Traditional render system (Sand and Cement)
We offer a traditional render system, this is commonly known as Sand and Cement. This a very common system that we use throughout.
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Key Features of this material are:
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Durable when set
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Allows for moisture to evaporate, which prevents salt and frost damaging masonry work.
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It can allow limited amount of movement with our cracks appearing
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Slower time for this to set permanently, when applied to the surface which means it can be modified and altered after it has been applied to surface.
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Can set underwater so it is suitable for different types of masonry and weather exposure.
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Manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.
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Can absorb Carbon Dioxide, this lowers its carbon footprint.
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Can paint with a masonry paint.
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Practical aspects of the Traditional Render.
This rendering system consists of a number of layers. The 1st coat of the ‘laying-on coat’ is applied two or more times, with a mixture of 2 parts lime to 5 parts sand. The 1st laying-on coat is applied to the substrate unit a depth of 9-16mm is achieved. The 1st coat is allowed to set between 2-7 days before the next step can proceed. ( the duration will vary between 2-7 days as weather depending, naturally the summer months are quicker and winter months slower.) The middle layer, known as the ‘Butter coat’ is applied once. Please note that the ‘butter coat’ is not a normal standard of practice.
The last/finishing coat is applied once and this is a mixture of 1 part lime to 3 parts sand. This coat is applied between 3-9mm thick. Once this coat is applied, this is then finished with a sponge. After this is all dry and set. Masonry paint can then be applied.
Monocouche Render System
We offer a Monocouche render system, the finish on this system is the most common (Scrape/Scratch finish). The word ‘Monocouche’ comes from the French ‘single coat’. This has came across from Europe to the UK in 1990’s and has proven to be very popular alternative to traditional methods because of the benefits it brings.
Key features of this render material are:
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Single-coat breathable render
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Waterproof
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Variety of a colours available
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Suitable to weatherproof the following external surfaces: concrete, concrete blocks, lightweight blocks, bricks and stone
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Suitable to use for internal surfaces as well. This can include: Garages, porches, inside outer buildings.
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Boosts insulation
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Algae resistant
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Can last up to 25 years
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Flexible
Practical aspects for the Mononcouche render.​
Prior to the monochouche render being applied to the chosen surface, the surface is cleaned down and then dried to ensure there is no contaminant or undesirable object/s that may oppose the joining of the monocouche render to the surface.
All rendered areas are beaded.
The mononcouche layer is applied to the surface using a machine with the aim to achieve a layer of minimum 15mm thick.
Once the render has hardened - this usually takes between. 3-16 hours (this is due to weather and the substrate), the surface is then scrapped using a a tool in a gentle circular motion until the surface has been smoothed and is 3mm. The rendered surface is then gently brushed down. This will then get the Scrape/Scratch finish. This finish is very smooth and tidy, giving a crisp modern finish.
Silicone/Acrylic Thin Coat
We offer a Silicone/acrylic Thin coat render system. This system has been consistently growing popular.
The key features of this render material are:
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Multilayered breathable render system
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Variety of colours
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Lightweight system
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Suitable to be applied over insulation and other substrates
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Suitable to be applied to: block-work, brick, insulation, cement board, render board, concrete, concrete blocks, lightweight blocks, lightweight bricks.
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Suitable to use for internal surfaces as well. This can include: Garages, porches, inside outer buildings.
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Lasts between 15-25 years
Practical aspects for the Silicone/Acrylic Render system.
Prior to the silicone render (thin coat) being applied to the chosen surface, the surface is cleaned down and then dried to ensure that there is no contaminant or undesirable object/s that may oppose the joining of the primer to the surface. A base coat is then applied with a full fibreglass reinforcement mesh.
All rendered areas are beaded.
The base coat is then left to dry for 48hours (weather depending).
Then the final top coat is either sprayed on using a machine or can hand applied with the aim to achieve a layer between 8 to 10mm thick. This is then left to dry again weather depending this can take up to 48hours. The finish product gives a nice modern crisp finish.
Roughcast Render (Tyrolean)
We offer a silicone Roughcast render system. Also known as Tyrolen. This is classed as a traditional render system.
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The key features of this render material are:
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Multilayered breathable render system
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Variety of colours
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Waterproof
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Suitable to weatherproof the following external surfaces: concrete, concrete blocks, lightweight blocks, bricks and stone
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Suitable to use for internal surfaces as well. This can include: Garages, porches, inside outer buildings
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Practical aspects of the Roughcast/Tyrolen Render system.
Prior to the base coat being applied to the chosen surface, the surface is cleaned down and then dried to ensure that there is no contaminant or undesirable object/s that may oppose the joining of the render to the surface. This 1st coat is sprayed at minimum of 16mm thick.
This is then barred off flat and left to dry. The drying can take between 3-16 hours (weather depending).
The second coat also known as the Top coat (which is the roughcast/tyrolen) is then sprayed on using either a Tyrolen machine or an open hopper spray machine. The honeycomb texture is obtained by building up several passes applied in sequential light sprays, wet on wet. Each pass will be sprayed at a 45 degree angle from the right hand side. The minimum thickness of this is 4mm. Once this is completed this should take between 3-16 hours to dry (weather depending).
Lime Render
We offer a Lime Render system.
The key features of this render material are:
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Suitable for old buildings/properties
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Durable render system, can last a lifetime if installed and maintained properly
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Breathable
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As this is a breathable render system this can let any trapped moisture out, unlike some of the other render systems
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Self healing, so any cracks that may appear over time, with naturally heal
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Manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly
Practical aspects of the Lime Render system.
Before the Lime render system can be applied, the surface is cleaned down making sure there is no loose materials or any vegetation. Also ensuring that the walls are structurally sound and overall a good condition. A spray of water is added to the walls this is to prevent rapid suction of water from the render.
The render system is then prepared in a mixer, making sure this is thoroughly mixed through also making sure the sand/aggregate is sharp, well graded and washed.
A hair or synthetic fibre is added to the mix to improve the durability and strength of the render.
The surface is again dampened, then the 1st coat of Render is applied at approximately 8-10mm, this coat is then left to stiffen up, a float is then used to smooth out the whole area. The 2nd coat is then applied, again using the same technique as the 1st. This is then left to dry. It will need to be kept moist for up to a week after the application, if this drys out too quickly.
Drying depends on the weather, warmer conditions as little as 24 hours and then cooler conditions can take several days.
ASHLAR CUTS
This is not a render system but is used with the Traditional or Monocouche render systems. This is more of a technique/finish. Ashlar cuts are dated back from the Georgina era, it offers various sizes of make-believe stone work along with a variety of colours and textures. This periodic look is trending again.
The key features to a ashlar cut are:
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Gives a straight line effect
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Add’s character to the building/property
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Alternative to brick
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Re-creates stonework
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Add texture to a building/property
Using the Traditional render system or the Monocouche render system, you allow the render to dry so it becomes soft, then using a specialised tool you then cut into the render to form Ashlar cuts. You can used an oil roller, pressing in marked battens.