Comprehensive Guide to Exterior Wall Rendering Maintenance

Table of Contents

Keep the exterior render fresh for decades…

Rendering is a job that most people think about a lot when it goes wrong, and not at all when it’s going well. Render maintenance is important to keep up, but it’s often skipped because the benefits aren’t immediately obvious.

The typical problem is that a small crack suddenly develops into a big one. The mistake people make is not attending to it early.

Fact…

Render systems can be good for 20-30 years with basic maintenance. If you neglect it, however, you’ll soon find multiple problems appear.

In this comprehensive guide to exterior wall rendering maintenance, we’ll cover:

Why Render Maintenance Is Important
Signs of Render Damage
Recommended Maintenance Tips
When to Call the Professionals

Why is Render Maintenance Important?

Render isn’t just there for looks. It acts as an extra protective barrier between the exterior walls and the British weather. Wind, rain and frost all wreak havoc on outside walls. Render maintenance is important to prevent these small issues from becoming costly problems in the long term.

Think about it this way. When render fails, the moisture has nowhere to go but into the walls. That leads to damp issues, structural damage and major repair bills.

The great news is that maintenance is pretty straightforward with the right approach.

And another advantage of render maintenance is that it increases property value.

Well-rendered walls add to curb appeal and show potential buyers the home has been well-cared for. A key to this is finding qualified plastering services near me to ensure any repair or maintenance is done correctly. Professional plasterers and renderers services deliver the best long-term results.

Signs of Render Damage

Catch the problems early and you’ll save a fortune in the long term.

The following are warning signs every homeowner should keep an eye out for:

Cracks: Small hairline cracks are to be expected but larger cracks indicate deeper problems
Discolouration: Green or black marks could indicate algae or mould growth
Hollow sounds: Tapping on the render, a hollow sound means it’s separated from the wall
Bulging: Any areas that are pushing outwards should be immediately addressed
Flaking: Chipping off is a clear sign moisture has gotten underneath the render

Something to note. All renders don’t age in the same way. According to industry data, traditional sand and cement render requires maintenance on a five-year cycle. Silicone renders have lower maintenance but still need to be checked regularly.

Best Maintenance Tips

Render maintenance doesn’t need to be difficult or complex. The most effective measures are straightforward.

What works, according to the experts:

Annual Cleaning

Over the years, dirt and algae accumulate. A soft wash once a year will keep the render looking fresh. A soft brush or low-pressure washer is fine. High pressure can damage the surface.

Avoid using harsh chemicals which strip away protective coatings, doing more harm than good.

Repair Cracks

Repair small cracks as soon as you spot them. Otherwise, water penetrates and the crack gets bigger. In the winter, that water freezes and expands, making the situation worse.

Hairline cracks can be filled with a good quality exterior filler. Larger cracks require professional inspection.

Repainting Cycle

Traditional cement render needs repainting every 5-10 years. This keeps the weatherproof barrier intact and the finish looking good.

Pro-tip: Use breathable masonry paint. Non-breathable varieties trap moisture and cause further damage.

Keep Gutters Clear

This is one of the most frequently neglected maintenance jobs.

Blocked gutters overflow down rendered walls. The continuous damp leads to staining, algae growth and eventual render failure. Gutters should be cleaned twice a year at least.

Control Vegetation

Climbing plants against rendered walls look picturesque. But they hold moisture against the walls. Plus, roots can penetrate through small cracks. Keep climbing plants trimmed back and inspect the wall beneath regularly.

When to Call the Professionals?

Certain jobs are not DIY territory.

You should call the professionals when:

Cracks are more than 5mm deep
Large sections of render are loose or bulging
Damp patches appear on internal walls
Previous repair attempts haven’t held
A property requires full re-rendering

Professional plasterers can advise if repairs are sufficient or if sections need complete replacement. They also spot underlying problems that the homeowner is often not aware of.

Something to note. Unless you’re confident in your DIY skills, attempting major render repairs will only make matters worse. The cost of rectifying a botched job always exceeds the expense of hiring professionals.

Render Maintenance – What Type?

Not all renders are created equal. Each type has slightly different maintenance requirements.

Cement render is the cheapest but the most high maintenance. It’s rigid and prone to cracking, especially on older properties that shift slightly with temperature changes.

Silicone render is low maintenance with self-cleaning properties. Rainwater simply washes dirt away naturally. But it still requires periodic inspection for any issues arising.

Lime render is breathable and great for older properties. It requires regular lime wash coatings but can last incredibly long if maintained well.

Acrylic render is more flexible and resists cracking better than cement. Painted acrylic finishes, however, will need regular recoating.

Seasonal Rendering Maintenance Calendar

Timing is everything with render maintenance.

Following a simple calendar makes it all a lot easier.

Spring: Inspection is the best after the winter. Check for any frost damage and clean away any winter dirt and grime. This is the best time to spot issues that may have developed over the colder months.

Summer: Ideal time for any repair work as the render will cure properly in warm and dry conditions.

Autumn: Clear gutters before winter. Repair any cracks before the frost arrives.

Winter: Avoid carrying out repairs in this season. Best to just monitor any new damage that might be developing.

To Conclude…

Rendering maintenance is not glamorous work but it’s important. Exterior walls represent the biggest investment most people will ever make in their lives. Regular cleaning, immediate repair of cracks and knowing when to call in the professionals will keep walls in excellent condition for decades. The most important thing is to spot the problems early before they get out of hand.

Simple, really.

Some final tips: