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What's the best way to upgrade your home? There are many methods, but applying render to the exterior walls comes very high on the list; not only is it cost-effective, but it also has a host of other benefits!
However, there are several different options when it comes to rendering, and choosing the right one can be difficult.
Also, the terminology can be confusing, as with the terms scratch coat and scratch coat rendering.
Never fear! The Render Hero Harrogate team is here to offer advice, guidance and a professional rendering service in Harrogate that you can count on for perfect results every time.
We'll enlighten you as to what both of these terms mean, and tell you all about the benefits of scratch coat rendering.
When applying traditional renders, most plasterers add two coats (and sometimes more). The base coat is often referred to as a scratch coat, as it is typically applied with a trowel, and then scraped with a plasterer's comb or scarifier to create a mechanical key.
This thin layer fills and levels uneven surfaces, providing a strong foundation for subsequent layers.
Here's a more in-depth explanation:
*It's common for a waterproof additive to be mixed in with the render
We've looked at scratch coats as the base for a two-coat render system; now let's see what scratch-coat rendering is.
Also called a scratch finish render, this is a modern development that is rapidly becoming more popular.
While some people prefer a crisp, smooth finish, others like to add texture to their exterior walls for extra character and appeal. To achieve this, the second coat is also scratched back using a circular motion to provide a pleasing, textured appearance.
In this case, the textured walls are purely decorative rather than functional, although it does help to strengthen the overall matrix.
A scratch coat render is a budget-friendly alternative to pricier options like Tyrolean renders, which achieve a similar rustic vibe but require fancy tools. While we work with a variety of render types, a simple sand and cement render can be scratched on the final layer to create a textured look that rivals some of the more high-end options.
However, the type of render you choose ultimately depends on your property. Our professional render experts will assess your building's moisture management needs and recommend the most suitable render for the job.
While many experienced DIY enthusiasts can achieve good results, it's not a job that anyone can handle.
The Render Hero Harrogate team is highly skilled and trained to deal with all types of render, each of which has its own application methods.
Applying render may seem simple, but it's crucial that each stage is performed perfectly to ensure that the render is successful and lasts a good long time.
When tackling this job, you need to take into account all of the following factors:
Are you applying render to brick, stone, concrete block, or a painted surface? Each type of material will help determine which render can be used, to some extent. Choose the wrong type, and it may not work!
The walls have to be checked for any damage before the render is applied. It may be necessary to make repairs or install a mesh support with timber screed battens in order to strengthen the rendered wall.
Some substrates are more absorbent than others, made from porous materials that draw the moisture from the render mix. This will cause it to dry out too quickly, which will make it crumble and fail. Some contractors recommend applying PVA to the walls, but this is not a good idea as it traps the moisture inside, leading to problems with damp and mould.
It's best to spray the wall lightly before applying the render, and it takes a trained eye to determine exactly how much water is required.
The wall surfaces must be thoroughly clean, and that means getting rid of moss, algae, lichen and all manner of dirt and grime. Any traces of dirt could contaminate the mix, causing the render to fail.
It's essential to get the mix right. Although most renders come with instructions, achieving the right consistency can be a challenge.
If you're using a sand and cement render, you need the right type of sand. Rendering sand (also called sharp sand or plastering sand) is ideal, and some coarse sand can be used in the initial layer. However, you should avoid using building sand, as this often contains traces of clay, salt, and other impurities. These can cause the render to shrink and crack as it dries, compromising the overall integrity of the external wall.
Rendering sand is washed to remove these impurities, creating a more stable mix.
Many professionals add waterproofing agents and plasticisers to make the mix creamy and more workable. Lime is also sometimes added, especially when working on older buildings, as this allows moisture to escape naturally.
Finally, you'll need a cement mixer for the best results with certain types of render mix.
Here at Render Hero in Harrogate, we specialise in transforming exteriors with render options of all kinds, including the timeless appeal of scratch finish render.
The following steps offer an idea as to how we create that unique textured finish on your walls.
Before we begin, a thorough inspection of your property is paramount. We will check the condition of the substrate and look for any potential hazards or health and safety concerns.
This allows us to plan for any challenges and bring appropriate equipment.
We then work with you to choose the ideal render. A sand/cement mix specifically formulated for exterior walls is our usual starting point. We factor in your wall type and the prevailing weather conditions to ensure a long-lasting finish.
