cleaner, more stylish, modernized aesthetic. This treatment is applied to brick and concrete surfaces. The render is then screeded, floated, and sponged to achieve a specific finish. You can opt for various styles, such as textured or smooth, fine or coarse, and natural or coloured. While it's customary for houses to be fully rendered, it's not always a requirement. Many homes might only have a section rendered, exposing the rest of the brickwork. Discover essential insights before rendering your brick house to enhance its aesthetic appeal and protect its structure. This detailed guide covers various render types, from lime to silicone, each offering unique benefits for your home's exterior. Whether you're aiming for a modern or traditional look, understanding these options can significantly impact your renovation project's outcome. It's particularly useful for those looking for a construction company in Hamilton, ensuring your home not only looks great but is also well-protected.

Types of Render

Each type of render possesses unique attributes, each with its own pros and cons. Nevertheless, your contractor should be equipped to present the most fitting options for you. Below is a quick rundown of the available choices and guidance on how to select the best one:

Lime render: A lime render is both adaptable and permeable, making it an excellent choice for homes susceptible to dampness. It's particularly well-suited for older properties needing a breathable finish but can also be used in contemporary homes. Its primary disadvantage is its cost, as it is more difficult to work with, hence more expensive.

Cement render: This is the most common type of render. It's typically applied in layers and may require frequent cleaning and repainting to maintain its shine. It's generally the most economical choice among all other options.

Polymer render: These renders could be either cement or lime-based. What sets them apart is the addition of polymers that inhibit cracking. They are available in various colors, reducing the need for frequent repainting.

Acrylic render: This type often comes in many colors and is usually used as a finishing layer over an existing base coat. It includes fibers that prevent it from cracking and is ideal for pre-rendered properties that need additional protection.

Silicone render: This is the latest type of rendering available. Its silicone content allows dirt to easily slide off. However, this render type can be expensive as silicone is a high-end material. It's most suitable for modern homes seeking a sleek appearance.

Monocouche render: This render is break-resistant due to its lime-like texture and flexibility. It also produces smooth, weatherproof finishes that are aesthetically pleasing. Typically, it comes in pre-colored or premixed bags, requiring only a simple water mixture. The downside of Monocouche is that it can be quite expensive.

Seek Expert Assistance

Taking on house rendering as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project is generally not advised due to its complex nature and the potential for numerous unforeseen problems. One such complexity is the task of adding external insulation, which needs to be done with precision as the render will overlay it. Additionally, achieving a smooth finish requires substantial time and skill.

To ensure high-quality results for a house render, work with D'Angelo Brick Repair; these professionals have vast experience in house rendering. They can help you save both time and money in the long run.

Try a Off-White Render

A radiant white finish can be striking and is frequently favored for brick houses, but it can also come off as too severe and chilly, potentially not offering a cozy greeting to your abode unless paired with suitable materials. A gentler, more inviting shade of white could be a superior option for certain residences, particularly those of an older age where the novelty isn't necessarily a selling point.

Upon viewing this historic property from the front, you might assume the entire structure was erected simultaneously. However, both the front and back portions of the building have undergone extensive extensions, which includes a two-storey side addition.

Endnote

Applying render to a brick house can improve its energy efficiency and protect against damp penetration, particularly when lime render is employed. However, this process can be expensive and may require substantial upkeep. While there are other lower maintenance cladding materials like timber cladding, the aesthetic appeal of render might make it a worthwhile investment for some.