What's Best for Your Property?
Cracked render is a frustrating sight, but it is one that many homeowners face. It isn't just an eyesore; it's a reminder that your home's exterior needs attention. However, there is no need for alarm, as we are present to offer our support and expertise, steering you through the process of making informed decisions. In this article, we'll discuss render repair versus complete house re-rendering, helping you to make the best choice for restoring your property's charm and integrity.
House Render Repair or Complete Re-render. Choosing the Right Path - Jump to the section:
1. What is Wall Render?
Simply put, render is like a protective skin for your house's outside walls, much like how we wear clothes to protect ourselves from the weather. It's a coating made of different materials, like sand and cement, or innovative versions, like silicone or spray cork.
The main job of render is to make your home look nice from the outside, giving it a clean and neat appearance. But more importantly, it shields your house from rain, wind, and sun, ensuring the bricks underneath stay safe and sound. So, think of render as a beautifying makeover and a solid shield for your home's outer walls.
2. Why Does the Exterior Wall Render Crack?
Render cracks for a few reasons, just like how a cake might crack if it's not baked right. One big reason is how it's put on in the first place. If the render dries too quickly, it doesn't stick to the wall properly, like glue not holding if it's not given enough time to dry.
The main factor is the weather. Think about how your skin might get dry and cracked in harsh weather – the same happens to render. Rain, wind, and changes in temperature can mess with it. Sometimes, water sneaks between the render and the wall, making it bulge and crack, especially when it freezes and thaws. This cycle makes the cracks even bigger and lets in more water, causing more damage.
And it's not just about how it looks; cracked render can also lead to dampness inside your home, which is not good. So, when you spot those cracks, you must act fast before they cause more trouble, both on the outside and inside of your house.
3. Understanding Render Repair and Re-rendering.
Wall Render Repair
Render repair is like giving your home's exterior a little TLC. Instead of starting from scratch, it's about fixing the areas where the render has seen better days. This could mean patching small cracks, filling in chips, or smoothing localised damage. It's a bit like getting a touch-up on a painting – just enough to make it look as good as new without redoing the whole interior.
Pros of render repair:
Cost-effective for minor damage.
Preserves the existing appearance of your home.
Cons of render repair:
It may not address underlying issues.
Limited lifespan compared to re-rendering.
Wall Re-rendering
Re-rendering is like giving your home a fresh start. It involves removing the old, tired render layer and replacing it with a brand-new one; in some cases (i.e. when using spray cork), it can be applied to the old render. This could be necessary if the damage is too extensive for simple repairs, if significant cracks are spider-webbing across your walls, or if you want to update the look of your home's exterior. It's like getting a new coat of paint – a chance to refresh and rejuvenate your home's appearance.
Pros of complete house re-rendering:
Addresses underlying issues.
Provides an opportunity to update the appearance of your home.
Longer lifespan compared to render repair.
Cons of complete house re-rendering:
Higher initial cost.
4. Is Your Home in Need of Render Repair or Re-render?
Identifying the Signs.
Cracks
Cracks in exterior walls can range from minor hairline fractures to more significant fissures. While small cracks may seem harmless, they can worsen over time, leading to water ingress and structural damage.
Dampness
Visible damp patches on the inner walls, or flaking and peeling away render, serve as clear indicators that moisture is penetrating the structure. If this condition is not addressed in a timely manner, the persistent dampness can lead to the proliferation of mould and the decay of building materials. This can manifest as dark, fuzzy discolourations on surfaces. Moreover, the presence of mould and rot within a living space can be the source of numerous health complications—these range from milder allergic reactions and asthma episodes to more serious conditions affecting the respiratory system.
Discoloration or fading of the render
Discolouration or fading can occur due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh weather conditions, or even just the natural ageing process of the render. Over time, UV rays can cause pigments in the render to break down, resulting in a loss of colour intensity. Additionally, dirt, pollution, and organic growth like algae or moss can dull the render's appearance.
Bulging or uneven render
Over time, some types of exterior render can start to warp and bulge, leaving unsightly bumps and uneven patches; this is known as bulging or uneven render and can occur for various reasons. One common cause is moisture infiltration behind the render, which can cause it to expand and warp. Poor application techniques during the initial rendering process can also lead to unevenness and structural movement in the underlying substrate.
Flaking or Blistering Render
If the existing render is starting to flake, blister, or detach from the wall surface, it clearly indicates that action is needed. Flaking render looks unsightly and exposes the underlying wall substrate to the elements.
Assessing the Extent of Damage
DIY Inspection
Start by conducting a visual inspection of your home's exterior walls. Look for cracks, damp patches, and areas where the render is deteriorating. Note the location and severity of the damage.
Professional Assessment
Consider hiring a professional house rendering contractor for a more thorough evaluation. They can identify underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent and provide repair recommendations.
5. Deciding Between Render Repair or Re-render a House. Conclusion.
Deciding between render repair and re-rendering is crucial in maintaining your home's exterior. Consider the extent of damage, your budget, and your aesthetic preference when making your decision. While render repair may be suitable for minor damage, re-rendering offers long-term benefits and a chance to refresh your home's appearance. Ultimately, choose the option that best suits your needs and ensures the durability and aesthetic appeal of your home's exterior for years to come.
Coastal Property Render Repair and Re-render Services in Bournemouth
Are you facing issues with your coastal property's render in Bournemouth? Don't let cracks, fading, or uneven surfaces detract from the beauty of your home's exterior. It's time to take action and restore your property to its former glory with Veramut Ltd- your local experts in render repair and re-rendering services. With our in-depth knowledge and experience, we can assess the condition of your render and provide tailored solutions to address your specific needs.
Whether your render requires minor repairs to fix cracks and fading or a complete re-rendering to rejuvenate its appearance, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right. Call us at 07872 107 727 or click here to complete our quick enquiry form.