THE MUD HOME
  • Home
  • Building
    • Earthbag
    • Living Roofs
    • Gravel Foundations
    • Off-grid how to >
      • Off-Grid Prep Course
    • Earth Plaster
    • Mud as Mortar
    • Wattle and Daub
    • Lime; Hydrated, Hydraulic, and Putty
    • Mud Building Blog
  • Books
    • Dirt Witch
    • Mud Ball
    • Mud Mountain The Book
    • An Earthbag House in 7 Days?
  • About
    • Contact
  • Learn Mud
    • Courses
    • Mud Building PDF Package
    • Other Projects
  • Earth Whispering
    • Join the Earth Whispering Exploration
    • MUD MOUNTAIN

Considering going off-Grid?

Sign up for the mini course

What Happens When You Use Concrete as a Render?

25/1/2017

4 Comments

 
​
Picture
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?
If you find these articles inspiring or useful please consider joining us on Patreon. Your support pays for the running of this website, my virtual help, and my sustenance. A big thank you to all The Mud Sustainers, and everyone chipping in and keeping these posts and articles coming.
Join us on Patreon
4 Comments
Kate Welling link
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
cement render link
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.

Reply
Concrete Contractor Houston link
25/10/2022 05:22:46 am

When you use concrete as a render, you are essentially creating a protective barrier around your home. This barrier will protect your home from the elements, as well as provide an extra layer of insulation. Concrete is an extremely durable material, so you can rest assured that your home will be well-protected for many years to come.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Many thanks to the Mud Sustainers supporting this site!

    List of Sustainers
    Picture
    Do you find The Mud Home valuable? Please consider supporting the blog on Patreon. For as little as $2 a month (not even a coffee where I'm from), you can join the club.
    BENEFITS FOR PATRONS INCLUDE:
    Email priority, private Facebook group, review copies of my books, sneak previews of courses and books, Q and As, priority for courses and more.

    Author

    Atulya K Bingham
    Natural builder and author of Mud Ball.


    Picture
    "Beautifully written and inspiring." The Owner Builder Magazine

    FREE!

    Picture
    If you want the step by step guide of how I built my house, sign up for the PDF.
    WHY NOT? IT'S FREE!

    Categories

    All
    Adobe
    Building Codes
    Building With Wood
    Cob
    Composting Toilets
    Earthbag
    Earthbag Mistakes
    Earth Plaster
    Foraging
    Hobbit House
    House Renovation
    Insulating Plaster
    Insulation
    Laying Earthbags Faster
    Limecrete Floor
    Lime Plaster Issues
    Natural Floors
    Natural Roof
    Off Grid
    Permaculture
    Roofing Options
    Stone Houses
    Straw Bale
    Sustainable Building
    Using Lime
    Wattle And Daub
    Yurt

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Join the free Mud Home earth plaster mini course.

    Picture
    All the Mud Home How-to posts have been compiled into a PDF package with 75 articles and over 200 photos. You can still buy it now, and enjoy lifetime access to all the updates.
    PDF Contents

    My latest book is now out!
    Picture
    “Entranced! Be inspired by one who’s lived and breathed dirt.”
    Kim Fraser, Get Rugged
Disclaimer: All the content in The Mud Home website is provided for informational purposes only. The author undertakes no responsibility for any person or entity who chooses to use the information on this website. It is not intended to be a standard and should not substitute for the exercise of good engineering judgment by engineers. It is the user’s obligation to make sure that he/she uses the appropriate practices and consults the appropriate experts when building. It is the user's obligation to make sure they are following health and safety guidelines. The author is not responsible for any accidents, injuries or damages to persons or property incurred while using the information presented in this website.

Some blog articles refer to the use of lime. Please note, lime is caustic and can cause burns. Read The Mud Home guide to using lime safely here.

EARTHBAG BUILDING PDF
EARTH PLASTER GUIDE
BOOKS
Newsletter
About Atulya
Privacy Policy

SUPPORT

Picture
Picture
The Mud Home takes many hours a week to run, and costs a lot to sustain. If you find this site useful or inspiring, please consider supporting it so that it can continue.
Picture

Many thanks to all those who've already become Mud Sustainers.

The Mud Home  Copyright © 2013  Atulya Kerry Bingham
  • Home
  • Building
    • Earthbag
    • Living Roofs
    • Gravel Foundations
    • Off-grid how to >
      • Off-Grid Prep Course
    • Earth Plaster
    • Mud as Mortar
    • Wattle and Daub
    • Lime; Hydrated, Hydraulic, and Putty
    • Mud Building Blog
  • Books
    • Dirt Witch
    • Mud Ball
    • Mud Mountain The Book
    • An Earthbag House in 7 Days?
  • About
    • Contact
  • Learn Mud
    • Courses
    • Mud Building PDF Package
    • Other Projects
  • Earth Whispering
    • Join the Earth Whispering Exploration
    • MUD MOUNTAIN