A finish layer such as plasters or renders is applied to the wall at the end of the construction process to create the final surface. Aside from helping protect your walls from the elements, they can also be used to make them aesthetically pleasing creating a smooth continuous surface.
However, many homeowners are confused about the differences between render and plaster. As a result, many people use render and plaster interchangeably, even though they are two quite distinct processes and used for entirely different purposes.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re renovating an older home or building a new one; recognizing the differences between the two can help you choose the right professionals to hire. Using the incorrect procedure can result in higher costs and more time spent on repairs.
How Are Rendering And Plastering Similar?
Plastering and rendering are crucial aspects of the construction or renovation of your home’s wall. Plastering and rendering are similar in that they both involve the process of covering walls with a protective and decorative coating.
Cement render and plaster are both types of mortar coatings that are put to the wall’s surface to create a smoother and more consistent surface. While render and plaster differ, they are both made from the same essential ingredients: a mixture of sand, cement, water, and, in certain instances, lime.
How Are Rendering And Plastering Different?
Plastering and rendering are two distinct construction methods. Plastering is used to cover interior walls, whereas rendering covers exterior walls. There is also a big difference between plastering and rendering because of the materials employed.
Although plasters and renders are made from the same materials, they are made up of a different mixture. Rendering materials should be more durable than those used in other forms of construction because they will be exposed to elements such as wind, sunlight, rain, hail and snow. Renders need to be stronger, so they use courser sand and more cement.
On the other hand, plastering materials should be more refined and smoother since they will be inside the home. Plasters use finer sand to produce a smoother finish for your home’s interior. In addition, modern plasters sometimes use fine powder mixtures.
When To Use Render
Rendering is an essential element of your home and is used to improve the appearance of your outside walls and other exterior surfaces. It’s used to create a visually seamless and smooth surface. Because render is applied over an existing exterior wall it can also hide some imperfections and flaws in workmanship or materials.
Furthermore, it is used to fix cracks and restore your outside walls that have been damaged due to wear and exposure from the elements. In addition, it helps protect your home from harsh temperatures as an added layer of insulation. Other advantages of using rendering include fire and moisture protection for the buildings outside walls.
When To Use Plaster
Unlike rendering which is a process done on the exterior of a building, plastering is conducted on the interior walls and ceilings inside the building.
Plasterboard is the most common wall & ceiling lining used in the modern-day construction industry. Sheets of plasterboard are secured to timber framing and plaster is applied to the joints between sheets of plasterboard. This creates a visually seamless surface with the individual sheets becoming indistinguishable to the surface at large.
Solid plaster, although not as common, is still used in renovations of older buildings, those seeking a higher end finish, or specific circumstances which make it impractical to use flat plasterboard sheeting such as curved walls or ceilings. The process of installation is very similar to rendering. The mixture is applied to the wall surface with a trowel then is expertly distributed and smoothed out to create a seamless wall surface.
Rendering vs Plastering
Though very similar in both the ingredients used in their respective mixtures and in application rendering and plastering are two different processes with different purposes. Rendering is for the exterior of a building whilst plastering is for the interior. Keeping this in mind will help you identify the right tradesperson for your project.
Rendering in Adelaide
Plastering and rendering are critical components of your home’s construction and should only be performed by skilled and licensed specialists. Any mistakes made during the construction process can increase total costs and cause a delayed completion date.
You can contact RenTex for all your rendering and plastering needs across Adelaide. RenTex is an expert in cement render, acrylic render, and texture coats of various types. You can count on receiving high-quality service at a reasonable cost.
