Blog posts of '2016' 'March'

Choosing the right render for a property is about more than just appearance. Factors such as the building substrate, exposure to weather, maintenance requirements and overall performance should all be considered before selecting a render system.

Modern render systems are available in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, with each offering different benefits depending on the project requirements. From traditional sand and cement render through to modern breathable render systems, choosing the correct product can have a significant impact on both the appearance and long-term durability of a building.

One of the most important considerations when selecting a render is breathability. Breathable render systems are designed to allow moisture vapour to escape from the wall structure while still protecting the surface from rain and weather exposure. This can help reduce trapped moisture and minimise issues such as cracking, staining or damp-related damage over time.

For older properties or buildings with solid wall construction, breathable render systems are often preferred due to their ability to manage moisture more effectively. Modern silicone render systems are also popular thanks to their flexibility, water repellency and low-maintenance finish.

Monocouche render remains a widely used option for both residential and commercial projects. As a self-coloured render, it provides a durable decorative finish without the need for regular painting, making it a practical long-term solution for external wall rendering.

The texture and finish of the render should also be considered carefully. Smooth, scraped and textured finishes can all dramatically change the appearance of a property, while different application methods can influence the final look and performance of the system.

Building location can also play a role in choosing the right render. Properties exposed to coastal conditions, heavy rainfall or pollution may benefit from render systems with enhanced water repellency and dirt resistance.

Ultimately, choosing the right render comes down to balancing aesthetics, performance, maintenance and suitability for the substrate. Seeking professional advice can help ensure the selected system is appropriate for both the property and the environment it is being applied to.

Whether you are renovating an existing property or working on a new build development, modern breathable render systems provide a reliable and attractive solution for long-term exterior wall protection.

I regularly hear people proclaim that their monocouche or through coloured scraped renders are "non-maintenance," and they are often a little flabbergasted when they are told that their render needs cleaning. This is a common misconception and usually comes down to a misunderstanding of what "non-maintenance" actually means.

Modern renders are incredibly hard wearing; a correctly applied system will withstand many years of whatever the elements throw at them, even in extreme circumstances. I drive past a rendered property that was rendered nearly 30 years ago which, despite being subject to heavy flooding (over 8ft deep at numerous points), still looks great today with no sign of the render failing anytime soon.

On that basis, modern renders are certainly expected to be low-maintenance. Once installed correctly, you'll have a hell of a time removing them, and re-applying within the next couple of decades should not be necessary.

This doesn't mean that some systems, not all, will need some kind of regular cleaning. This is the case for all properties in the UK, regardless of whether the walls are brick, stone or render. Thankfully, it's not overly difficult to either take preventative measures or clean the surface once it starts to look a little dirty.

If you have signs of algae growth, we'd recommend you be proactive and treating it with a good algae cleaner before it spreads. We have some available on our site here or here. These tend to incredibly easy to apply as they simply are sprayed through a normal garden low pressure spray. Algae is stubborn and can grow on almost anything given the right conditions, so it's better to nip it in the bud before it spreads. 

Light pressure washing can also be carried out, as long as care is taken not to apply too much pressure which may damage the surface. Industrial washers may be too powerful, but your average consumer grade washer that you buy from B&Q should be fine. Good quality non-acidic patio cleaners applied before washing down will also help with dirt removal. 

So what about exterior render paint?

We’re often asked whether applying exterior render paint is necessary to keep a property looking fresh.

With modern monocouche or through-coloured systems, the colour is built into the material itself. Unlike traditional sand and cement render, these systems do not rely on exterior masonry paint to achieve their finish. As a result, repainting should not form part of the normal maintenance cycle.

Exterior render paint is generally more relevant on older rendered properties where the original finish has faded or where a colour change is required. It’s a cosmetic solution rather than a structural one.

