Kelvin Green of Saint-Gobain Weber explains why render is more than just a decorative feature, and explores the best options for properties built in challenging locations
Over recent years, render has had a resurgence in popularity. Modern renders offer more than just a decorative finish, with features such as through-coloured formulations reducing maintenance, integrated biocide to reduce the natural occurrence of algae on surfaces, and one-coat and pump application to cut time spent on site.
Renders can also be combined with external wall insulation (EWI) providing an aesthetically pleasing finish with the added benefit of reduced fuel bills for homeowners.
The versatile nature of render, combined with the range of colours and finishes available, means that it can be used on most properties, no matter the location, to create a home that stands out.
Monocouche benefits
Developments in coastal regions are at much greater risk of exposure to aggressive weather than inland regions. The most vulnerable areas are within 500 m of the coastline, but high winds, driving rain; wind-blown salt and higher UV exposure can affect buildings as far inland as 5 km.
The application of a monocouche render can help protect and decorate buildings in these highly exposed areas. Monocouche render consists of a single coat, applied in two passes, it is through-coloured, so there is no need for a top coat or painting, saving time and resources compared to a traditional multi-coat system. Suitable for most types of brick, blockwork or concrete substrates, monocouche render offers a low-maintenance and durable finish with algae and UV resistance.
It also allows design flexibility. Monocouche can be used to create a range of finishes including scraped, roughcast or dry dashed, and is also suitable for creating ashlar, key stones and quoin features. A thick render system finished with a roughcast texture or a dry dash aggregate will offer further protection to buildings in severe exposure areas.
Monocouche render is also ideal for properties that need to be completed within a short timeframe. It allows for fast application, meaning shorter programme periods and site costs. Monocouche render can be trowel or pump applied, and finished on the same day, allowing access to other trades more quickly.
High traffic areas
Properties in areas close to busy roads will suffer from the effects of traffic pollution. This can leave a dark residue or cause discolouration on external surfaces.
To stop the pollution penetrating the facade, a protective coating could be used to create an additional barrier. Using a highly hydrophobic coating protects render from water ingress, oil and graffiti, as well as dirt, stains and other atmospheric contaminants.
Adding this type of coating does not affect the original appearance of the render and still allows the substrate to breathe. It simply helps to keep render looking better for longer.
Solid wall refurbishment
Over 30 per cent of UK and Ireland housing stock has been built with solid walls. In traditional construction, these types of walls are built with nine-inch solid brickwork or in non-traditional housing; they are constructed of systems using mainly precast concrete panels.
Solid wall homes can lose as much as 45 per cent of their heat through untreated walls. It is harder to retrospectively improve thermal performance in solid wall properties compared to unfilled cavity walls, but EWI is ideal for this type of house.
EWI can significantly lower heating bills and carbon emissions while extending the life of existing buildings by keeping the old structure warm and stable. It also offers the opportunity to protect, enhance and repair old facades, using a combination of thermal, decorative and structural elements.
Case study: Clevedon, Gloucestershire
A collection of five three-storey homes in the seaside town of Clevedon was built to give homeowners direct views of the sea and Britain’s only Grade I listed pier. The development offers a beautiful view, but with this comes its own weather-related challenges.
The development by Cotswold Homes needed an external finish that would stand up against more extreme weather conditions experienced by coastal properties, while fitting in with the existing surroundings.
Mark Pickthall of M P Plastering, Burnham-on-Sea, Bristol, specified the use of weberpral M monocouche render for Cotswold Homes due to its weather and algae-resistant properties.
“The houses were designed with crisp, contemporary lines so the product was selected to complement this minimalist style and help it to blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape,” Mark comments. He adds “It is hardwearing and very low maintenance, which is ideal in this area of high exposure close to the sea.”