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Cement Renders
A mix of sand, cement and lime applied on top of stone or brickwork is a render. Lime is used in cement renders because it helps to keep the cement more pliable and prevents cracking during application. Bondcrete is sometimes added to the cement mix because it helps the render to adhere better to the wall. Cement renders are generally applied as a thin layer and once it has dried it may be painted. If you like something a bit more adventurous than a plain render then it can be textured. Some people choose cement renders for feature walls inside their homes. People have used cement renders for many years, either to hide surface imperfections on a building or to increase protection against the weather. Professional cement renders are often used to help increase insulation in a building and to add extra soundproofing.
Cement Renders in Europe
In some countries such as France it is quite common for newly built homes to have cement renders and in some areas of France, rendering the exterior of a property is a requirement. Although it is possible to have cement renders painted in many different shades once the render has dried out. in some areas the local councils dictate what colours may or may not be used. Cement renders cam transform the look of a building, especially if there are surface cracks in exterior walls. What type of render you have and the way that it is indiviualised is usually a matter of personal choice. Cement renders can be painted or plain, smooth, rough or textured, Different finishes in cement renders are often achieved by the use of different tools, such as sponges, brushes and trowels.
Professional Cement Renders
If you decide to have cement renders on your exterior walls it is always best to hire a professional renderer if you want the job done properly. If you want your render to be textured or painted then it is usually the case that the render has to have dried out first, which can take up to twenty eight days. If you try painting cement renders before they are properly dried then it is highly likely that the paint will not adhere to the render and simply flake off. A good professional will start the job by ensuring that the surface of the exterior walls is thoroughly cleaned before they apply cement renders.
Preparation
Generally the walls will need hosing down, if there is any old paint or another render then all that has to be removed before the render can be applied. In order to keep the render properly even and flat, the professional may place wooden batons at different points on a wall. Both the batons and the render may be given a coat of Bondcrete to give ensuring that the render adheres more closely to the wall’s surface. If you plan to have your exterior walls covered in cement renders then this is best done at a time of year when you can expect the weather to be generally warm and dry as this helps with the drying time for the render.
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