Sand and Render
Sand is a common ingredient added to the render mixtures of cement, water and lime (often referred to as ‘cement render’ and ‘sand finish render’). Cement renders and sand finish renders are incredibly popular renovation and design options for homes across Australia.
Continue reading to learn more about sand finish render and the role sand plays in render mixtures.
What is Sand Finish Render?
Sand finish render and cement render is a mixture of sand, cement, water and lime. It is a common coating to be applied to the exterior of your home, giving it a fresh new look and adding protective properties to the structure.
Different Sand Textures
The three main sand textures include:
Fine sand texture
The sand texture is smooth and almost polished. Using this sand texture in a render mixture results in a modern and minimalist-looking home.
Medium sand texture
This is the most popular sand texture used in render mixtures. It is the perfect mix between a fine sand texture and a more coarse texture.
Coarse sand texture
The sand texture is rough and coarse. It adds an interesting texture and point of interest to any home.
Different Types of Sand in Render Mixtures
The different types of sand used in render mixtures include:
Plastering sand
It is often used for interior surfaces due to its smoother texture. It is usually washed, and all coarse material is removed before it is applied.
A popular option to use on interior walls, decorative plasterwork or corners.
Sharp sand
A coarse sand that is also known as ‘concrete sand’. It is commonly used on exterior surfaces, as it can withstand the elements.
Building sand
Also known as ‘yellow sand’ or ‘bricklaying sand’. It is used on both exterior and interior surfaces. Made up of medium-sized sand particles and ranging in colour from yellow to a reddish shade.
It is a popular sand to use in render mixtures due to its strength and appearance.
Masonry sand
Usually made up of a medium to fine sand texture, it is used in a wide range of applications, including both interior and exterior rendering projects.
Masonry sand is washed and cleaned before application.
White sand
White sand is a very fine textured sand and is often added to render mixtures due to its white colour. It is mainly used for decorative purposes, where specific colours are needed, including historic restoration projects or intricate designs.
Its main downside is that it is not as strong as other sand types. Double-check before you choose white sand for construction projects.
Choosing the Right Sand Type
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right sand type for your render mixture:
Strength
Consider the strength requirements of the construction project. Some types of sand (coarse sand) are more suitable for some projects than others. Things like building foundations and support beams need stronger sand and building materials.
Texture and finishes
What is the desired finish or texture of the construction project? Different sand types have different textures and grain sizes, which can affect the final finish.
Finer sand is more suitable for decorative purposes, while coarser sand is better suited for heavier construction work.
Availability and cost
The use of specific sand types might be limited due to availability, quality or transportation costs.
Climate
The elements and climate can all have a vital impact on the sand types that are available and suitable to use. In areas with extreme heat, a stronger, more coarse sand texture is recommended, as it can handle higher temperatures and prevent cracking.
A medium-textured sand type is required to prevent moisture and erosion in areas with lots of rain.
To find out more about the different sand types used in render mixtures, contact Sydney Cement Rendering today!
At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts, 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!