Render is a versatile building material that is used to coat and protect exterior walls. It has both functional and aesthetic benefits. These include enhancing a building’s appearance as well as providing protection against weathering and structural damage. Render is made up of a number of different elements. These include:
Aggregates
Aggregates are the main bulk of the render mixture and they include materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. It is this mixture of materials that gives the render its texture, appearance and its ability to help reinforce the building that it is covering.
Binders
Binders are substances that hold the render together and allow it to adhere to the surface of the wall. Common binders that are often included in the render mix are cement, lime, or a combination of both. When both cement and lime are included the resulting mixture is known as cement-lime render.
Water
Water is an essential element for the creation of render. It helps to hydrate the binders, which in turn allows them to harden and set. The ratio of water to binder can be changed depending on how thick the render needs to be. By altering the ratio between the two the strength and durability of the render can be increased and also decreased.
Additives
Additives are used to modify the properties of the render. Depending on the additives used they can enhance the flexibility, adhesion and resistance to cracking of the final render material.
In order to help add some extra insulation to the building, before the render is added it is possible to use Insulation Render which will help to improve the thermal performance of the building by helping to keep the heat both in and out of the building, depending on the season.