House rendering is one of the most popular ways to enhance the appearance, insulation, and durability of homes, offering protection against the elements while improving curb appeal. From traditional lime renders to modern silicone options, the range of choices can feel overwhelming.

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Many homeowners are drawn to the idea of rendering their properties to achieve a sleek, modern finish or improve energy efficiency. However, navigating the numerous options and companies can be challenging. While DIY projects might seem tempting, the risks of mistakes and unexpected costs often outweigh the perceived savings.

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In this blog, ‘Common Rendering Mistakes and How Professionals Can Help Avoid Them’ we’ll highlight the common rendering mistakes homeowners face, the benefits of working with qualified professionals, and how expert rendering can save you time, money, and stress. If you’re considering rendering your home, this guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure great results.

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What is House Rendering?

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House rendering, also known as wall rendering or house render, is the process of applying a protective and decorative coating to the exterior walls of a property. This layer, typically made from plaster, cement mortar, or modern materials like silicone render, serves multiple purposes, including improving insulation, enhancing curb appeal, and protecting walls from weather damage. A high-quality external render can last up to 30 years or more, depending on the material used and the level of exposure to the elements. 

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The Advantages of House Rendering

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House rendering is highly valued for its wide range of benefits, making it a practical and versatile solution for homeowners looking to improve and protect their properties. Rendering can:

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• Weatherproof and Seal Walls: Protects against water damage, moisture, and environmental factors, preventing issues like damp and mould.

• Save Damaged Walls: Covers cracks, mismatched brickwork, stains, and other unsightly marks, giving your home a clean, modern, and uniform appearance.

• Improve Insulation: Enhances the insulation rating of your property, helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

• Increase Property Value: Boosts curb appeal, structural durability, and overall market value of your home.

• Customisable Finishes: Offers a variety of colours, textures, and materials to suit any budget and aesthetic preference, allowing homeowners to achieve a tailored look for their property.

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Whether you're aiming to modernise your home, protect it from the elements, or improve its energy efficiency, house rendering provides an effective and long-lasting solution.

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Types of House Rendering

There are several types of house rendering, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here are the most common options:

• Acrylic Render / Silicone Rendersome text
  • Acrylic: Flexible, crack-resistant, water-resistant, and available in a variety of colours, textures, and finishes. However, it is not breathable, which can make it unsuitable for older properties.
  • Silicone: Combines flexibility and water resistance with breathability, making it ideal for both modern and old homes. Requires minimal maintenance.
• Lime Rendersome text
  • Flexible and breathable, making it perfect for older properties that require moisture management. Additionally, lime render is eco-friendly, low maintenance, and provides a traditional look.
• Cement Rendersome text
  • A durable option that hides poor brickwork and imperfections. It’s easy to repair, though it may require frequent repainting to maintain its appearance.
• Monocouche Rendersome text
  • A modern render that is low maintenance, water-resistant, and breathable. It requires only one coat, saving time and effort during application.
• Pebbledash Rendersome text
  • Highly weather-resistant and easy to repair, making it a practical choice for exposed properties. Pebbledash render offers a distinctive textured appearance, therefore it may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
• Brick Slipssome text
  • Replicates the genuine appearance of traditional bricks, adding warmth and character to any property. Brick Slips are ideal for achieving a classic brick finish without the need for full brickwork.
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Common Rendering Mistakes and How Professionals Can Help Avoid Them

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Rendering is a skilled craft that takes years to master, and while DIY projects might seem like a cost-saving option, they often result in mistakes that can be costly to fix. Properly rendered walls enhance the appearance, insulation, and protection of a property, but achieving professional results requires expertise and attention to detail. Here are some common rendering mistakes and why hiring a professional is crucial:

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1. Inadequate Surface Preparation

One of the most frequent mistakes in rendering is failing to prepare the surface properly.

• Why It’s Important:  Dirty, uneven walls or surfaces with loose material, old paint, or debris can prevent proper adhesion, leading to cracking or delamination over time.
• The Solution: Walls should be thoroughly cleaned, levelled, and repaired. Cracks or holes must be filled to ensure a smooth, even finish that lasts.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Render

Different types of render are designed for specific materials and environmental conditions.

• Why It’s Important: Using an unsuitable render can lead to poor adhesion, cracking, and premature failure. For example, breathable lime render is ideal for older properties, while silicone render works well for modern homes.
• The Solution: Experts can assess the property and recommend the right render for your home’s unique needs.

3. Incorrect Thickness

The thickness of the render plays a crucial role in its durability and effectiveness.

• Why It’s Important: External render should be between 15mm and 25mm thick. Applying it too thinly can result in cracks and water penetration, while overly thick render may not cure properly, leading to structural issues.
• The Solution: Experts apply render with precision, ensuring the correct thickness to provide long-term protection and insulation.

4. Ignoring Expansion Joints

Expansion joints allow a building to naturally move and expand due to temperature changes and environmental factors.

• Why It’s Important: Skipping expansion joints can cause cracking, water penetration, and structural damage over time.
• The Solution: Rendering experts incorporate expansion joints where needed to prevent stress on the structure and ensure durability.

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Why Hire Professionals for Your Wall Rendering Needs?

Poorly executed rendering can lead to high-maintenance problems like cracks, bubbles, mould, and even structural damage. Professional rendering companies bring:

1. Expertise: Professional companies have the necessary skills and experience and a strong history of high standard projects to apply render correctly, preventing common issues such as peeling and cracking. 

2. Specialised knowledge of materials: Professional rendering specialists have the knowledge and experience working with different materials, surfaces and their unique properties and applications. Their knowledge allows them to select the right material based on your property. Professionals also use high-quality materials.

3. Time and precision: Rendering requires precision and time to achieve a flawless finish, professionals can work efficiently and accurately ensuring the job is done right and on time. 

4. Compliance with regulations: Professionals are familiar with often changing building regulations and standards. This is essential as the work must meet all legal requirements and safety standards. 

5. Guaranteed results: Many professional rendering companies offer warranties on their work, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of defects or issues. Professional companies will also have all the necessary licences and insurance needed to protect you and their workers. 

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Do You Need Planning Permission to Render Your Property?

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Rendering usually falls under ‘permitted development’ rights in the UK, so planning permission isn't typically required. Exceptions include listed buildings, where listed building consent is mandatory, and properties in Conservation Areas or National Parks, which require planning approval. Always check with your local planning authority for confirmation. 

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How to Choose an External Rendering Company

Rendering is a skilled trade that requires experience and precision. To ensure top-quality results, it’s essential to select a reliable and experienced company.

Here’s what to consider:

• Ask for examples of completed projects to assess their quality.
• Read testimonials for reliability and professionalism.
• Get multiple quotes to compare costs and ensure value for money.

Many reputable companies provide free, no-obligation quotes, helping you make an informed choice. Selecting the right professionals ensures a durable, high-quality finish that boosts your property’s value and appearance.

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Contact PD Rendering for expert service and quality you can trust. Check out our reviews and recent projects, and get your free quote today.