The addition of cement to lime mortars is a widespread, almost traditional practice, but few consider why it is done or the consequences. There is also confusion over the substances and chemistry involved. Non hydraulic lime hardens by a slow process of carbonation, reacting with atmospheric carbon dioxide over a period of weeks. Hydraulic limes and...Read More

We get many enquiries to apply lime render to a property, however when asked why they want us to apply lime render to their property? The response is normally “because this is what I have been told”. The reason lime render is normally applied has a lot to do with the brick mortar behind the...Read More

Lime is used to refer to a variety of products made from limestone and chalk (both forms of calcium carbonate). In the context of building conservation, the term is most commonly applied to types of binder used in render and mortar by burning limestone or chalk to make quicklime and then slaking this with water....Read More

In many occasions we have been asked by clients to render over existing render, one of the obvious benefits of doing this would be that the cost of removing the existing render is eliminated. However there are a few things to consider before you choose to follow through with this option as making the wrong...Read More

Top coat rendering application is a light render system normally applied over insulation or cementitious boards. This type of system should have a total thickness of 8mm-10mm. The standard application process is the following (please note that it may vary based on the product used); – The base coat consists of 6mm-8mm with full fibre...Read More

Rendering is a construction technique involving the application of a cement render to a wall or the exterior of a property. There are many different types of rendering systems, one of which are acrylic renders. An acrylic render is any type of render that uses acrylic, which is a type of plastic, in the mix.  The...Read More

REPAIRS As with all conservation work, it is most important to record the area to be conserved prior to commencement as well as during work. One of the first tasks may be to remove inappropriate materials and methods of repair and replace with the appropriate stucco/render. However, removal should only be carried out if this...Read More

There are two types of sand, which can be used in mortar. However, it is important to note, that this sand cannot be interchanged. Whichever be the sand type, make sure it is sieved before used. This will ensure that only sand goes into the mortar and small stones do not make their way into...Read More

I have noticed that although self coloured render is not new to the external rendering industry to the average person it is. The reason for this is because the general population is not required to know much about rendering as it does not affect their lives much. However when the external render of their property...Read More

Standard sand and cement seems to have gone out of fashion over the years. The reason for this is not because it does not look good as a render but because when applied it does not tend to have a very long lifespan. Before you know it it will require maintenance and cracks will start...Read More