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Although the basic idea and practice of rendering have been around for thousands of years in various cultures, they have evolved over time as new technologies and materials have been developed.

Today, render types can be split into two broad categories: ‘traditional render’ and ‘modern render’.

Continue reading to learn more about modern renders.

What Are Modern Renders?

Put simply, modern (polymer) renders include additives such as silicone, acrylic or polymers (large molecules that contain plastic). These additives provide modern renders with additional protective properties, including breathability, flexibility, and enhanced weather and water resistance.

Although traditional renders (cement, lime, and clay) have stood the test of time, modern renders offer many benefits, and it’s easy to see why they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in contemporary home builds.

What Makes Up Modern Renders?

Modern renders are typically composed of sand, water, cement, and lime, with the addition of polymers, silicone, or acrylic.

  • Polymers: Polymers are large molecules that are made up of long chains of monomers (smaller molecules). If the structure and length of a polymer is changed, it results in different properties/functionalities, including strength, flexibility and durability.
  • Silicone: Silicone (polysiloxane) is a type of polymer composed of siloxane (silicone), which has a rubber-like consistency. The molecule’s chains are made up of oxygen and silicon (crystalline chemical) atoms.
  • Acrylic: Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) is a rigid plastic that is formed by filling methyl methacrylate into a mould, which transforms it into long polymer chains.

What Are the Types of Modern Renders Available?

Silicone Render

Silicone render is one of the most popular types of modern render, primarily due to its durability and long lifespan (silicone render can last up to 25 years), as well as its flexibility, breathability, and water-resistant properties resulting from the addition of silicone to the render mixture.

Although it is one of the more expensive render types, it is worth the extra cost, as you will save money and time on maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is made up of a traditional sand and cement render mixture, which is combined with acrylic. The addition of acrylic makes it stronger, increases its flexibility, and enhances its water resistance properties.

Acrylic render has a much quicker drying time than other render types.

Polymer Render (Mineral Render)

Polymer render (also known as a mineral render or coloured render) is similar to a cement render mixture with added polymers. These added polymers increase the render’s resistance to the elements and add to its flexibility. Polymer renders are more durable than most other render types and can withstand the elements better.

Monocouche Render (Scratch Render)

Monocouche render (scratch render) is a cement-based render with added silicone polymers, which increase its breathability and its resistance to the elements.

Monocouche render is more durable than other types of render, which means it requires only one coat. If it does become damaged, the damage is less visible than on other render types, especially traditional render mixtures. It is more expensive than traditional renders but also has a nicer finish.

What Are the Benefits of Modern Renders?

The benefits of modern renders include:

  • Increased water resistance: Modern renders tend to be more water-resistant than traditional render types, due to the addition of materials in the mixture. This prevents water and moisture from penetrating the building structure, protecting it from cracks, fungi, and mould growth.
  • Better flexibility: The plastics and polymers added to modern render mixtures make the render more flexible. This flexibility allows a building to move along with the natural movement of a building structure, reducing the risk of cracks forming in the render, which can lead to serious structural damage.
  • More durable: Modern renders are much stronger than traditional ones and have longer lifespans. Silicone render in particular can last for 25 years with very little maintenance required.
  • Improved bond: Modern renders also tend to bond better with the surface they are applied to, resulting in a longer-lasting and better-looking render.
  • Easy to apply: Most modern renders are available in a pre-mix form, making them super easy to apply. All you need is the right tools and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Versatile finishes: Many modern render mixtures come in coloured options, meaning you get the colour and render together and don’t have to worry about applying them separately, saving you both money and time. You can also be assured that there will be a colour that is perfect for your home.
  • Low maintenance: Modern renders often have self-cleaning properties, which means you don’t have to worry about cleaning them as frequently as traditional renders.

Disadvantages of Modern Renders

The disadvantages of modern renders include:

  • More expensive: Modern renders tend to be more costly than traditional render types. This price difference is especially noticeable when you have more walls to render.
  • Not eco-friendly: The addition of plastic materials into modern render mixtures makes it less eco-friendly than traditional render mixtures.

If you want to find out more about modern rendering and how it compares to traditional render applications, give Sydney Cement Rendering a call! 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!