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Render and cladding are both applied to the exterior of a building and add aesthetic appeal and certain protective properties to a structure, but that is where the similarities end.

Render is a wet coating that is added to building exteriors, including cladding, to refresh the facade of a building and to add extra insulation. Cladding is applied to an exterior surface in the form of panelling and is available in different materials.

Some people may even use both render and cladding as a design option, as the two can complement each other quite well, depending on the colours and materials used.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between render and cladding.

What is Render?

Render is a cement mixture (sometimes with other materials added in) that is mainly applied to the exterior of a building (although sometimes it is also used indoors).

Render transforms the look of a building and also adds extra insulation and different protective properties. There are various types of render, including the traditional cement render, acrylic render, silicone render and lime render.

What is Cladding?

Cladding is a form of panelling that is attached to a home’s exterior. Cladding is available in many different materials, including timber, stone, steel, glass, brick, weatherboard and fibre cement cladding.

Cladding provides extra protection to a building and adds aesthetic appeal.

The Benefits of Render

The benefits of render include:

  • Appearance: A fresh coat of render does wonders for a tired and worn-looking building. Add aesthetic appeal and make your home stand out with render. You can choose from many different colours and textures to make your home your own.
  • Protective properties: Render can add an extra layer of insulation, which keeps your home cooler during summer and warmer during winter, saving you money on your electricity and energy bills. 

    Render also adds protection from the extreme Australian weather (heat and heavy rain). Certain types of render are also water-resistant (especially silicone renders).

  • Affordability: Although some render types are more expensive than others, they are a relatively affordable renovation and home design option.
  • Increased curbside appeal: Applying render to your home instantly increases its curbside appeal and its value. The exterior of your home is the first impression people will have of your house, so ensuring your home has aesthetic appeal goes a long way.
  • Different finishes: There are not only various types of render (cement, silicone, acrylic, etc.) but also different colours and textures that you can add to your render mixture so you can truly make the exterior of your home stand out.
  • Easy application: Compared to cladding, applying render is fairly straightforward, and many people attempt to do it themselves. If you have the right tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it can be an easy DIY job, saving you money.

Disadvantages of Render

The disadvantages of rendering include the following:

  • Maintenance: Render can fade due to time and after being exposed to the elements. Dirt and debris can also build up quickly, meaning that you may need to clean your render regularly and even give it a fresh coat of render.Render generally needs more maintenance than cladding.
  • Cracking: Certain types of render are more prone to cracking due to the renders not being flexible enough to accommodate the building’s movement over the years. Cracked render isn’t attractive or practical and will need to be replaced at some point in time.
  • Not suitable for all surfaces/materials: Not all renders are suitable for all surfaces, meaning that you may have a limited choice of what type of render to use. For example, cement render doesn’t work well on timber or painted walls.

The Benefits of Cladding

The benefits of cladding include:

  • Protects the structure of a building: Cladding protects a building from the elements, cracks and moisture, which may cause mould or mildew problems.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Cladding adds an instant ‘wow factor’ to your home. You can add cladding to certain parts of the exterior of your home to make certain features, like a balcony or windows, stand out.
  • Low maintenance: Compared to render, cladding is low maintenance, especially certain types of cladding like metal cladding. You don’t need to do much to keep it in optimal condition and looking good.
  • Extra insulation: Like render, cladding also adds additional insulation to a home, lowering the cost of your energy or electricity bills.
  • Many design options: Cladding is available in many different materials, including wood, timber, stone, brick, metal, vinyl, concrete, tiles, glass, composite and fibre cement. No matter your home design or personal taste, you’ll be sure to find a cladding style that is right for you and your home.

Disadvantages of Cladding

The disadvantages of cladding include:

  • Cost: Cladding is a more expensive design option than rendering due to the type of materials used and the application process, which often requires the help of professional workers who have experience applying cladding to a home. Hiring professionals adds extra cost to the cladding process.
  • Time: Applying cladding to a home’s exterior takes much longer than applying render due to the complexity of the application process.
  • Appearance over time: Although cladding doesn’t require as much maintenance as render, its appearance can change over time, depending on the materials used and the location of your home. Sunlight and moisture can all have an impact on the aesthetic appeal of your cladding and can cause discolouration or fading.

What Are the Differences Between Render and Cladding?

  • Render is the cheaper option compared to cladding.
  • Render is a wet consistency that consists of cement and other materials, while cladding includes dry materials like brick, glass, stone, metal, fibre cement, concrete, vinyl and tiles.
  • Applying cladding is more complex than applying render.
  • Cladding often requires less maintenance than cladding (depending on the materials used).
  • Cladding is a more versatile design option.

To find out whether rendering or cladding is the right option for your home, contact Sydney Cement Rendering! We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and providing our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!