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 There you have it. That's what happens. If you take a closer look at the photo though, you can see clearly what the issue is with Portland cement. It holds onto water like a sponge; an unbreathable sponge at that. Notice how the concrete render is cracking in a grid. Those cracks are occurring at the joins between bricks which are filled with concrete mortar. The mortar has retained the moisture, which has then seeped into the concrete render, and ultimately destroyed it. This knowledge is crucial if you're thinking of repairing an old stone wall, rendering a traditional building, or maintaining a natural home. As Period Living says, "Sadly, the wrong techniques and materials are all too frequently used for repairs so moisture is sealed in, resulting in damage and decay, often with disastrous consequences to walls and floors." So what should you use instead? Lime plaster and cretes, clay plasters and mud mortars are the way to go. Here's a useful article on the subject. Have you restored an old natural home? Do share your tales and your tips. Do you enjoy The Mud Home?
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11 Comments
3/10/2018 02:26:45 am
I appreciate your article talking about using concrete as a render. I see everything that you're pointing out in that picture. The thing that stands out to me is how its cracking everywhere. I need to get my home re-rendered, so I think I am going to seek out a rendering service to help me.
Atulya
3/10/2018 12:01:23 pm
Yes, the myth that concrete is 'strong' is slowly disintegrating. It cracks because it's rigid. Lime and clay based mortars and renders are not just breathable, but much more flexible too. 4/10/2021 12:39:19 pm
Before you start you need to guarantee that the surface you are delivering is liberated from soil, dust, oil, oil, paint, silicone or friable material. Smooth thick surfaces with low retention rates like concrete or metal window casings ought to be ready with a "run coat" preceding utilization of the render. A scramble coat is basically an extremely amazing blend of concrete and water which is flicked over the divider or metal window outlines making a surface for the render to hold to. Permit the scramble coat to dry for something like 24 hours before you begin to apply the render. 5/10/2023 04:25:56 am
I agree, adding too much Portland to your render will cause package because it cannot give. Specially, on the final coat using Lessi Portland is good 2/2/2024 10:52:31 am
Nice Article...Very interesting to read this article. I have learned some new information. Thanks for sharing. 4/3/2024 08:52:04 am
Thanks for having this article, it helps a lot. It’s a well-written blog and it is very informative. Keep on blogging, looking forward to see more of your posts! 2/5/2024 08:50:47 am
When you use concrete as a render, it provides a durable and robust surface that can withstand weathering and impacts. It offers excellent fire resistance and can be applied to various substrates, enhancing structural integrity. Additionally, concrete renders can be customized with different textures and finishes, making them versatile for architectural and construction purposes. 7/6/2024 12:26:20 pm
Thanks for having this article, it helps a lot. It’s a well-written blog and it is very informative. Keep on blogging, looking forward to see more of your posts! 7/6/2024 01:46:44 pm
This blog is very nice blog and I got more information from this blog. This blog is very great for information. 7/6/2024 01:54:35 pm
Great post indeed, I loved to read it as it provides all the necessary details of what I was searching for. Thanks for great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get these tips from you. Great insights on the challenges of using concrete as a render! Concrete rendering can trap moisture, leading to cracking and decay, especially in traditional buildings. Instead, consider using breathable alternatives like lime plaster and clay mortars, which allow for moisture control. If you’re restoring an old home, ensure proper drainage and ventilation to minimize moisture buildup. Always test materials on a small area first to see how they interact with existing structures. Sharing experiences with others can provide valuable tips for successful restoration projects. What techniques have worked best for you in maintaining the integrity of your walls? Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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