Rendering in the Rain - ANB Cement Rendering Pty (sydneycementrendering.com)

While most people know that rendering in the rain is not a good idea, some projects come with strict deadlines, and the job has to be done, rain, hail or shine. Weather can also be unpredictable; sometimes the sky may look clear and sunny, but clouds and rain can roll in with little warning.

So, while rendering during rainfall is not ideal, sometimes it is unavoidable. Continue reading to learn more about rendering on rainy days.

The Risks of Rendering in the Rain

Rendering in the rain comes with multiple risks, including:

Structural Damage

If it rains during the rendering process, moisture is more easily absorbed into the walls. Over time, this moisture can cause mould growth, rot and continuous issues with dampness. All these issues will eventually lead to structural damage, which has an impact on your home and the render.

Dampness issues can be particularly detrimental to timber structures, as trapped moisture can lead to rot in timber and wood.

Weakened Bond

Render needs time to bond to the surface it has been applied to. Rain makes this bonding period difficult, as it weakens the strength of adhesive materials and can cause the render to detach over time. This can lead to expensive repairs and re-rendering jobs.

Failed Surface Preparation

A successful rendering job begins with preparing the surface by clearing it of all debris and repairing any cracks or holes. The surface needs to be clean and dry before the render is applied.

Rain not only makes the surface wet, but it can also transport debris, dust, and other contaminants to the surface, which can have a negative impact on the rendering process.

Fungi Growth

Rain and moisture can encourage the growth of mould, mildew, algae, moss and other microbial growth. This growth can cause structural damage and also impact the render.

Efflorescence (Lime Bloom)

Certain materials are prone to efflorescence, also known as lime bloom, which causes a deposit of mineral salts on walls. Efflorescence causes an unsightly discolouration on cement-rendered surfaces, as well as brick and stone surfaces, which is a result of moisture entering the cement render and dissolving soluble salts, which are then carried to the wall’s surface.

When the water evaporates, the minerals are left behind as white stains.
Efflorescence can cause structural damage and also prevent the render from adhering properly to the surface.

Colour and Texture Inconsistency

Rain and moisture can transform the final finish of the render. Render mixtures come in various grain sizes, and altering their consistency can impact their final colour or texture. Rain can stop the render from drying and curing properly.

This failure to dry and cure properly can result in uneven textures and colours, which can cause the render to look unsightly and have a negative impact on its aesthetics.

Winds

Rain is sometimes accompanied by windy conditions. Although the wind can sometimes be advantageous to the rendering process (faster drying and curing times), if the render dries too quickly, it can increase the risk of cracking, which can lead to high repair costs.

Increased Costs and Prolonged Project Timeline

If the render becomes damaged due to rain, it can prolong the project timeline and also increase the project’s cost, as materials need to be sourced and replaced.

Higher Personal Risk

Performing construction or design work in rainy weather can pose a personal hazard, as there is a higher risk of injury and accidents due to slippery conditions.

Rushed Work

If you have already started a rendering project and know that rain is on the way, you will most likely work faster than you should, so you can try to complete the rendering project before the rain falls. Although this may seem like a good idea in the moment, it may have long-term consequences, as a poor-quality rendering job can cause structural damage and lead to the render falling apart.

Preparation and Tips

Check the Forecast

The most straightforward and most common-sense thing to do is to check your local forecast. If there are any signs of wet weather over the next few days, refrain from rendering.

Use Waterproof Tarps or Covers

If it starts raining during a rendering project, try not to panic! If you have waterproof tarps or covers nearby, collect them and do your best to cover the render, protecting it from the rain.

The goal is to protect your surfaces and keep them clean and dry.

Plan Ahead of Time

Are you doing the rendering yourself or hiring a professional? What does the weather forecast tell you? Do you have all the necessary supplies and tools? What will you do if it rains?

Look at all these questions and come up with a plan, in case it does rain and you need to act quickly.

Water-Resistant Materials

Try to use water-resistant materials wherever possible. These materials will lessen the impact of water and moisture damage.

Use Render Accelerator

Render or cement accelerator is a solution that can be added to the render mixture to speed up the curing process of render. It acts as a protective additive that will protect render from rain.

If you want to find out more about rendering in different weather conditions and environments and the impact it can have, 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!