House rendering is a popular choice throughout the UK for its ability to enhance a home’s aesthetic as well as offer increased durability and thermal insulation properties. However, the wide choice of house rendering styles means it is difficult to decide exactly which option is best for your home.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the most common types of rendering products so that you can make an informed decision.

What is rendering?

In its simplest form, rendering is an external layer than can be applied directly onto a wall’s surface. It is a type of cladding for the exterior of the house which differs greatly from interior renders like plaster, due to the higher durability and external benefits.

Today, there is an increasing range of house rendering products, from the more traditional lime renders, to those that use modern innovations to provide insulation and varied colour tones.

Reasons for rendering

The two main reasons for house rendering are to:

1. Protect the underlying walling material from the effects of weathering and water

2. Provide an attractive appearance to the house

Cement render

Cement render is usually mixed on site before being directly applied in multiple layers. While they provide decent coverage and protection, they tend to be expensive due to labour costs. However, as the raw materials are cheap, the total cost is often affordable overall for most budgets. These wall renders usually require regular painting to keep them looking fresh.

Polymer render

Polymer renders are usually pre-mixed in bags with either white cement or lime. They achieve their effect through the mixture of polymers and other plastic-based products added to the solution making it less likely to crack than cement render. These are available in a variety of colours and require less painting and maintenance.

Acrylic render

Acrylic renders are often applied as a thin finish coat to enhance the appearance of the underlying coat. They are a great way to bring colour and texture with minimal cost. Silicone can also be used to add greater durability.

Thermal rendering

Have you ever wondered whether rendering offers additional thermal insulation to your home? The answer is, many types of rendering can be used to enhance the insulation performance of your home. In combination with cavity walls, this can create a decent amount of protection against heat wastage.

The best thermal insulation renders are made from insulation layers, meshes and top coat renders. It is also a great alternative to adding insulation on the interior of your home to save space and offers additional aesthetic appeal to the exterior.

How expensive are renders?

Certain rendering options are more affordable than others. However, even for the most expensive options, rendering tends to be a worthwhile investment, whether it is due to the value it adds to your property sale price, the increased energy savings you can make due to insulation or the protection it adds to your brickwork which will be much less prone to damage and cracking due to leakages.

Key benefits

• Adds to the aesthetic of your home, creating unique and appealing finishes

• Improves the durability of external walls, protecting them from wind, water and sunlight

• Improves the value of your property

• Provides additional insulation and keeps heat from escaping, saving costs on utility bills and improving energy efficiency

• It is an easy way to change the appearance of your home without needing to move home or invest in more expensive solutions

Where can I get wall rendering services

Depending on what you’re after, wall renders are generally quite easy to come by. Many contractors or mixed purpose builders will be able to provide you with some professional rendering services for a reasonable cost.

Whether you’re looking for quick and easy cement renders in Northampton or thermal wall insulation in Swindon, there are a number of firms and contractors you can contact for a quick quote.