The History of Rendering and How It Shaped Construction Today

Rendering has been around for far longer than people realise: long before it was called ‘cement render’ or before professional rendering companies existed. People of the past built their homes out of stone or raw brick and covered them with materials like lime, clay or cement to protect them and add insulation.

Knowing the history of rendering and acknowledging it further proves why it is the best way to protect your home while making it look good at the same time.

Continue reading to learn about the long history of rendering.

The Earliest Render

Some of the earliest examples of render come from Jordan and Turkey and consist of lime plaster fragments that date back to circa 7500 BCE. The evidence shows that ancient builders used mixed lime, water, and sand to coat walls made from rubble and mudbrick, smoothing them and making them more resistant to the elements.

Around 600 BCE, the ancient Greeks, specifically the Minoans in Crete, appeared to be using lime-based cement too. At some point in time, they discovered that mixing lime with natural volcanic ash (pozzolan) made the coating stronger and more durable. When pozzolan mixes with calcium hydroxide (an inorganic chemical compound, hydrated lime) and water at room temperature, it forms a cement-like material. This rendering method would continue to be used for thousands of years.

The Romans Transform Render

Ancient Roman builders noticed that mortar was often the first part of a building to break down or get damaged, so they experimented with different mortar mixes consisting of lime and volcanic ash from the town of Pozzuoli, or crushed pottery and tile (cocciopesto) mixed with lime and sand.

Their creation resulted in a render that was strong enough to survive daily life and exposure to the elements. By the beginning of the Roman Empire, this mixture had become a standard practice in construction across the empire. These rendered walls can be seen in existing buildings standing today, such as those standing in the preserved Roman town of Pompeii, which has been frozen in time.

The Pompeians used a mixture of lime, sand, gypsum, and marble dust to make walls smooth, imitate marble (First Pompeian Style), and serve as a base for decorative frescoes.

Medieval Europe

The people of the Middle Ages or medieval Europe (500-1500 CE) used a combination of sand, clay, straw and even animal dung, which they applied roughly to woven sticks or strips and onto wattle to create weather-resistant walls.

1824: The Year that Changed Render Forever

For almost 2,000 years after the Romans, render continued to be used in the same way with little to no changes. This all changed in 1824, when Joseph Aspdin, a bricklayer from Leeds in the UK, created and patented Portland cement.

Joseph Aspdin’s creation included burning ground limestone and clay together into a hard mixture and then grinding that mixture into a fine powder. He called it Portland cement as it resembled Portland stone, a limestone that was quarried in Dorset. Although it took time for Portland cement to make its mark, it eventually laid the foundation for the cement render that is used on almost every home in Australia today.

The many benefits of Portland cement include:

• High strength: The cement hardens enough to support extremely heavy structural loads.

• Weather resistance: It can withstand moisture exposure, snow, and heavy rain.

• Versatility: Portland cement can be moulded into various shapes and coloured for architectural projects. It can be used in both skyscrapers and a footpath and everything in between.
• Hydraulic nature: Portland cement is hydraulic, meaning that when it’s mixed with water, it forms a paste that hardens over time. Its hydraulic nature also makes it suitable for environments exposed to water.

Render in Australia

Render arrived in Australia along with the first European settlers. During the Georgian Period (1714-1830), builders frequently used lime on brick to mimic the appearance of real stonework, since ashlar stone (natural stone which is precisely cut) was expensive and hard to source.

As more buildings were erected in Sydney during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), render became a commonly used material on structures. In particular, terrace houses in suburbs like Surry Hills and Paddington combined materials like brick, sandstone, and bluestone with rendered facades, which gave the homes a grand-looking finish resembling stone at a fraction of the cost. These buildings are a big part of Sydney’s heritage.

A Suburban Standard

Throughout the 20th century, render evolved into a standard building material. After World War I and World War II, the growth of suburbs contributed to the rapid spread of cement render being used as a popular finish for brick veneer homes due to its affordability and protective properties. It was cheaper than face brick (bricks specifically manufactured for visual appeal, weather resistance, and durability), easy to repair, and more versatile in colour and texture.

The 20th century transformed render from a luxury building material reserved for city terraces into a common feature of the construction industry in Australia, as seen in most Sydney suburbs.

Modern Renders​

Today, there are different types of render which suit different materials, budgets, and climates.

Why Does the History of Rendering Matter?

The history of rendering proves that people all around the world have been solving the same problem for thousands of years: how to protect a wall and make it look good at the same time. Render’s evolution over time- from lime plaster in ancient Jordan to pozzolana in the Roman Empire, to Joseph Aspdin’s cement in England, to the rendered terraces on old Sydney streets- has all added to the story of render and left its mark.

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we’re proud to play a role in the long history of rendering as Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. From residential jobs to large-scale commercial projects, we provide our customers with the highest-quality rendering services and adapt to every situation and rendering style. To get an accurate quote, give us a call at 0402 704 984 or visit our website  https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about rendering and the services we offer!

FAQs

When Was Rendering First Used in History?

Historical evidence shows that lime plaster was used in Jordan and Turkey as early as 7500 BCE, making it one of the oldest building techniques still used today.​

Who Invented Cement Render as We Know It Today?

​Joseph Aspdin, a bricklayer from Leeds, UK, was the first man to use and patent Portland cement. His method of burning and grinding limestone and clay is still used to make modern cement renders today.​

When Did Portland Cement Come to Australia?

​Portland cement came to Australia during the late 19th century, largely replacing lime render, especially on new buildings.

How Do I Tell if My Sydney Home Has Lime Or Cement Render?

If your home is older than the 1880s, it most likely has a lime render, while it’s more common for homes built after the 1900s to have a cement-based render. If you’re not sure, you can ask a professional rendering company like Sydney Cement Rendering to inspect your property.​

How Long Does Modern Cement Render Last?

If it is applied properly (by a professional) and is maintained well, modern cement render can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, or even longer in some circumstances.

Is Rendering Still Worth Doing On a Modern Sydney Home?

For sure! As rendering has been around for centuries, it has proven to be an effective method for protecting homes from the elements and giving them a clean, elegant appearance.

Can You Render Over Old Lime Render with Modern Cement Render?

You can, but it can be a complex process. Cement render is less flexible than lime, so applying it onto an old lime render can cause cracking or moisture damage. We strongly recommend hiring a professional rendering company to complete this project if you wish to replace your old lime render with cement render.