People render a house to repair, protect and refresh the walls in one go. Render gives brick, block or concrete a smooth, uniform finish, hides old damage and adds a layer of weather protection. Done well and painted properly, it can change the look of a building and help it last.
What render is
Render is a cement-based coating applied over masonry walls. It can be smooth or textured, and it’s usually painted or given a coloured finish once cured. It’s common on homes, apartments and commercial buildings across Brisbane.
Reasons to render
- To fix tired walls. Render covers cracked, stained or uneven masonry and gives a clean starting point.
- To update the look. A rendered finish suits modern designs and lets you change the whole character of a building.
- For weather protection. A sound render and paint system adds a layer against rain and sun.
- For consistency. It hides patchwork from repairs and additions.
What to weigh up
Render isn’t right for every wall. Cracks need proper repair before it goes on, and moisture problems have to be solved first or they’ll show up through the finish. Once you render a face-brick wall, it’s very hard to go back. If a home has heritage features, check the rules before covering original brick.
Painting rendered walls
Fresh render needs to cure before it’s painted, and it’s alkaline, so it usually needs an alkali-resistant primer. The topcoat should be a quality exterior acrylic suited to the climate. Existing render that’s chalky or dirty is cleaned first. Our render painting service covers the whole process.
Maintaining rendered walls
Watch for hairline cracks and stains, because both can let water in. Fix them early. If you see white deposits, it’s a sign of moisture, and our article on water damage, mould and efflorescence explains what to do. Regular washing keeps the finish looking fresh.
Larger buildings
Commercial and strata buildings are often rendered, and access for tall walls is part of the job. Our guide to what painting an apartment building entails covers it.
Get it right the first time
Render is a long-term decision, so the prep and product matter. See our exterior house painting service, or request a quote.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 1180874.
