It can only be applied in the summer The reason people have this misconception is because of the idea that the weather has to be warm in order to render a property. Despite what people think, rendering can be done all year round, however, there are still a few factors which will affect whether or...Read More

The mortar and joints around a coping stone are so important in order to preserve the render on a wall. The top surface of a wall is the most vulnerable point for water to enter a building. Over time, the joints and mortar around a coping stone wear and loosen due to years of weathering....Read More

Although plaster and render have some similarities, there are some key differences that people need to be aware of. Render is applied to the external walls of a property. The main purpose of render is to make the external walls as strong as possible in order to withstand the weather thrown at the property. A...Read More

The first coat (or the scratch coat) is mixed at 5-1. This means 3 sharp sand, 2 soft sand and 1 cement. This coat is applied between 5-6mm. The render is pressed firmly into the wall to ensure that every inch is covered. Once the first coat has been applied, it is then scratched by...Read More

A helibar is a stainless steel bar used to strengthen and stabilise masonry in both new builds and remedial works. Not only is it used to strength and stabilise masonry, it can also be used to create movement joints, to create or repair flat arch lintels and crack stitching. Crack stitching is done by installing...Read More

There are several reasons that render can deteriorate, both naturally and by human activity. As a force of nature, weather is out of the control of all humans and this could be the first problem. The role of render is to protect the main walls of a property from the most extremes of weather; extreme...Read More

Over the years I have noticed that many clients hire someone to render their property based on the fact that they have done a good job in plastering internally one of their rooms or maybe their friend simply recommends a plasterer to them. They do very little research into the render system they want to...Read More

Cement particle boards or render boards are normally fitted on timber frame builds and then the rendering is normally carried out over the board. However there are a number of problems that could arise with cement particle boards if not fitted properly or if the incorrect render system is applied over it. Most render manufactures...Read More

In some older houses, there may be problems associated with insulating the property effectively as these older homes are built in such a way as to have solid walls so there is no possibility of having cavity wall insulation installed which means condensation can build up within the property leading  to damp conditions. Fortunately with recent...Read More

Ensuring that the right drips and overhangs are in place before you commence with the rendering application is very important. Without sufficient drips and overhangs the render will become defective very quickly. Water will get in the render and damage the render in a matter of months if left exposed for too long. Stains and...Read More