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If you have noticed that your render has caused structural damage, it is an issue you need to resolve sooner rather than later to avoid costly repairs and renovation headaches.

Continue reading to learn about the key signs of structural damage and how to prevent and resolve the issues.

What is Structural Damage?

Structural damage means the building or its parts are not performing as they were designed, potentially causing the structure to become weaker or less stable.

This damage can be minor, such as small surface-level cracks (fine breaks in the outer layer), or major, like decay (rotting or breakdown of materials) that could lead to problems with electrical wiring or gas lines.

No matter how minor you think the structural damage is, we recommend getting it fixed as soon as you notice visible signs of any deterioration or damage.

How Can Render Result in Structural Damage?

Your render can cause structural damage due to the following factors:

  • Improper application: Applying render in layers that are too thick can make the finished surface rigid, leading to cracks (breaks in the render). Adding too much water to the render mixture can reduce how well it stands up to rain or weather over time.
  • Using the wrong render type for your climate: Selecting a render unsuited to your specific climate, especially one lacking water resistance, can allow moisture to penetrate the walls, leading to cracks and decay.
  • Extreme weather conditions: Two conditions are not kind to rendered surfaces: wet, rainy weather and dry, hot climates. This extreme weather can cause cracks to form and chunks of render to separate from the rest of the wall.
  • A bad DIY job or a rushed professional job: Getting professionals to complete your render job makes no difference if they rush the work. It can sometimes turn out even worse than a DIY job.
  • Leaking downpipes or gutters: If you have downpipes or gutters that constantly drip or leak after rainfall, it can lead to increased moisture exposure, which can cause decay and water damage.
  • No maintenance: If you don’t regularly maintain your rendered surfaces, small hairline cracks can turn into larger ones, or moisture damage can penetrate deeper into the walls, transforming minor structural damage into more serious issues.
  • Natural movement: All buildings shift slightly over time due to settling or changes in temperature. If the render (the outer protective coating) is not flexible enough, this movement can cause cracks and other structural damage.
  • No primer or sealer: A primer or sealer is a special coating applied before adding textured or colored layers to render. It prevents unwanted chemical reactions and helps the finish last longer. Skipping this step can cause the render surface to deteriorate (break down) more quickly.

The Most Common Signs of Structural Damage

Some of the most common signs of structural damage include:

​Cracks

  • Hairline (small) cracks: Small cracks may not seem like anything to panic about (just yet), but if left untreated, they can become bigger and spread across surfaces.
  • Shrinkage cracks: These cracks are a little more serious than hairline cracks and form during the drying process. If the render dries too quickly through evaporation, you will most likely see shrinkage cracks.
  • Structural cracks: It is hard to miss these cracks as they are quite large. They point to serious structural issues, including substrate failure and moisture ingress.
  • Bulging or loose render: When render (the protective wall coating) bulges or pulls away from the wall (also called blown or drummy render), it means the outer layer is no longer properly attached to the wall’s structure (the substrate).
  • Mould and fungi growth: If you notice algae, mould, moss or lichen growth on walls, it is not just unsightly; it can indicate that moisture has been absorbed into the walls and cause deterioration in the structure of the building.
  • Musty smell: Sometimes, signs of structural damage aren’t always visible on the outside, but are more evident on the inside, such as a musty smell that only gets worse with time. This musty smell is a sign of moisture in the walls, affecting the drywall, insulation, and the building’s foundation.
  • Efflorescence: This is a white powdery or crusty layer that appears on walls after heavy rainfall. It happens when moisture inside the wall dissolves natural salts, which then move to the surface and leave a visible deposit after the water evaporates.

Where Can the Structural Damage Occur?

Signs of structural damage can be found in the following areas:

  • Walls/substrate
  • Beams
  • Floors
  • Foundation
  • Structural joints (windows and doors)
  • Internal walls

How Can I Prevent Structural Damage?

The risks of structural damage can be lowered considerably by doing the following things:

  • Preparation and application: Preparing for the rendering process is key. Clean the walls and make sure all holes or cracks are filled. It’s also very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully when mixing the render. If you apply the render layers too thickly or too thinly, it can adversely affect the final outcome and the quality of the rendering.
  • Climate: Render works best when applied in dry, moderate weather conditions (above 10 degrees Celsius but below 25 degrees Celsius). If it’s raining or expected to rain, or the temperature is too high, it is best to postpone the rendering application for another day.
  • Rushed job: If you or the professionals have applied the render in a rush, without allowing adequate curing and drying time, it can compromise the render’s functional properties.
  • The Type of Render used: Some render types are more resilient and weather-resistant than others, which has a huge impact on how the render holds up against the elements and how long it lasts.
  • Maintenance: Are you regularly cleaning your rendered surfaces and patching minor imperfections, cracks, and holes? Carrying out a small repair or cleaning your render may be annoying, but it saves you time and money in the long run. Think about how much more you will have to spend to repair structural damage!

To learn more about the risks associated with render and structural damage, give us a call! 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!