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When building a new home or renovating one, one of the main factors to consider is whether the house will be rendered or keep its natural brick appearance.

Both options are functional and classic architectural designs, and both have their unique pros and cons. It’s important, therefore, not to make any rushed decisions and to do your research before making an informed choice.

Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of bricks and rendered facades.

Brick

Bricks are one of the primary materials used in the construction industry, and for good reason; they have stood the test of time for centuries, holding up countless walls and building strong, stable homes around the world.

Walk down any residential street in most countries, and you’ll be sure to see a large number of brick homes and apartment buildings on every street.

What Are Bricks?

Bricks are rectangular blocks made from concrete, sand, lime or clay and used as building materials for walls, footpaths, gardens, fire pits, fences and other construction projects. They have proven their worth over centuries and remain the most popular building material to this day.

What Are the Different Types of Brick?

Some of the different types of bricks in Australia include the following:

The Clay Brick (Common Brick)

The clay brick is a classic brick option for a reason. Although they’re not aesthetically pleasing, they are strong and versatile, which makes them a popular construction material for home foundations, walls and columns.

Face Brick

Face bricks are made to be visible and exposed to the elements. Their visibility means that they are more aesthetically pleasing than other brick options and also very durable. They are sometimes used on interior feature walls.

Double Course Bricks

Also known as double brick, these bricks are double the height of a standard brick and a bit longer. They require less manufacturing and labouring time than regular bricks and are a cheaper option.

They are commonly used as a feature wall for exterior surfaces.

The Benefits of Brick

The benefits of brick include:

Classic

It is a proven fact that bricks have a timeless appeal. They have endured as the most popular building material for decades, and brick homes will never go out of style.

Versatile

Bricks have come a long way from where they were fifty years ago. Today, they are available in a wide range of colours, sizes, textures and finishes, allowing your home to be customised to your personal style. From classic reddish-coloured bricks to glazed finishes, there’s an option for every home style.

Eco-Friendly

Bricks are made from natural materials. They have a long lifespan and are recyclable, with old bricks regularly being repurposed for use on roads, roofs and paths.

Low Maintenance

Bricks are incredibly low maintenance. Once they are set, you don’t have to repaint or reseal them. They are naturally weatherproof, pest-resistant and humidity-resistant. Bricks can stay untouched for decades.

Fire Resistant

Bricks are fire resistant due to their non-combustible composition, which means that they don’t catch fire and spread it further.

Noise Cancelling

Brick provides superior sound insulation, which is always an added bonus, especially if you live in a neighbourhood with many children and teenagers.

Disadvantages of Brick

The disadvantages of brick include:

More Expensive

Brick is more expensive than render, especially since it is always in high demand. Using bricks requires additional equipment and labour, which can further drive up the prices.

Insulation

While bricks are energy efficient, they don’t offer the same level of insulation as rendered surfaces, meaning that your energy bills might be slightly higher than those of rendered homes.

Spalling

Bricks have a risk of being affected by a condition called spalling, which occurs when moisture enters the bricks, freezes and causes cracks. Spalling can eventually cause the bricks to become damaged and crumble.

Render

Render is another construction material that has stood the test of time. It has been around for thousands of years and is steadily growing in popularity once again. Render is incredibly versatile, coming in many different types, finishes, colours and textures.

What is Render?

Render is a construction material that involves applying cement or other materials to an exterior or interior surface to give it a seamless and elegant appearance. Render is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers protective functions.

What Are the Different Types of Render?

The main types of render include the following:

Cement Render

By far the most common render type due to its affordability, available finishes and its versatility. It is created by mixing cement, water, sand and lime together.

Silicone Render

Made from a mixture of sand, cement, water, and lime with the addition of silicone. Silicone renders are known for being water-resistant and durable, making them especially popular for use on exterior surfaces.

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is made by adding acrylic resins to the render mixture. It is water-resistant and flexible, making it less likely to crack over time.

Lime Render

Lime render is made from a mixture of sand, water, hydrated lime or lime putty. It is commonly used on historic buildings or for restoration projects due to its flexibility and breathability.

The Benefits of Render

Aesthetic Appeal

The most significant benefit of using render is how aesthetically appealing it makes your home look. Rendering a home instantly gives it a facelift and an elegant look. With render, it is easy to make your home go from ‘drab’ to ‘fab’.

Versatility

You can customise the render to suit your design needs. There are different colours, textures and finishes to choose from to make your house stand out from the rest.

Covers Up Imperfections

The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the elements, making it prone to damage. Render can cover up any chips, cracks or stains the exterior of your home may have and instantly revitalise its appearance.

Increases Value

Having a rendered home can increase its market value due to its appearance and protective properties. This is especially beneficial if you are thinking about selling your home in the future.

Improved Insulation

Having a rendered exterior means your home gets an extra layer of insulation, making your home cooler during Summer and warmer during Winter. This improved insulation helps you save money on your energy and heating bills.

Water Resistance

Some render types, especially silicone renders, offer water-resistant properties that stop moisture from entering the walls of your home and prevent mould and mildew growth as well as structural damage.

Cost-Effective

Most render types are cost-effective, especially for your desired result: a new-looking home with protective properties!

Can Be a DIY Job

Although you will undoubtedly get the best result from a professional rendering company, you can apply the render yourself if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. This cuts down on any extra labour and equipment costs.

Disadvantages of Render

Here are the disadvantages of applying render to your home:

Cracks

Over time, your home moves. These natural movements can cause cracks in less flexible render types (cement), which will need to be repaired, costing you extra money and time.

More Prone to Damage

Renders are generally more prone to damage than bricks. Over time, rendered surfaces can become prone to stains, fungi growth, cracks, and holes.

Maintenance

Like it or not, rendered surfaces need regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them in the best condition. You will need to clean it regularly with a stiff brush, water and some gentle detergent, and inspect it for any fungi growth or cracks. In comparison, bricks do just fine without any regular upkeep.

Brick or Render?

So, which option is the right option for you and your home?

That depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Your budget
  • The appearance you want your home to have
  • If you wish to worry about regular maintenance
  • Whether you plan on selling your home one day in the future
  • The age of your home
  • The climate you live in

If you still can’t decide if render is the right design option for your home, Sydney Cement Rendering is more than happy to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and provide 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!