The safety of our team and your property is our top priority. We arrive fully equipped with gloves, eye protection, dust masks, and sturdy footwear. Drop cloths and sheeting are laid down to protect surrounding areas.
We clean the wall, removing any dirt, dust, or loose materials. Cracks and defects are addressed with a suitable repair mortar, ensuring a sound base for the render. Any old bricks with a particularly crumbly texture will need to be removed and the wall repaired prior to the base coat being applied.
The wall surface is lightly dampened to enhance adhesion (especially if we added lime to the render). Excessive moisture is avoided, as it can weaken the render.
Using our expert knowledge and experience, we create a perfectly balanced render mix for your walls. The consistency needs to be firm yet workable, so we can apply it at a steady rate without it drying out too quickly.
A typical mix is made from one part cement, three parts plastering sand, with water. Additives such as waterproofers, plasticiser or lime can be added at this stage.
We apply a very thin layer of the first coat of render in sections, aiming for a consistent thickness of around 10-15mm. A steel plastering trowel is typically used to keep the render flat and perfectly even. Depending on the type of render and the conditions, we may scratch the surface to provide a better grip for the second coat (as explained above).
This is allowed time to cure before we move on to the next stage.
Once cured, the base coat might have a slight sheen. We may gently roughen the surface with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper to create an ideal key for the scratch coat to adhere to, if a sand-cement scratch coat wasn't applied.
The render mix is prepared again, following the same process. This will be slightly thinner than the base coat, typically around 5-10mm.
We then apply the top coat in manageable sections, using a straight edge to keep the wall flat. While the render is still workable, we use a comb rake for horizontal lines, a notched trowel for a swirling pattern, or a dabbing motion with the trowel for a stippled effect. Our skilled experts ensure a consistent and aesthetically pleasing scratching pattern across the entire wall.
For a touch of textural finesse, a damp sponge can be used to gently glide over the scratched surface shortly after application (before it fully cures). This technique softens the peaks of the texture for a subtler look.
The rendered wall is left undisturbed to fully cure, adhering to the manufacturer's recommended drying time. During this crucial curing period, we take steps to shield the wall from direct sunlight and rain.
The team will make a final inspection of the finished render to ensure it is sound and curing nicely. All tools, equipment and waste will be removed from the site to leave it perfectly clean and tidy.
In the vast majority of cases, you won’t need planning permission to apply a scratch finish render to your external walls. However, it depends on a few factors:
Building regulations can vary across different parts of Harrogate. Some areas, particularly those with a strong focus on preserving local character, might have stricter rules regarding external alterations. Here's how location can influence planning permission for scratch finish render:
The best course of action is to contact your local planning authority (LPA) directly. Their website might also have a dedicated section outlining planning permission requirements for your specific area.
Certain property types have additional planning permission considerations for external alterations:
The extent of the changes you plan to make with your scratch finish render can also influence the need for planning permission:
It's important to remember that planning permission requirements can be complex. While this explanation provides a general overview, consulting your local planning authority is the most reliable way to determine if your specific project requires planning permission for scratch finish render.
While we've focussed on scratch coat rendering, you may have some questions about renders in general, so here are some that we are often asked:
The lifespan of external render in GB English can vary depending on several factors:
House rendering can be worthwhile for several reasons:
External rendering can contribute to the strength of your walls in a few ways:
In theory, it's possible, but you must use the right kind of paint! Painting the textured surface risks losing its breathability. Also, you may cover up the texture, which defeats the object of opting for this type of render in the first place.
If you want a particular colour, discuss this with us, and we'll use a through-coloured render.
You can, as long as it is in good condition and has a flat, rough texture. We may need to treat the surface to ensure a secure bond with the top coat.
Essentially, they're the same, except that plastering is generally reserved for internal walls. It generally requires the same level of skill, although rendering exterior walls is usually more involved.
Also, there tends to be a wider choice of.
Transform your property's exterior with the appeal of a scratch finish render. At Render Hero, our skilled team is passionate about creating beautiful and long-lasting finishes. We use only high-quality materials and professional application techniques to ensure a stunning result that complements your home.
Contact Render Hero today for a free, no-obligation quotation. Our friendly team will discuss your project requirements and advise you on the best colour and texture options to achieve your desired look. We'll provide a transparent breakdown of the process and costs, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Don't wait any longer to give your home the charming and characterful upgrade it deserves. Get in touch with Render Hero today and let's discuss how we can bring your vision to life!