If you are looking to prevent dirt and algae build-up further, specialist breathable sealers can be applied. We will shortly be launching a new product we have developed called ProtxSeal which is incredibly easy to apply, again using a low pressure sprayer. Containing Siloxanes, ProtxSeal completely repels water and seals the render with a lotus leaf effect whilst still allowing the walls to breathe. Dirt and algae simply get washed away as it can no longer stick to the surface. This sealer is easy to apply through a normal garden spray, does not change the appearance of the render at all and can be used on ANY porous masonary surface.

We will also shortly be offering application services also for this product, please contact us for more details.

If you need any advice on how to keep your render looking fantastic for years to come do not hesitate to give us a call. 

It’s that time of year when we regularly get asked: “Do we scrape same day or next day?”

In all honesty, it’s a tough question, as all renders have slightly different setting times. Products such as K Rend, Parex render and other monocouche render systems can all behave differently depending on the weather, background, thickness and how early the material has gone on.

I understand the eagerness to move to same-day scrapes, but it’s not something that can be rushed. Trying to scrape back wet, sticky render with a render scarifier can pull the face of the material, throw off the colour and leave rough texturing issues that are difficult to put right.

As a general rule, if the air is dry and temperatures are predicted to stay in double figures from the minute you start until the end of the day, your render may be good to scratch the same day. That said, expect a late finish if temperatures are at the lower end of that scale. Get the pumps and trowel working early too.

Before scraping, always check the render has firmed up properly. A render scarifier should remove the surface evenly without dragging, smearing or clogging. If the material is still soft underneath, it’s usually better to leave it rather than risk damaging the finish.

The same applies whether you’re working with K Rend one coat render, Parex one coat render or another through-coloured monocouche system. Weather, suction and application timing will all affect when the surface is ready.

If you like more specific advice on the K Rend or Parex products we supply then please feel free to contact us.

I don't normally do reviews as applicators tend to like what they like but I felt the need to write a bit about the new K Rend Silicone K1 because I rarely get such good feedback from my customers from a product as I have over the past few months than I have with this one, so I decided to get onto site to see it for myself.

I've seen it running through Ritmo and G4 spray machines as well getting hand applied applied by some of the guys who were staunch users of the Silicone FT and I've got to say I was pretty much blown away! Anyone who's traditionally used silicone mineral renders will tell you that they aren't as easy to apply as the other standard renders on the market, including those from K Rend themselves and I'd have to agree. They are usually harder to mix, dusty and heavy under the trowel or straight edge with a tendancy to split if not mixed correctly.

That is no longer the case with the silicone K1! Through the pumps you honestly can't tell the difference from the standard K1 and those who hand apply will be pleased to know that you too can have a light, fluffy and easy to manipulate render as your machine hugging colleagues tend to hog!

K Rend K1 Silicone is a through-coloured monocouche render designed for external walls. As part of a silicone render system, it offers improved water resistance while still allowing the wall to breathe properly. That’s one of the reasons silicone rendering has become so popular on modern residential and commercial projects.

Compared to traditional sand and cement finishes, K Rend K1 Silicone provides a more consistent decorative finish with less ongoing maintenance. It’s commonly used as a coloured external render because the pigment runs through the material itself, helping reduce the need for painting afterwards.

Another benefit is its ability to cope with UK weather conditions. When applied correctly, it acts as a durable waterproof render for external walls while maintaining flexibility and appearance over time.

Like most silicone rendering products, timing and weather conditions still matter. Good preparation, correct basecoat application and proper scraping times will all affect the final finish. Getting the mix and suction right is just as important as the product itself.

Now, we have a render where customers can have the benefits of K Rends unique silicone enhancements and the applicators don't have to worry that they may be having a late night to get the job done. Everyone who has tried the new Silicone K1 has made the switch from the Silicone FT on the first try of the material! Check out our video below! Thanks to Russ Downing at Lord and Downing Render Systems for allowing me to spend time on site with the guys.

K Rend Silicone K1, 3 floors up flying through PFT G4 Spray machine. Cracking! @KRendRenders pic.twitter.com/05RYdrV2DQ

— Rendit (@RenditLtd) January 27, 2016

Verdict: 5 out of 5!