What Is A Cement Rendering? Difference Between Rendering And Plastering
What Is A Cement Rendering?
Cement rendering is the process of applying a mixture of cement, sand, and lime to brick, concrete, stone, or mud brick walls. It is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance and weather resistance of exterior walls and can be textured, colored, or painted after application.
This technique has been used for centuries in southern Europe and different countries have their own traditional styles and colors.
The mix used can vary and may include optional use of lime or cement. Finishes can be created by using different tools such as trowels, sponges, or brushes and the art of traditional rendering is in the appearance of the top coat.
Some special finishing effects may need to be created with a thin finishing top coat or a finishing wash. Care must be taken during application as it can crack quickly if done incorrectly.
Cement render is typically made up of 6 parts fine, clean sand, 1 part cement, and 1 part lime. The addition of lime improves the render’s workability and reduces cracking as it dries. Any type of general purpose cement can be used, and additives can be added to enhance adhesion.
Coarser sand is used for the base layer and finer sand for the top layer. The application process is similar to painting, including cleaning the surface to be rendered, removing old paint or render, roughening the surface for better adhesion, and using vertical battens for large areas to maintain an even and flat application.
History Of Cement Rendering
Cement rendering, which originated in Australia, is a technique that involves applying a coating to buildings in order to improve their resistance to different weather conditions.
This coating not only enhances the comfort of the interior of the building but also prolongs the lifespan of the building materials. The cement barrier protects the structure from wind, rain, and snow helping to preserve its structural integrity for many years.
It is typically used on exterior walls and fences, but can also be applied to the interior under certain circumstances. Cement rendering with color and texture is a modern take on the traditional method. This technique involves adding design elements such as color and texture to the building’s surface.
It is widely used for both internal and external surfaces as the color is more durable than paint and the shades are more consistent. Additionally, this method is applied in one go, resulting in no visible lines variations, or blotches as seen on painted surfaces.
This technique is popularly used in many regions worldwide especially for older and larger homes and commercial buildings.
Advantages Of Cement Rendering
Cement rendering is a popular wall finish for both traditional and modern architecture as it provides a natural stone look and many functional and aesthetic advantages.
It protects exterior walls from weather and erosion, is highly durable and resistant to cracking, suitable for both interior and exterior designs, provides additional insulation and increases home value.
It is best applied by professionals using high-quality materials and sealant for maximum durability and cost-effectiveness.
Disadvantages Of Cement Rendering
Cement rendering has some downsides to consider, such as being less suitable for certain surfaces, requiring difficult preparation, and being prone to cracking. Additionally, it is mainly used on bricks and may not be the best option for other surfaces.
Preparing the walls for rendering may require professional help, and the final finish may depend on how well the walls were prepared.
Additionally, concrete rendering may develop cracks over time and may exhibit efflorescence, which is staining caused by salt. It’s important to understand the repair process for rendering.
What Is The Difference Between Rendering And Plastering?
Rendering and plastering are both building techniques used to finish the exterior or interior walls of a structure, but they are slightly different.
Rendering is the process of applying a layer of a material, usually a cement-based mixture, to the exterior of a building to create a smooth or textured surface. This is typically done to protect the building from weathering or to improve its appearance.
Plastering, on the other hand, is the process of applying a layer of plaster (a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water) to the interior walls of a building to create a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. This is typically done to finish the walls after construction and improve the appearance of the interior of the building.
In summary, rendering is usually done on the exterior of a building and plastering is usually done on the interior of a building.
