HOW TO MAINTAIN THE RENDERED FAÇADE OF YOUR PROPERTY
Mineral Render Finishes Maintenance Guidance
INTRODUCTION
Choosing to render the facade of your property offers a low maintenance solution that adds character and kerbside appeal. Rendering offers protection from the elements meaning your brick or block work remains unaffected and preserved.
Render finishes are available in a wide variety of colours and textures so you can always find the perfect solution for your property.
Although render requires the minimum of upkeep there may be a requirement to occasionally clean and maintain the facade.
This guide will provide you with the information you require to ensure your property’s façade maintains a quality appearance for many years to come.
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WHY DOES MY RENDER LOOK DIRTY?
All render is prone to discoloration over time. The time frame in which discolouration occurs is dependent on multiple factors:
́ Location – close to roads, local industry, dense woodland, or other environmental impacts
́ Weather – wind and rain, particularly in high exposure and coastal locations
́ Facades that are sheltered from direct sunlight can remain damp over long periods of time so will be more susceptible to organic growth such as algae, mould, moss and fungi
It is important to note that if your render is not damaged or cracked then dirt or algae growth, etc., is purely a cosmetic issue and will not cause any long-term problems to the integrity of the façade.
WHEN TO CLEAN
Typically, the property façade will need cleaning every two years to maintain its appearance. During this time, pollutants, organic growth and other unsightly material can attach itself to the render, all of which can easily be removed.
HOW TO CLEAN
Render can be cleaned simply with fresh, clean water, ideally through a hosepipe. Pressure washers can be used but they should be set on the lowest possible setting as high pressure could damage the render you are trying to revive. If a pressure washer is used, ensure the machine is set to fan,not jet and spray at a distance no closer than 1.5m away.
You may use a low concentration of a mild, nonabrasive cleaning agent and carefully clean the façade in a controlled manner working downwards from the top of the property.
Sika® MouldBuster can be used to remove algae from affected substrates and is readily available from most builders’ merchants.
Sika® MouldBuster is a powerful, fast acting solution which is effective on most surfaces. It removes algae, mould and green growth without the need for scrubbing or pressure washing – please refer to the product data sheet for more information and guidance on using the product.
TREATING ORGANIC GROWTH AND ALGAE LONG TERM PROTECTION
P arex Paraguard from Sika® is a water-based coating, which provides a weatherproof, lotus leaf effect. This gives a water resistant surface to a range of render, paving, masonry and timber substrates. Paraguard is safe to the environment and to those using it. The product may be applied by brush, lambswool roller or airless spray gun followed by lambswool roller to achieve a non-staining, clear, natural coating which is easily cleaned.
Paraguard is pre-packaged and ready for onsite use. This product is non-sacrificial giving a sealed coating. Once cleaned, it will not need to be re-coated.
Aesthetically, the exterior remains cleaner as dirt merely runs off the surface whenever water hits the facade.
Paraguard finish is specially formulated with exceptional hydrophobic properties. Buildings specified with Paraguard finish are cleaned time and time again with natural rain-water. As water hits the surface, it simply beads off the exterior and takes any dirt, grime or soil in its path with it.
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REPAIRING CRACKS AND REPAIRING YOUR RENDER
Hairline cracks can sometimes appear on your render for several reasons. Generally, hairline cracks are nothing to worry about, are purely cosmetic and can usually be easily repaired. Usually, cracks appear if the substrate is brittle, the brick/block work is still settling or is prone to movement. These are normally classed as small hairline cracks that do not affect the performance of your wall. These hairline cracks can be treated using a good crack repair solution. If you have significant cracks appearing around window frames, door opening or at floor level call your property Housebuilder following your warranty guidance. These should be carefully inspected as they may be caused by movement in the structure.
When fixing anything onto the render, ensure you use the correct drill type. For these applications you should use a rotary percussion drill – these are generally defined with a 3-jaw chuck and are far less destructive to the render finish. A rotary hammer drill is a drill that has a ‘hammer’ action as it drills and may also have a ‘hammer-only’ mode with no rotation.
These drills are generally far more powerful and are designed for drilling lots of holes into concrete and other harder types of masonry. They are far more destructive on render surfaces and could cause the render to spall very easily – these are generally defined with an SDS type chuck.
FIXING BRACKETS, LIGHT
FITTINGS and other wall hanging items
HOW TO SAFELY DRILL INTO RENDER
1. Drill a hole in the desired location to suit the diameter of the sleeve being used, until the drill reaches the original substrate. Ensure you do not use the hammer mode of the drill as this could shatter the render / brick finish
2. Cut the sleeve at least the same length as the insulation and render system and install into the hole.
3. Drill the hole to receive the desired fixing. The depth of hole and the fixing type may vary subject to the type of building substrate.
4. Install the fixing into the substrate and carefully seal around the edge of the fixing with a proprietary sealant and then apply a further layer of sealant behind the item being fixed around the fixing location ensuring the hole is fully protected from water ingress.
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SIKA LIMITED
Watchmead
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire AL7 1BQ
Phone 0808 141 0715
sika.co.uk/buildingfinishing
Sika Limited and Sika Ireland Limited are part of the global Sika Group, specialising in the manufacture and supply of chemical-based products. Sika has a market-leading position in the development and production of solutions for concrete, waterproofing, roofing, flooring, refurbishment, sealing & bonding, and industry, and have manufacturing sites in Welwyn Garden City, Preston, Leeds, Wishaw and Dublin. Sika has subsidiaries in 100 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories.
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